In Monthly Current Affairs for June 2024, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Monthly Current Affairs June 2024
NASA’s Magellan Mission
- Direct geological evidence of recent volcanic activity on Venus has been confirmed for the second time, thanks to archival data from NASA’s Magellan mission.
- Scientists in Italy have detected surface changes indicating new rock formations from lava flows linked to volcanic eruptions that occurred while the spacecraft was in orbit.
- From 1990 to 1992, NASA’s Magellan mission, managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California, mapped 98% of Venus’s surface. The mission provided the most detailed images of Venus to date, using synthetic aperture radar to penetrate the planet’s thick cloud cover.
- Led by Davide Sulcanese of d’Annunzio University in Pescara, Italy, the study analyzed Magellan’s radar data to uncover new lava flows in two locations: Sif Mons in Eistla Regio and the western part of Niobe Planitia.
- These findings suggest Venus is more volcanically active than previously thought, with volcanic activity comparable to that on Earth. This study builds on a 2023 discovery that provided the first direct evidence of a recent volcanic eruption on Venus.
- Changes in a vent associated with the volcano Maat Mons were identified, showing molten rock filling the vent’s crater and spilling down its slopes.
- They ruled out other explanations, such as micro-dunes or atmospheric effects, to confirm the presence of new lava flows.
- The Sif Mons eruption produced about 12 square miles (30 square kilometers) of new rock, while the Niobe Planitia eruption yielded about 17 square miles (45 square kilometers).
- These formations are comparable in volume to lava flows from recent eruptions on Earth, such as the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption in Hawaii.
- These findings highlight the significance of upcoming missions like NASA’s VERITAS (Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy). Slated for launch early next decade, VERITAS will use advanced synthetic aperture radar to create 3D maps and track volcanic activity, offering higher resolution and more comprehensive data than Magellan.
UPI Transactions Set New Record
- Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transactions clocked a new high in value in May by processing 14.04 billion transactions worth 20.45 trillion rupees.
- This was a six per cent increase compared to 13.30 billion in April in terms of volume and 4 per cent in value terms against 19.64 trillion rupees in April. Data shared by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) said that the May figures were 49 per cent up in volume and 39 per cent up in value compared to the same month in 2023.
- May numbers were the highest in terms of value and volume since UPI turned operational in April 2016. Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) transaction amount was marginally up by 1.45 per cent in volume to 558 million in May, as against 550 million in April.
- In value terms it was up by 2.36 per cent to 6.06 trillion rupees in May, up from 5.92 trillion rupees in April. The May numbers saw a 12 per cent rise in volume and 15 per cent rise in value versus the same month last year.
Nelson Mandela Award
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru has been awarded the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- The institute is an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated the institute, highlighting that it is a recognition of India’s efforts in inclusive healthcare.
- Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra also congratulated the institute and expressed happiness at the recognition of India’s efforts and pioneering work in the field of mental health.
- The Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion, established by WHO in 2019, recognizes individuals, institutions, governmental or non-governmental organizations that have demonstrated remarkable contributions to health promotion.
Mangroves Labeled Critically Endangered
- Coastal mangroves in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives were recently rated as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN).
- According to the IUCN’s first global assessment of mangrove ecosystems, this scary classification shows that these places have a lot of problems that need to be fixed for conservation reasons.
- The IUCN study, which came out on May 22, looks at mangroves from 36 different places around the world, including tropical, subtropical, and some warm temperate coasts.
- In particular, parts of South India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the warm, temperate northwest Atlantic have been named as severely endangered. Some places in South India were looked at, like Muthupet in Thiruvarur district, Ramanathapuram, and parts of southern Kerala.
- Mangroves are very important for protecting biodiversity, giving local people important goods and services, and reducing the effects of climate change. Protecting the coast, fishing, and keeping the water clean depend on these habitats. Losing mangrove areas is bad for both the environment and the people who live in places that depend on them.
- The situation in Tamil Nadu looks better, even though the forecast is not good. For example, in Tamil Nadu, the area of mangroves has grown from 23 square kilometres in 2001 to 45 square kilometres in 2021, according to the Indian State of Forest Report.
- Forming 20 village mangrove groups was an initiative by the state to get local people involved in conservation efforts and encourage ownership and long-term use of mangrove resources.
- Scientists use the groups to make sure that mangrove areas get enough freshwater and that scientific management is carried out properly. After the Gaja Cyclone caused damage, a lot of work is being done to fix things up.
- The Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission, which is backed by the World Bank, has restored about 25 square kilometres of mangroves in several districts. They have plans to restore another 15 square kilometres as well.
