Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
The Global Food Policy Report 2024 by IFPRI reveals that 38% of Indians consume unhealthy foods, while only 28% eat all five recommended food groups. Malnutrition in India rose from 15.4% in 2011 to 16.6% in 2021. Adult overweight prevalence increased from 12.9% in 2006 to 16.4% in 2016. Processed food consumption is growing, with packaged foods’ share in household budgets nearly doubling to 12%.

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IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with DRDO, established a DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA CoE) for interdisciplinary research in next-gen defence technologies. This initiative aligns with DRDO’s strategy of setting up DIA CoEs in key academic institutions to foster technology development through experienced faculty, bright scholars, and DRDO scientists, creating a robust ecosystem for defence innovation.

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Kerala introduces AI learning in Class 7 ICT textbooks, pioneering a move to educate over 4 lakh students about Artificial Intelligence. The initiative aims to enhance technological education, familiarizing students with AI concepts from a young age. This forward-looking step reflects Kerala’s commitment to modernizing its education system and preparing students for future technological advancements.

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World Milk Day, observed annually on June 1, emphasizes dairy’s role in global nutrition. Established in 2001 by the FAO, it celebrates milk as a vital food source and the dairy sector. Milk consumption dates back to the Neolithic age, evolving into a significant part of many cultures and religious traditions. However, modern challenges such as industrialized distribution and consumer preferences impact its consumption, highlighting the need for continued advocacy.

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Indian researchers have recently uncovered a new ant species, Paraparatrechina neela, in Arunachal Pradesh’s remote Siang Valley. Belonging to the rare genus Paraparatrechina, this species is distinguished by its metallic blue color, reflected in its name “neela,” meaning blue in many Indian languages. It marks the first discovery of a new Paraparatrechina species in 121 years, showcasing its unique features like a subtriangular head and distinct coloration.

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In FY24, RBI relocated 100 metric tonnes of gold from the U.K. to Indian vaults in Mumbai and Nagpur. India’s gold reserves surged to 822 metric tonnes, with nearly 50% now stored domestically. RBI’s banknotes are secured by assets like gold, Government Securities, and Foreign Currency Assets, as per the RBI Act, 1934. The recent geopolitical tensions emphasized risks of storing gold abroad, exemplified by Western nations’ freezing of Russian assets.

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New research reveals Tmesipteris oblanceolata, a fork fern species, boasts the largest genome known. A genome encompasses an organism’s complete genetic information. This fern contains 160 billion base pairs, surpassing the human genome by over 50 times. Belonging to an ancient plant group predating dinosaurs, it’s exclusive to New Caledonia and nearby Pacific islands, thriving in rainforest canopies.

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ICAR has commercialized herbicide-tolerant (Ht) basmati rice varieties for weed control. Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) offers efficient and sustainable cultivation, replacing traditional transplanting. ICAR’s non-genetically modified Ht basmati rice allows direct herbicide application. Research suggests hand weeding in DSR enhances yield over herbicides. ICAR advocates eco-friendly weeding for higher seed yield. Herbicides target specific weeds, but resistance may pose risks, akin to challenges seen with Bt-Cotton and pink bollworm resistance.

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Indian athletes concluded their campaign at the 2024 Taiwan Athletics Open with a total of seven medals – three golds, three silvers, and one bronze. Notably, D.P. Manu secured the first gold in javelin throw, and Nayana James clinched another in women’s long jump. Ankesh Chaudhary added a gold in men’s 800 meters. Somnath Chauhan, Nithya Ramraj and Dev Meena bagged silver medals, while V.K. Vismaya earned bronze in the women’s 400 meters. The event, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour, took place in Taipei.

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The Netherlands became India’s third largest export destination in 2023-24, following the U.S. and UAE, despite a 3% dip in India’s overall merchandise shipments. Key exports to the Netherlands included petroleum products ($14.29 billion), electrical goods, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Consequently, India’s trade surplus with the Netherlands rose to $17.4 billion, up from $13 billion in 2022-23, according to the Commerce Ministry data .