Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
For the first time, 11 candidates from the 2024 Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections requested verification of the “burnt memory” of EVMs and VVPATs. This option, provided by the Supreme Court in April, requires candidates to cover verification costs, refundable if tampering is found. “Burnt memory” refers to the permanent storage in these devices, containing votes, machine configuration, and printed vote records for integrity verification.

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:
According to a UNCTAD report, foreign direct investment (FDI) to India dropped by 43% in 2023, falling from 49 billion in 2022 to 28 billion. Globally, FDI declined by 2%. India, China, France, Australia, and the USA saw reduced FDI inflows. India’s global FDI recipient rank fell from 8th to 15th in 2023 but remained in the top five for attracting greenfield projects and international project finance deals.

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:
The 64th International Sugar Organisation Council meeting began on June 25, 2024, in New Delhi, hosted by India, the current chairman. Delegates from over 30 countries will discuss sugar industry and biofuel issues until June 27. India, elected chairman at last year’s meeting in London, is the second-largest sugar producer and the largest consumer globally, contributing 20% to global production and 15% to consumption.

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:
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:
After 164 years, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India opened its first museum at Chadwick House in Shimla. Inaugurated by CAG GC Murmu, the museum highlights India’s federal audit heritage. Chadwick House, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during the 1946 Cabinet Mission, also housed the first training school for Indian Audit and Accounts Service probationers in 1950. Exhibits include Chanakya writing the Arthashastra.

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy in New Delhi. Developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur, this technology obscures radar signals and creates a microwave shield to reduce radar detection. The chaff rocket uses special fibers with unique microwave obscuration properties, assembled to enhance radar evasion capabilities.

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.