Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
Recent research identified a novel protein, “Neo,” crucial in bacterial defense against bacteriophages. Discovered by Stephen Tang and Samuel Sternberg in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neo is part of the DRT-2 system. It involves rolling-circle reverse transcription of non-coding RNA, producing double-stranded cDNA upon phage infection. This cDNA generates mRNAs encoding the Neo protein, which induces bacterial cell dormancy, protecting the population from phage spread.

Notes:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting now mandates a Self-Declaration Certificate (SDC) for all new advertisements. Following a Supreme Court directive, ads on TV, print media, or the internet require a valid SDC. Advertisers must submit SDCs via the Broadcast Seva Portal for TV/radio ads and the Press Council of India’s portal for print/digital ads. The SDC ensures ads are truthful and comply with regulatory guidelines.

Notes:
The World Bank’s “State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2024” report highlights that CP revenues surpassed USD 100 billion in 2023, with 75 global CP instruments covering 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Brazil, India, and Türkiye have made significant strides in CP implementation, while China and India lead in carbon credit issuances. Carbon pricing attaches costs to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through CO2 pricing mechanisms.

Notes:
The UNCTAD report “A World of Debt: A Growing Burden to Global Prosperity” highlights a record global public debt of $97 trillion in 2023. Key findings include the rise of African countries with debt-to-GDP ratios above 60% from 6 to 27 between 2013 and 2023, developing nations’ net interest payments reaching $847 billion, and 3.3 billion people living where interest exceeds education and health spending. Developing countries’ public debt rose to $29 trillion, driven by “cascading crises” and uneven economic performance.

Notes:
Stanford researchers, driven by curiosity and “recreational biology,” discovered how a simple cell exhibits complex behavior without a nervous system. In biology, origami involves folding molecules like DNA into specific shapes, inspired by Japanese paper origami. Applications include synthetic biology for designing new proteins, drug design for targeting protein structures, and nanotechnology for creating nanoscale devices and materials.

Notes:
Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar represented India at the East Asia Summit (EAS SOM) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF SOM) in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on June 7-8, 2024. Key issues discussed included Indo-Pacific peace, maritime security, and regional conflicts. Mazumdar emphasized EAS’s role in promoting stability and highlighted India’s maritime security initiatives. He also held bilateral meetings with counterparts from several countries, discussing regional cooperation and shared perspectives.

Notes:
Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced a Rs 100 crore investment to develop the Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit during the Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebration in Udaipur. Places linked to Maharana Pratap’s life in Mewar, including Udaipur and Chittorgarh, will be developed. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation will enhance connectivity and tourist amenities. Originally part of the Mewar Complex Circuit, this initiative aims to preserve the region’s historical and cultural heritage.

Notes:
Israel Aerospace Industries unveiled the Air LORA, an air-launched variant of the LORA ballistic missile. Designed for striking high-value targets, it features advanced navigation, anti-jamming capabilities, and can operate in extreme conditions. Air LORA boasts a robust warhead, high mission success rate, and can be integrated into various airborne platforms. Its supersonic speed and 90° attack angle enhance its effectiveness against well-protected targets.

Notes:
Mohan Charan Majhi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was sworn in as Odisha’s chief minister on June 12, 2024, by Governor Raghubar Das. He is the first BJP leader and the third tribal to hold this position. Two deputy chief ministers, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, were also sworn in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, J.P. Nadda, and nine BJP state chief ministers attended the ceremony.

Notes:
At least 49 migrants died and 140 others went missing after a boat capsized off Yemen’s coast, the U.N. migration agency reported on June 11. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951 and headquartered in Geneva, aids governments and migrants. With 175 member states, it focuses on migration health, emergency operations, migration development, and counter-trafficking, publishing the World Migration Report and Migration Health Annual Report.