- The goal of these projects is to bring life back to the mangrove environments and make them better able to support wildlife and people in the area. This organized approach to conservation shows that people are becoming more aware of how important it is for communities to be involved and for science management to protect important ecosystems like mangroves as environmental problems get worse.
Rashtriya E-Pustakalaya
- Department of School Education signed an MoU with the National Book Trust in New Delhi to create an institutional framework for the Digital Library Platform, Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya.
- Speaking on the occasion, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education K. Sanjay Murthy said that the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya will be available round-the-clock, irrespective of the geographic location of the readers, making books more accessible to them. He also added that the problem of last mile presence of a library for many states will be solved with Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya. He hoped that in the coming 2-3 years, there will be over 10 thousand books in more than 100 languages.
Helen Mary Roberts
- Dr. Helen Mary Roberts, a Christian lady, became the first woman to be promoted to the rank of one-star officer in Pakistan’s 77-year military history.
- Her ascension coincides with increased attention being paid to atrocities against minorities in the nation with a majority of Muslims, particularly against Christians.
- A Muslim mob in Punjab’s Sargodha district attacked a Christian factory owner, vandalized his home, and set fire to many properties on the pretext of blasphemy, prompting incensed Christian citizens to take to the streets earlier.
- Robert’s ascent to an elite rank in the Army has been viewed by the Christian community as a ray of hope amidst these tensions. Dr. Helen Mar Roberts is a senior pathologist in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps, Brig. She has been serving in the Army for 26 years.
- The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media and public relations wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, was quoted as saying that the brigadier was “another living example of merit and national representation” in the Army.
- The ISPR statement further said Dr. Roberts considers it an honour to serve her country and nation while emphasising that decisions within the Pakistan Army are made without regard to religious, linguistic, or gender discrimination.
- Before Brigadier Robert’s promotion, Major-General Nigar Johar broke gender barriers in the male-dominated Pakistani Army by becoming the first female officer to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in 2020. The officer was also appointed as the first female surgeon general of the Army.
Zupee Collaborates With Gurugram Cyber Police
- Zupee, India’s largest skill-based Ludo platform, has partnered with Gurugram Cyber Police for the 11th edition of the Cyber Security Summer Internship Program, titled ‘Cyber Warriors’.
- The month-long internship aims to train selected candidates in cyber security under the guidance of experts, fostering responsible digital citizenship and tackling real-world cyber threats.
- Zupee joins forces with Gurugram Cyber Police to lead the Cyber Warriors Program, emphasizing the importance of cyber safety in an increasingly digital world. 15,000 applications were received, with 1,100 interns selected, including working professionals and college students, to undergo immersive cyber security training.
- Commissioner of Police, Gurugram, Vikas Kumar Arora, alongside other dignitaries, inaugurated the event, underlining the commitment to enhancing cyber crime detection and prevention.
Gender Sensitisation Committee
- Supreme Court of India has reconstituted its Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee, in accordance with the Gender Sensitisation and Sexual Harassment regulations of 2013.
- The reconstitution, initiated by the Chief Justice of India, appoints Justice Hima Kohli as the Chairperson, alongside Justice BV Nagarathna as a Member and Dr. Sukhda Pritam as the Member Secretary.
- The committee includes representatives from various legal bodies such as the Supreme Court Bar Association, Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record Association, and Supreme Court Bar Clerks’ Association.
- Additionally, members nominated by the Chief Justice of India include legal practitioners and academic professionals like Shruti Pandey, Jaideep Gupta, Dr. Leni Chaudhuri, and Dr. Menaka Guruswamy.
- Justice Hima Kohli, who has previously served as the head of the committee, continues in her role as the Chairperson, ensuring continuity in the leadership of the Supreme Court Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee.
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign to commemorate the World Environment Day.
- He planted a Peepal tree sapling at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. On World Environment Day, P.M started a campaign ‘EK PED MAA KE NAAM’ and called upon everyone, in India and around the world, to plant a tree in the coming days as a tribute to our mother.
- P.M planted a tree in line with our commitment to protecting Mother Nature and making sustainable lifestyle choices.
- It would make we all very happy that in the last decade, India has undertaken numerous collective efforts which have led to increased forest cover across the nation. This is great for our quest towards sustainable development. It is also commendable how local communities have risen to the occasion and taken a lead in this.
King Charles III currency notes
- Bank of England is replacing old banknotes featuring Queen Elizabeth with new ones featuring King Charles III.
