Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh has launched a campaign to eliminate malaria by 2027, intensifying efforts under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme. With 771 cases reported this year, the initiative focuses on thorough case investigation, treatment, and community education. Enhanced vector control measures and mosquito prevention activities are underway, crucial ahead of the monsoon. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, threatens health, with P. falciparum and P. vivax posing the highest risks among the five parasite species.

Notes:
The Indian Army inaugurated a state-of-the-art skin bank at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) on June 18. This facility, a first within Armed Forces Medical Services, focuses on treating severe burn injuries for armed forces personnel and families. It addresses injuries from fire accidents, electrical incidents, and high-altitude kerosene warmers. The skin bank centralizes collection, processing, storage, and distribution of skin grafts, enhancing medical capabilities nationwide for military hospitals.

Notes:
According to the World Bank’s Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report, gas flaring reached 148 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2023, the highest since 2019. Gas flaring, the burning of natural gas during oil extraction, persists due to market constraints, regulatory issues, and political factors. Although flaring safely disposes of gas, it wastes a valuable resource that could be used for power generation or conservation.

Notes:
At the Archery World Cup 2024 Stage 3 in Antalya, Türkiye, 22-year-old Dhiraj Bommadevara won two bronze medals in the recurve events. India secured four medals overall: one gold, one silver, and two bronze. The Indian women’s compound team, consisting of Aditi Swami, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, and Parneet Kaur, achieved a hat-trick of gold medals, marking their third consecutive win this season.

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:
Sreeja Akula of Hyderabad made history as the first Indian table tennis player to clinch a WTT Contender singles title and also secured the doubles title at WTT Contender Lagos 2024. The event, held in Lagos, Nigeria, from June 19 to 23, offered a prize of USD 80,000. Sreeja defeated China’s Yijie Ding 4-1 in the singles final, showcasing her prowess ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics where she has already qualified.

Notes:
Russia has approved a draft logistics agreement with India, advancing military cooperation under the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS). This agreement aims to streamline logistics support for joint military operations, providing facilities for troops, warships, and aircraft during peacetime and wartime missions. It enhances India’s maritime influence, supports Arctic research collaboration, and helps balance logistics agreements with Quad countries, countering regional influences from the US and China.

Notes:
Ladakh is the first administrative unit to achieve full functional literacy under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. Announced by Lieutenant Governor Dr. BD Mishra, this milestone surpasses 97% literacy. The program, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, empowers adults with literacy, numeracy, and life skills through volunteerism. Over 77 lakh people nationwide have benefited, with 1.29 crore learners and 35 lakh volunteer teachers engaged via the ULLAS Mobile App.

Notes:
Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy has been awarded the 2024 PEN Pinter Literary Prize for her courageous writing. This honor comes shortly after the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi sanctioned her prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The award ceremony will be held in October in London. Previous winners include Salman Rushdie and Margaret Atwood. The PEN Pinter Award, established in 2009, recognizes exceptional English-language writers from the UK, Ireland, or the Commonwealth.

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.