Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
The Ele-fence project, India’s first AI-based smart fence, is being deployed in Wayanad, Kerala, to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, primarily involving elephants. Implemented by White Elephant Technologies and the Kerala Forest Department, it aims to prevent crop loss and casualties caused by elephants encroaching on human habitats. Human-wildlife conflicts escalate as human populations grow and encroach into animal habitats, affecting biodiversity and local economies. The Ele-fence seeks to protect both wildlife and human livelihoods in affected areas.

Notes:
India’s aviation sector has ascended to the world’s third-largest domestic market, advancing from fifth place a decade ago under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The average yearly growth rate in airline seat capacity is a leading 6.9%. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) now dominate with 78.4% market share, led by IndiGo capturing 62%. LCCs’ rapid expansion, with IndiGo growing 13.9% annually, has significantly boosted accessibility and contributed to economic growth.

Notes:
On June 25, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet decided that state ministers must pay their own income tax, reversing a 1972 rule where the state government covered these taxes. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the decision, emphasizing the end of the state’s financial responsibility for ministers’ income tax on salaries and perks.

Notes:
Since February, the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Mizoram has killed over 3,350 pigs. ASF is a highly contagious viral disease with a 100% mortality rate in pigs. Symptoms include fever, weakness, and diarrhea. The virus spreads through direct and indirect contact and survives long in pork products. Endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, it reached India in 2020. There is no cure or vaccine, necessitating animal culling to prevent spread.

Notes:
Exercise HOPEX is a joint military drill between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Egyptian Air Force aimed at enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation. Indian assets like Rafale fighter jets, C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, and IL-78 tankers are participating in this exercise, which takes place in Egypt.

Notes:
China’s Chang’e-6 mission marks a historic milestone as the first to collect and return samples from the Moon’s far side, specifically the South Pole-Aitken Basin. Key achievements include overcoming radio signal blockage with relay satellites, precision landing, and collecting up to 2kg of moon rock and soil. The mission enhances understanding of lunar geology, early solar system history, and Earth-Moon relations, while showcasing China’s growing space capabilities and potential for international collaboration.

Notes:
Om Birla has been re-elected as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, defeating opposition candidate K Suresh in the first test of strength for the new Modi government. This marks Birla’s second term as Speaker, making him the sixth person to hold the position twice.

Notes:
Rampur district, Uttar Pradesh, known as the “City of Knives,” has crafted the renowned Rampuri chaku since the 18th century. These blades, symbols of artisanship and royal patronage, are made from high-quality steel, paired with handles of bone, horn, or ivory, intricately carved into pieces of art. Despite a 1990s ban on longer blades to reduce violence, Rampur artisans adapt legally, preserving their craft’s legacy. This resilience highlights Rampur’s cultural heritage and commitment to craftsmanship.

Notes:
The Ministry of Mines launched the Scheme for Partial Reimbursement of Exploration Expenses to accelerate mineral exploration and reduce costs. The scheme offers 50% reimbursement, up to Rs 20 crore, for exploration expenses. This cap increases to Rs 24 crore if a G2 block is auctioned within three years. Funded by the Rs 5,000 crore NMET, recipients must repay the amount over ten years from production start or within one month of receiving lump sum payments.

Notes:
A new spider species, Steriphopus wangala, was discovered in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills. Named after the Garo community’s Wangala harvest festival, this spider belongs to the Palp-Footed Spider family and has reddish-brown coloring. The Wangala festival, or 100 Drums Festival, marks the end of the agricultural season, featuring rhythmic drumming and dances to thank deities and celebrate the harvest, signifying winter’s onset.