- The portrait of the 75-year-old British monarch will appear on existing designs of all four banknotes-GBP 5, 10, 20 and 50- with no other changes to the existing designs. Polymer banknotes that feature the portrait of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, will remain legal tender and co-circulate alongside the new King Charles III notes.
Zero Debris Charter
- 12 countries signed the Zero Debris Charter, a landmark initiative led by the European Space Agency (ESA) to address the pressing issue of space debris. Unveiled in 2023, the Charter commits signatories to achieving debris-neutral space activities by 2030.
- The Zero Debris Charter is a world-leading effort to become debris neutral in space by 2030 that was unveiled at the ESA Space Summit in Seville meeting in November 2023.
- Since the launch of the Charter at ESA’s Space Summit in Seville, Spain, in November 2023, more than 100 organisations from around the world, including national space agencies, leading satellite manufacturers, space start-ups and astronomical societies, have confirmed their intent to sign.
- In addition to the 12 countries, the European Space Agency also signed the Zero Debris Charter as an International Organisation (IGO). Countries Include in Zero Debris Charter are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. It will solidify their commitment to the long-term sustainability of human activities in Earth orbit.
Oleg Kononenko
- Roscosmos state corporation cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, who currently works at the International Space Station has booked a record of 1,000 days for the first time in the world in terms of total spaceflight duration.
- His current trip to the ISS began Sept. 15, 2023, when he launched alongside NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and compatriot Nikolai Chub. He also added that “I fly into space to do what I love, not to set records. I’ve dreamt of and aspired to become a cosmonaut since I was a child,”.
- Kononenko, a mechanical engineer with an aviation specialty and cosmonaut since 1996, has had a fulfilling career. His family supports him by allowing him to command four Soyuz missions, spend three Christmases and New Years in orbit, and celebrate four off-planet birthdays.
- Kononenko’s accomplishments are significant for humanity, as space exploration began with several cosmonauts, including Gagarin, Titov, Nikolayev, and Bykovsky. Bykovsky’s five-day solo mission in 1963 remains the longest in history. In 1965, the United States led in space exploration with a week-long endurance mission dubbed “8 Days or Bust.”
- Gemini 7’s crew, Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, broke the nearly eight-day record with a 14-day mission, proving humans could survive a round-trip flight to the Moon. Lovell flew three more times, earning 29 days in space by 1970. In 1970, Nikolayev and Vitali Sevastyanov broke Gemini 7’s record with a 17-day orbital stay on Soyuz 9. Georgi Dobrovolski, Vladislav Volkov, and Viktor Patsayev spent 23 days aboard the world’s first space station, Salyut 1, but tragically died due to premature depressurization of their Soyuz 11 capsule during re-entry.
Sarabjot Singh
- Indian shooter Sarabjot Singh won the gold medal in the men’s 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2024 in Munich, Germany on Thursday (6th June 2024). He won the first medal for India in the event. Singh scored 242.7 to win the gold medal in the final. Shuaihang Bu of China shot 242.5 for the silver medal while Germany’s Robin Walter settled for the bronze medal in the final with a score of 220.0.
- This was the second individual ISSF World Cup gold medal for Singh. He had won the same shooting event at the ISSF World Cup in Bhopal last year. He also won the air pistol mixed team gold medal in Baku in 2023.
India’s Shifting Oil Dynamics
- India’s Reliance On Russian Oil Has Seen A Significant Shift. Despite A Decline In Imports Due To Sanctions-related Challenges, Russia Has Maintained Its Position As India’s Leading Oil Supplier For The Second Consecutive Year.
- In January, India Witnessed A 12-month Low In Domestic Oil Imports From Russia, Primarily Attributed To The Impact Of Sanctions.
- The Decline In Imports, Particularly Of The Light Sweet Sokol Grade, Prompted India To Increase Its Imports From Other Sources, Notably Iraq.
- The Constraints Imposed By Recent U.S. Sanctions On Ships Carrying Russian Oil Above A Designated Price Cap Have Further Complicated The Situation, Leading To Diversions Of Several Tankers Originally Destined For India.
- The Tightening Of Russian Crude Discounts Compared To Middle Eastern Alternatives, Coupled With Sanctions-related Disruptions And Rising Tanker Premiums, Has Made Russian Crude Less Attractive For Indian Refiners In Recent Months. This Trend Suggests A Potential Further Decline In India’s Imports Of Russian Crude In The Foreseeable Future. Despite Scheduled Deliveries In February, Challenges Persist, Indicating A Continued Dynamic In India’s Oil Sourcing Strategy.
