Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
World Hydrography Day, observed on June 21, is led by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) since 1921. The IHO coordinates global efforts to survey and chart seas, oceans, and navigable waters. With 100 member states, it promotes uniformity in nautical charts and best practices. India, a member since 1955, operates the Indian Naval Hydrographic Department in Kolkata, central to hydrographic surveys with a modern fleet. The 2024 theme focuses on enhancing marine safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

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The Union Minister of Agriculture urged state governments to encourage farmers to register on the e-Samridhi portal for assured pulse procurement at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). Launched by NAFED and NCCF, the portal allows direct registration or through PACS and FPO. Payments are made directly to farmers’ bank accounts by NAFED. NAFED, an apex marketing cooperative founded in 1958, promotes agricultural trade and is headquartered in New Delhi.

Notes:
A Pakistani delegation recently arrived in Jammu to discuss the 1960 Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with India. Signed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Ayub Khan, and brokered by the World Bank, the treaty regulates the distribution of the Indus River system’s waters. India received waters from the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, while Pakistan received waters from the Chenab, Indus, and Jhelum rivers. The Permanent Indus Commission oversees the treaty’s implementation.

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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:
In Madhya Pradesh, the Prime Minister College of Excellence will be inaugurated in all 55 districts on July 1. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced a new drone policy and emphasized enhancing teaching for aviation, agriculture, and AI job opportunities. Each college will also establish a Centre of Traditional Indian Knowledge. To promote environmental awareness, educational gardens will be developed in all government, non-government, and aided colleges.

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Recently, the 350th contract under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) was signed with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for a miniaturized satellite. iDEX, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, promotes self-reliance and innovation in Defence and Aerospace by engaging MSMEs, start-ups, and R&D institutes. Managed by the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), it supports innovators through financial aid and technical guidance. iDEX has launched 11 Defence India Start-up Challenges and the ADITI scheme.

Notes:
The United States has designated Kenya as a major non-NATO ally (MNNA), offering benefits in defense trade and security cooperation. President Biden pledged this status during Kenyan President William Ruto’s recent US visit. The MNNA designation, a symbol of close US relations, provides military and economic privileges without security commitments. This status enhances Kenya’s defense and security partnership with the US.

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:
India, the largest remittance recipient globally, is expected to receive $124 billion in inward remittances in 2024 and $129 billion in 2025. In 2023, India received $120 billion, marking a 7.5% growth rate, projected to be 3.7% in 2024. The World Bank’s June 2024 Migration and Development Brief highlights these trends, noting India as the leading emigrant origin country with 18.7 million emigrants.

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently completed six successful trials of the High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘ABHYAS’ in Chandipur, Odisha. Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Larsen & Toubro, ABHYAS provides realistic threat scenarios for weapon systems practice. It features autonomous flying, a laptop-based Ground Control System, and data recording capabilities for post-flight analysis.