Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 4, 2024

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Dick Schoof on becoming the new Prime Minister of the Netherlands and expressed eagerness to strengthen India-Netherlands relations. Schoof, 67, a former head of the Dutch Secret Service, was sworn in by King Willem-Alexander. He succeeds Mark Rutte, who will become NATO’s next secretary-general. The new government formation followed seven months of negotiations after far-right leader Geert Wilders’ electoral victory.

Notes:
The 16th India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant started at Umroi, Meghalaya, running from July 3 to 16, 2024. It involves 45 Indian personnel and Mongolian Army’s 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion. The annual event, alternating between the countries, focuses on counter-insurgency in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. Key attendees include Mongolian Ambassador Dambajavyn Ganbold and Major General Prasanna Joshi. The exercise enhances interoperability and defense cooperation.

Notes:
Astronomers discovered a new radio galaxy using the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR), a pan-European distributed radio interferometer developed by the Dutch Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON). LOFAR observes the Universe at low radio frequencies (90-200 MHz) and can simultaneously observe multiple directions. It aims to explore the early universe, solar activity, and the terrestrial atmosphere. LOFAR’s innovative design includes advanced digital beam-forming for agile, multi-user operations.

Notes:
Environmental organizations recently urged the Forest department to maintain transparency in a project to extract Senna spectabilis from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Senna spectabilis, a legume family tree native to South and Central America, is invasive in India. Known for its bright yellow flowers and resilience, it was introduced for shade and fuelwood but now threatens native species due to its dense foliage. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
A recent study potentially documents the first case of Down syndrome in Neanderthals. Down syndrome occurs when a person has an extra chromosome or a part of a chromosome, specifically an extra copy of chromosome 21, called trisomy 21. This genetic condition impacts mental and physical development, causing various challenges. Although individuals with Down syndrome share similarities, their abilities vary. The condition typically arises randomly during early fetal development and is not inherited.