“Prerana Sthal”
- Lok Sabha Secretariat is developing “Prerana Sthal” in the Parliament House Complex and all the statues of great leaders and freedom fighters of the country are being installed in this.
- Earlier, these statues were installed at different parts of the Complex. The construction of the new Parliament Building, an action plan has been made for landscaping and beautification of the Parliament Complex so that the Complex could be made grand and attractive.
- The Prerana Sthal is being developed in such a way that the visitors coming to visit the Parliament complex could easily see the statues of these leaders and take inspiration from their lives and philosophy. The Lok Sabha Secretariat said, that due to location at different places in the Parliament Complex, visitors were not able to view these statues conveniently.
- In this Prerana Sthal, arrangements are also being made to provide detailed information to the visitors through modern technology regarding the lives and contributions of these great freedom fighters.
Volkhov River In Russia
- External Affairs Ministry said four Indian students who were studying at the Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University located in Veliky Novgorod, Russia, drowned in an unfortunate incident in the Volkhov river.
- The Ministry said in a release that a fifth Indian student was saved from drowning and is presently receiving medical attention.
- Indian Consulate in St. Petersburg remains in contact with the university and local authorities and is providing all possible assistance. Local emergency services have so far recovered two dead bodies from the Volkhov river.
Ramsar List
- India has added two bird sanctuaries from Bihar, Nagi and Nakti – to the ‘Ramsar Sites’ list, taking the tally to 82.
- The newest ‘Wetlands of International Importance’, both man-made reservoirs situated in the Jhajha forest range of Jamui District in Bihar, were added to Ramsar Sites as part of World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5.
- These two new wetlands are man-made reservoirs situated in the Jhajha forest range of Jamui. Their catchments feature dry deciduous forests surrounded by hills,” the Secretary of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (DEFCC) of Bihar The Nakti Bird Sanctuary was developed primarily for irrigation through the construction of Nakti Dam.
- Since the dam’s construction, the wetland and its surrounding area have provided habitat for over 150 species of birds, mammals, fish, aquatic plants, reptiles and amphibians.
- They include globally threatened species, including the endangered Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) and a vulnerable native catfish (Wallago attu).
- A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, also known as The Convention on Wetlands, an international environmental treaty signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of UNESCO.
India’s First Biosphere in a Tiger Reserve
- Two environmentalists, Jai Dhar Gupta and Vijay Dhasmana created India’s first biosphere in a tiger reserve, called the Rajaji Raghati Biosphere (RRB) within the Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand.
- Situated within the Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand, the biosphere overlooks the rocky white Raghati riverbed, nestled in the Shivalik foothills.
- The biosphere is a 35-acre private forest initiative aimed at identifying and reviving rare and endangered species of native trees while protecting the area from poachers and mining.
- The land earmarked for RRB was previously barren and in a state of degradation. “Thousands of non-native eucalyptus trees were removed within days of acquiring the land. Subsequently, the land was contoured to retain water, prevent erosion, and promote groundwater recharge.”
- They are also developing a second biosphere above the Koyna River in the buffer zone of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve near Pune, Maharashtra, along the Western Ghats.
- Jai says “We collected seeds, established a seed bank, and collaborated with biodiversity parks to germinate and cultivate saplings of trees such as haldu, rohini, mala, saal, jamun, pangana, etc, which were then planted across the biosphere,” who has also banned combustion-engine vehicles in the region.
Arctic Ice Giant Viruses
- Giant viruses have been found on the surface of Arctic ice, according to a new, ground-breaking study led by Laura Perini from the Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University.
- These viruses, which can’t be seen with the human eye, have been found for the first time on the ice, living with algae.
- This finding is important because the viruses can eat algae, which is a key factor in speeding up the melting of Arctic ice.
- When algae on ice sheets soak up the sunshine, temperatures rise and the ice melts faster. This makes the effects of global warming worse. The giant viruses might slow down the melting process by eating these algae, acting as a natural coolant.
- Scientists discovered these viruses by looking at DNA and mRNA from samples taken from different parts of the Arctic, like dark ice, red snow, and cryoconite holes.
- Certain markers found in the mRNA showed that these viruses are alive and doing well, which suggests that they are still interacting with the algae that live in these icy places.
- Giant viruses are different from other types of viruses because their genes are very complicated. This lets them do difficult biological tasks like DNA repair and replication. Their new discovery and the fact that they live on Arctic ice show how the fields of virology and environmental science are growing.
Bridge of National Unity
- A 700-metre pedestrian bridge, inaugurated on June 4. The Bridge of National Unity is one of the longest bridges in the world.
