Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
Researchers at the University of Houston discovered a significant seasonal energy imbalance on Saturn using data from the Cassini probe. This finding challenges existing models of gas giants’ climate and planetary evolution. Saturn’s large orbital eccentricity, varying nearly 20%, causes substantial seasonal variations in solar energy absorption, unlike Earth. This discovery by Xinyue Wang highlights the influence of internal heat on Saturn’s climate and reshapes understanding of planetary and atmospheric sciences in our solar system.

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The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) was awarded the 2024 Blue Planet Prize for its role as the global authority on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and nature’s contributions to people. Established in 1992, this prestigious award by Japan’s Asahi Glass Foundation recognizes scientific contributions towards solving global environmental challenges. IPBES shares the honor with Robert Costanza from University College London for his work in ecological economics, each receiving USD 500,000 for their achievements.

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The Union Home Minister inaugurated the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at Indira Gandhi International Airport. This initiative by the Central Government aims to expedite immigration clearance for pre-verified travellers, reducing airport congestion. Collaborating with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Bureau of Immigration, it mirrors the US Global Entry Program. Implemented in multiple Indian cities, it includes e-gates for seamless clearance in two phases, starting with Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.

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Indian wrestlers secured 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze) at the Under-17 Asian Wrestling Championship 2024 in Amman, Jordan, held from June 22-24. They competed in men’s and women’s freestyle and men’s Greco-Roman categories across 10 weight divisions per format. The event precedes the ongoing U-23 championship. The 2023 championship took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

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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.

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Manav Rachna University (MRU) partnered with ISRO and NARL to install Delhi NCR’s first Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. This initiative aims to enhance research in atmospheric and space sciences, offering engineering and science students practical experience with satellite navigation technology. This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing educational and research opportunities in these fields at MRU.

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Mark Rutte, Netherlands Prime Minister, has been appointed as the next Secretary General of NATO. Approved by NATO’s 32 member countries on June 26 in Brussels, he will succeed Jens Stoltenberg on October 1, 2024. Rutte’s nomination came after overcoming opposition from Hungary and Turkey, and the withdrawal of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. He became the sole candidate and was elected to lead the Western military alliance after serving as Dutch Prime Minister since 2010.

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UNODC released its Annual World Drug Report (2024) on World Drug Day, June 26th, aiming to combat drug abuse and trafficking globally. The report highlights a rise in illicit drug use, with 292 million users worldwide by 2022. Cannabis remains the most abused drug, followed by opioids and others. Regions like the Triple Frontier and Golden Triangle face significant criminal activity. Legalization efforts in Canada, Uruguay, and parts of the US are noted, alongside environmental impacts of drug-related activities.

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India participated in the CLGF Annual Board meeting in Sri Lanka, focusing on “Reinforcing Social Resilience through Women’s Political Representation.” CLGF, headquartered in London since 1995, unites local governments and ministries across 56 Commonwealth nations, including India. It advocates for gender equality in local governance to support women’s active participation in public life, aligning with SDG 5 goals.

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South Korea, the US, and Japan launched their inaugural trilateral multi-domain exercise, Freedom Edge, on South Korea’s Jeju Island. The three-day exercise aims to enhance security cooperation amid North Korea’s strengthened ties with Russia. Activities include ballistic missile defense, air defense, antisubmarine warfare, search and rescue, maritime interdiction, and defensive cyber training. This follows a recent summit where North Korea and Russia signed a strategic partnership treaty, including military support clauses.