Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted India a significant loan of USD 170 million (approximately Rs 1,418 crore) to enhance its healthcare system’s readiness and response capabilities for future pandemics. Aligned with India’s National Health Policy 2017, the policy-based loan aims to improve governance and policy frameworks essential for achieving universal healthcare coverage. Key initiatives include strengthening disease surveillance networks nationwide through interconnected laboratories, enabling quicker responses to infectious disease threats across cities, states, and union territories.

Notes:
Six Asiatic lions recently migrated from Gir Forest to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS). These endangered lions, slightly smaller than African lions, are protected under IUCN’s Endangered status, CITES Appendix I, and India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. They exhibit moderate mane growth and lack a specific breeding season. The Gir forest and other protected areas in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region are their exclusive habitats.

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:
Srinagar, the largest city in Jammu and Kashmir, has been designated as a “World Craft City” by the World Crafts Council. This recognition, shared by the Office of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, highlights the city’s skilled and dedicated artisans. The award honors and aims to protect Srinagar’s unique traditional crafts, showcasing their global admiration and cultural richness.

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:
India secured a total of 29 medals at the 2024 BRICS Games in Kazan, Russia, comprising 3 gold, 6 silver, and 20 bronze medals. The Indian team excelled across diverse sports disciplines, demonstrating noteworthy accomplishments in this international multi-sport event, highlighting their successful performance.

Notes:
The first IDF Regional Dairy Conference Asia Pacific-2024 held at Kochi from June 26-28, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty. The conference themed “Farmer Centric Innovations in Dairying” is organized by the Indian National Committee of the International Dairy Federation. Key figures include the Secretary of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and the National Dairy Development Board. Leaders and experts will address global dairy sector issues. The event features 22 exhibition pavilions and 17 startups showcasing dairy farms, processing equipment, and related technologies.

Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has proposed to acquire 10 TAPAS drones, officially known as Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance Beyond Horizon-201, or Tapas BH-201. Developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment, these medium-altitude, long-endurance drones, previously called Rustom-II, fulfill the tri-services’ Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Tracking & Reconnaissance (ISTAR) needs. Capable of operating day and night at 30,000 feet with a 24-hour endurance, they feature a 250 km range, carry up to 350 kg payloads, and include advanced surveillance and radar technologies.

Notes:
Researchers from IISc’s Department of Bioengineering have developed a 3D hydrogel culture system that mimics the mammalian lung environment. This innovation allows precise tracking and study of tuberculosis bacteria infection in lung cells. The system serves as a robust platform for testing the effectiveness of TB therapeutics.