- The eastern Hungarian city of Satoraljaujhely has a new tourist attraction. The cable-stayed bridge, supported by six cable ropes, is 700 metres long.
- The bridge was built at a cost of four billion HUF [10 million euros], financed from the national budget. The government says that no European Union funds were used. The bridge, which connects two nearby hills and has a glass floor in the middle, is expected to boost tourism in northeastern Hungary bordering Slovakia.
- The government has hailed the bridge a symbol of national unity, inaugurated on Hungary’s June 4 Day of National Unity, also known as the Memorial Day of the Treaty of Trianon.
- Under the Trianon Peace Treaty, concluding World War I, Hungary lost two-thirds of its territory and half of its population to neighbouring countries. Many Hungarians consider the treaty a great injustice and the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban regularly fuels such sentiment.
TRISHNA Satellite
- Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the French Space Agency (CNES) have agreed to work together on a satellite mission called TRISHNA.
- This is because rising temperatures around the world mean that environmental monitoring needs to be better.T
- his new development was brought to people’s attention. It shed light on the satellite’s abilities and how it might help in tracking changes in the environment caused by climate change.
- The Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment, or TRISHNA, is a big satellite project whose only goal is to take detailed pictures of the Earth’s surface.
- TRISHNA is set to be launched in 2026 and will work from a sun-synchronous orbit 761 km above Earth. Its main job will be to keep a close eye on many environmental and climate factors.
- The goal of TRISHNA is to simplify the Earth’s energy and water processes by giving accurate measurements of water stress on land, changes in water quality in coastal and inland bodies of water, and evaluations of urban heat islands.
- As secondary goals, we will look at temperature anomalies, glacier dynamics, and snow-melt runoff, all of which are important for understanding geothermal resources and volcanic activity.
- The satellite will have two main payloads: a Thermal Infra-Red (TIR) sensor from CNES and a Visible, Near Infra-Red, and Short Wave Infra-Red (VNIR-SWIR) sensor made by ISRO. These high-tech tools will make it easier to map the surface temperature with great detail and analyze the surface reflectance in great detail. Both of these are key to collecting important biological and atmospheric data.
Bonn Climate Conference
- Climate funding is still an important part of the global effort to stop climate change. The Bonn Climate Change Conference, which is also known as the 60th Session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies, began on June 3, 2024.
- This meeting was very important for getting ready for the 29th Conference of Parties (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where a new climate finance goal will be decided.
- Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, stressed how important it is to set a New Collective Quantified Goal on climate funding (NCQG) as soon as possible.
- The NCQG’s goal is to get developed countries to promise to give money to poor countries so that they can take action on climate change.
- At the conference, differences between developed and developing countries were brought to light, especially when it came to the NCQG’s financial standards and structures.
- The European Union pushed for a more diverse approach to funding, but the G77 and China, which form the largest group of developing countries, stressed the need for a big, needs-based goal that would be mostly paid for by public funds from developed countries.
- The talks at the 10th Technical Expert Dialogue (TED 10) built on earlier talks from a meeting in Colombia. They covered important topics like the NCQG’s goals, transparency, and organization. There were still different points of view. Developing countries wanted flexible financing and clear accounting, while developed countries wanted a multi-layered financial system.
- The idea of “additionality” was also brought up again, and the sincerity of past financial promises as real extra resources rather than repurposed help was called into question.
Arun III Hydropower
- The main tunnel of the 900 MW Arun III Hydropower Project, being constructed with Indian assistance has achieved a breakthrough, with Nepal Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on June 5, triggering the last blast to mark the completion of heading excavation.
- Prime Minister ‘Prachanda’ attended an event to mark the completion of heading excavation for the 11.8 km-long Head Race Tunnel of the 900 MW Arun- 3 Hydro Electric Project in the Sankhuwasabha District in eastern Nepal.
- The length of this Head Race Tunnel is 11.83 km from Fyaksindha to the exit of Pukhuwa. The 900 MW hydropower project being constructed on the Arun River with a budget of about USD 1.4 billion, is a run-off-the-river type project whose construction started in May 2018.
- The Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) was awarded with the project through international competitive bidding in March 2008. The Investment Board Nepal and SJVN signed an agreement for the development of the Arun III project in November 2014.
PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi
- Mr. Narendra Modi took charge as Prime Minister for the third time. After assuming the charge, Mr Modi signed the first file authorising release of 17th instalment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
- This will benefits nine crore 30 lakh farmers by distributing around twenty thousand crore rupees. Mr Modi said, his first decision of the new government shows commitment of government to farmer welfare.
- Prime Minister Modi said, his government will keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come.
