Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
Independent advisers to the US FDA unanimously determined that the benefits of the new Alzheimer’s drug, Donanemab, outweigh its risks. Similar to Lecanemab, Donanemab targets amyloid beta plaques, showing a 35.1% cognitive decline reduction in early-stage patients over 76 weeks. While it doesn’t cure Alzheimer’s, it slows progression. FDA concerns initially delayed approval due to side effects like brain swelling. India faces a growing Alzheimer’s challenge with inadequate national planning.

Notes:
SpaceX’s Starship completed its first successful test flight, featuring a gentle splashdown of both booster and spacecraft. Starship, a fully reusable spacecraft, is designed for missions including Mars colonization and lunar landings. Comprising the Super Heavy booster and Starship spacecraft, it boasts a capacity for 100 passengers or large cargo payloads. Fueled by Raptor engines, it utilizes liquid methane and oxygen. With objectives ranging from Mars missions to lunar landings, Starship aims to revolutionize space travel.

Notes:
June 13 is observed as International Fatty Liver Day with the theme ‘Act Now, Screen Today’. Fatty liver disease, or steatosis, involves the accumulation of excessive fat in liver cells, which can lead to inflammation and serious complications if untreated. It can be caused by alcohol abuse (alcoholic steatohepatitis) or other factors (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH). Awareness and early screening are crucial to prevent liver damage and manage this common global health issue.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the “Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom” plan to promote sustainable farming in state with a ₹206 crore budget. A key focus is improving soil health using green manure methods. A ₹20 crore start-up fund will support the distribution of green manure seeds across 200,000 acres from 2024–25, benefiting over 200,000 farmers directly.

Notes:
The United Nations reported a record 120 million people were forcibly displaced globally from early 2023 to May 2024, as per the UNHCR’s Global Trends report. By the end of 2023, 117.3 million individuals had fled due to persecution, conflict, and violence. Conflict continues to be a major factor in displacement, affecting countries like Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Palestine, Congo, Somalia, Haiti, Syria, and Armenia.

Notes:
The United Nations declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids (IYC) to raise awareness about the crucial role these animals play in the lives of millions of people, particularly in harsh environments. The IYC aims to highlight the untapped potential of camelids and encourage increased investment in the camelid sector.

Notes:
The World Health Organization has designated the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), Hyderabad, as a WHO Collaborating Centre for “Fundamental and Literary Research in Traditional Medicine” from June 3, 2024, for four years. Established in 1956, NIIMH documents medico-historical research in various traditional Indian healthcare systems. This recognition reflects the institute’s dedication under Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya’s leadership.

Notes:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export of MD 2 pineapples, also known as “Golden Ripe” or “Super Sweet,” to the UAE. The shipment included 8.7 metric tons (650 boxes) of pineapples. Developed by Del Monte in the 1980s, MD 2 pineapples are primarily grown in Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Thailand, with Indian production in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district.

Notes:
Punjab Police, in collaboration with the BSF and VDCs, conducted a one-week anti-drug campaign, “Mission Nishchay,” in Fazilka district from June 15 to 21. They will engage residents of 42 villages along the India-Pakistan border to gather intelligence on drug demand and supply. The initiative aims to foster community participation, with a special focus on youth and women, in curbing the drug menace.

Notes:
The Indian Air Force will host its first multinational exercise, Tarang Shakti 2024, in August 2024. Around 10 countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the UAE, the UK, and the US, are expected to participate, with others as observers. Initially scheduled for late 2023, the exercise was deferred. The event will enhance interoperability with friendly neighboring air forces.