- PM-KISAN Scheme was launched in 2019 with an aim to provide income support to all landholder farmer families across the country. Under the scheme, the financial benefit of six thousand rupees per year is provided to the eligible family of farmers.
- The scheme is being implemented as Central Sector Scheme with 100 per cent financial support by the Central government. The amount is being transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, in three installments of two thousand rupees. The scheme has benefited more than 11 crore farmer families and over three lakh crore rupees has been transfered in their account till date.
Vellayan Subbiah
- Vellayan Subbiah, Executive Vice Chairman of Tube Investments of India (TII) and Chairman of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Co Ltd., secured the prestigious EY World Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 award, marking the fourth time an entrepreneur from India has won this global title.
- His visionary leadership and transformative strategies have propelled both TII and Chola to unprecedented success, earning him recognition on the global stage.
- Subbiah’s entrepreneurial journey began with a background in engineering and strategic consulting. He assumed leadership in his family’s business, leading Cholamandalam Investment and Finance through challenging times before being appointed Chairman, achieving remarkable growth in market capitalization.
- Subsequently, he took the reins at Tube Investments of India (TII), revamping the business model and driving significant share price growth.
- Subbiah’s leadership is characterized by a customer-centric approach, innovation, and long-term sustainability. Under his guidance, TII’s subsidiary, CG Power, embarked on constructing India’s first outsourced semiconductor and test facility, showcasing his commitment to industry advancement.
Panama Evacuates Island
- As a result of higher sea levels, Panama is currently dealing with a major effect of climate change by moving a whole island community. The native Guna people of Gardi Sugdub, an island in the Guna Yala archipelago in Panama’s Caribbean region, are taking a step that has never been done before.
- There is a small island called Gardi Sugdub that is about 400 yards long and 150 yards wide. Climate change poses serious risks to the community, especially from rising sea levels that flood the area often and let saltwater into freshwater reserves. These changes to the environment are wearing away at the island’s base and polluting the resources that the native people depend on to stay alive.
- Because the situation is so bad, the Panamanian government has started a plan to move about 300 Guna people to new homes on the mainland in Carti Sugtupu, which is part of the Indigenous Guna Yala Comarca. This move is part of a bigger plan to protect the lives of the Guna people and stop the terrible loss of villages. Approximately $1.2 billion will be needed to pay for this huge move.
- The evacuation is more than just moving families from one place to another; it’s a huge change in culture and feeling. The Guna people have a complex relationship with their environment that is rooted in their way of life, way of making a living, and customs. Cutting ties with their ancestral lands and the ocean upsets this relationship.
Aquaculture Overtakes Wild Fisheries
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations released The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024, its flagship report providing a comprehensive analysis of the global and regional status and trends in fisheries and aquaculture.
- It shows, for the first time in 2022, that aquaculture production exceeded fisheries. Aquaculture is playing an increasingly important role in meeting the world’s food needs, surpassing wild fisheries in aquatic animal production for the first time.
- With global demand for aquatic foods expected to keep growing, an increase in sustainable production is vital to ensure healthy diets, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization said.
- In 2022, aquaculture yielded 94.4 million tons of aquatic animal production- 51 percent of the total, and 57 percent of the production destined for human consumption.
- Aquatic products remain one of the most traded food commodities, generating a record $195 billion in 2022- a 19 percent increase from pre-pandemic levels. “Despite these significant achievements, the sector still faces major challenges from climate change and disasters, water scarcity, pollution, biodiversity loss” and other man-made impacts.
- The report contains eight key messages: World fisheries and aquaculture production hit a new high in 2022. Successful initiatives should be upscaled to consolidate the vital role of aquatic foods for global food security, nutrition and livelihoods.
- Aquaculture can meet the rising global demand for aquatic foods. Future expansion must prioritize sustainability and benefit regions and communities most in need.
- Global capture fisheries production remains stable, but the sustainability of fishery resources is a cause for concern. Urgent action is needed to accelerate fishery stock conservation and rebuilding.
- Global demand for aquatic foods is projected to increase further. Expansion of sustainable production is vital to ensure healthy diets from healthy oceans, lakes and rivers.
- Aquatic animal production is expected to increase by 10 percent by 2032. The Blue Transformation Roadmap aims to ensure sustainable fisheries and aquaculture growth while promoting equitable benefits and environmental conservation.
- Small-scale fisheries are a vital source of nutrition and the livelihoods for millions of people. Greater global recognition and action are needed to support and empower these communities.
- Efforts to improve data collection and analysis must be strengthened. They are key to evidence-based policymaking and the effective management of fisheries and aquaculture.
- Efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal targets related to fisheries and aquaculture must accelerate. FAO urges the international community to step up action to support the implementation of the Blue Transformation Roadmap.
Visakhapatnam Port
- Visakhapatnam Port achieves the 19th position in the Container Port Performance Index 2023, surpassing Mundra Port. Operated by J M Baxi Ports & Logistics, it runs a high-capacity terminal contributing to its efficiency. The Container Port Performance Index 2023, curated by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, evaluates port efficiency globally, emphasizing vessel time in port.
- Visakha Container Terminal Pvt Ltd, a unit of J M Baxi Ports & Logistics, demonstrates exceptional efficiency metrics, including moves per crane hour, turnaround time, and berth idle time.
- The milestone earns accolades from stakeholders and government bodies, highlighting the port’s significance in India’s maritime sector and its adherence to Maritime India Vision 2030 guidelines.
Global Gender Gap Index
- According to the Global Gender Gap Index released by the World Economic Forum, India has slipped two places to the 129th position, while Iceland retained its top spot.
- Within South Asia, India ranked fifth after Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, with Pakistan ranked last.
- Despite the drop, India showed strong gender parity in secondary education enrollment and political empowerment, securing the 10th position for the number of years with female/male heads of state in the last 50 years.
- However, India’s overall gender gap closure stands at 64.1 per cent in 2024, a slight decline from 64.2 per cent last year.
500 Year Old Bronze Idol To India
- Oxford University’s Ashmolean Museum has decided to return a 16th-century bronze sculpture of Saint Tirumankai Alvar to India, following a formal request from the Indian government.
- The 60cm-tall statue, believed to have been stolen from a temple in Tamil Nadu, was acquired by the museum in 1967 from Sotheby’s auction house.
- The decision comes after an independent researcher alerted the museum to the statue’s origins, prompting the museum to notify the Indian High Commission.
- The Ashmolean Museum acquired the statue in 1967 from the collection of Dr J.R. Belmont, stating that it was obtained in “good faith.”
- However, an independent researcher raised concerns about its origins, leading to the museum’s investigation and subsequent alert to the Indian High Commission.
- Upon receiving a formal request from the Indian government, Oxford University’s Council supported the return of the bronze idol to India. The decision is now awaiting approval from the Charity Commission.
- This decision follows a trend of returning stolen Indian artefacts from the UK to India.
- Recent instances include the restoration of a limestone carved relief sculpture and a “Navaneetha Krishna” bronze sculpture, both originating from Indian states, through joint US-UK investigations involving Scotland Yard’s Art and Antiques Unit.
International Year Of Quantum Science & Technology
- United Nations has made a big announcement: 2025 will be the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.”
- The goal of this statement is to make more people around the world aware of quantum science and how it can be used through different events all year long.
- This choice was made after a motion was started by Mexico in May 2023 and backed by nearly 60 countries by November of that same year.
- At the UNESCO General Conference, it was made legal. German scientist Werner Heisenberg will have written a famous paper that laid the groundwork for quantum mechanics.
- This was a turning point in the history of physics. Classical physics was changed in important ways by Heisenberg’s work. This made it possible to understand quantum phenomena seen in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- With the “uncertainty principle,” he made history and won the Nobel Prize for these kinds of accomplishments.
- Well-known groups like the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics, Chemistry, and Crystallography, as well as the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, have backed the statement. These support shows that advancing quantum science and technology on a world scale is widely seen as important and appreciated.
- As quantum technology is talked about more in public and in the workplace, especially in terms of quantum computers, there is a strong opinion in the scientific community that these computers will soon be able to do work. It is expected that these advances will completely change areas like electronics, clean energy, and pharmaceuticals by making computers much faster.
- Indian government launched the “National Quantum Mission” in April 2023 to show how important this new technology is. The project, which has a budget of Rs 6,000 crore and will run from 2023 to 2031, is led by the Department of Science and Technology and works on key areas such as communication, sensing, metrology, materials, devices, and quantum computing.
Russian Led Collective Security Treaty Organization
- Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that his country would pull out of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
- Mr Pashinyan accused members of the alliance of siding with Azerbaijan which launched a military campaign in September to seize control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
- Armenia’s ties with Russia have become strained since Moscow refused to intervene in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Russia had acted as guarantor of a peace deal that ended a 44-day war with Azerbaijan over the disputed territory three years ago. The CSTO is a Russia-dominated alliance of former Soviet states that have pledged to protect one another in the event of an attack.
120 Million People Displaced Globally
- United Nations has said that a record-breaking 120 million people were living in a forcibly displaced status globally between the beginning of 2023 to May 2024.
- The new data was revealed in the Global Trends report by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The report said, that around 117.3 million people remained forcibly displaced at the end of 2023, having been forced to flee persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and events seriously disturbing public order.
- UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi told reporters that conflict remains an important driver of mass displacement.
- Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Palestine, Congo, Somalia, Haiti, Syria and Armenia were among the countries mentioned where conflict and violence had forced people to seek safety elsewhere.
Infosys Ranks Among Top 100 Valuable Global Brands
- Infosys, a leading information technology company, has secured its position among the 100 most valuable brands in the world for the third consecutive year.
- This recognition comes from Kantar, a prominent marketing data and analytics business, further solidifying Infosys’ reputation as a global brand powerhouse.
- Infosys has been acknowledged for its exceptional capabilities in domains like enterprise artificial intelligence (AI), where emerging technologies like generative AI and foundational technologies like cloud have taken center stage.
- The company’s investments in these cutting-edge areas have yielded rich dividends, nurturing sub-brands such as Infosys Topaz for generative AI-powered solutions and Infosys Cobalt for enterprise cloud offerings.
- “Through the uncertainties, our clients trusted us to help them navigate their next with a cutting-edge digital-first, cloud-first, and AI-first approach,” Virmani stated. Infosys remains committed to amplifying human potential and creating opportunities for people, businesses, and communities.
- In preparation for an AI-first future, the company has reached nearly 12 million people through its digital skilling initiative, including learning opportunities created by Springboard, its flagship reskilling program, offering free digital content globally.
India A Leading Nitrous Oxide Emitter
- India has emerged as the world’s second-largest source of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. In 2020, the country was responsible for almost 11% of the world’s human-made N2O pollution.
- Only China was responsible for more, at 16%. The in-depth study, which was released in the journal Earth System Science Data, shows that the amount of N2O in the atmosphere is rising.
- In 2022, it was 336 parts per billion, which is 25% more than it was before industrialization. The use of nitrogen fertilizers in farming is the main cause of N2O pollution.
- Together, these fertilizers and animal waste were to blame for 74% of all N2O pollution caused by people in the last ten years.
- Human actions are very important because they cause 6.4% of all greenhouse gases to radiate forward. The most noticeable rise in pollution over the past four decades has been a 40% rise, which equals an extra three million metric tons of N2O per year.
- Carbon dioxide is still the main greenhouse gas, but experts are calling for immediate action because N2O stays in the atmosphere for a long time and rises quickly.
- Over a hundred years, N2O has been in the atmosphere and has caused the temperature to rise by about 0.1°C. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicted that world temperatures would rise well above 3°C by the end of the century. However, current atmospheric concentrations are even higher than their worst-case scenarios.
Ariarne Titmus Sets World Record
- Ariarne Titmus broke the world record in the women’s 200-meter freestyle at Brisbane’s Chandler Aquatic Center, which was part of Australia’s Olympic swimming tryouts.
- She clocked an impressive time of 1 minute, 52.23 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 1:52.85 set by Mollie O’Callaghan at last year’s world championships.
- Because of this, Titmus holds the world record in both the 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle events. This is a big deal for Titmus because it shows how consistent she is in freestyle swimming. She won both of the mid-distance freestyle events.
- Titmus and O’Callaghan are both trained by Dean Boxall, focused on their race lengths. Titmus tells her that she should focus on her performance instead of those of her rivals and keep her eyes on the clock instead of the person who holds the current record. Her latest performances show that this way of thinking has worked.
Global Peace Index 2024
- Global Peace Index (GPI) 2024, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), provides a comprehensive measure of global peacefulness, evaluating 163 independent states and territories.
- This report highlights the trends, results, and economic impacts of violence across the world, offering valuable insights into the current state of peace and the factors influencing it. The average level of global peacefulness deteriorated by 0.56% in 2024.
- This marks the fifth consecutive year of declining peacefulness. In the past year, 65 countries recorded improvements in peacefulness, while 97 countries saw deteriorations.
- This is the highest number of countries to experience a decline in a single year since the index’s inception.
- Most Peaceful Countries: Iceland remains the most peaceful country, a position it has held since 2008, followed by Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Singapore. Yemen is now the least peaceful country, followed by Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.
- Europe continues to be the most peaceful region, despite a slight deterioration in peacefulness over the past year. Middle East & north Africa remains the least peaceful region, with significant conflicts in countries like Yemen and Sudan contributing to its low ranking. North America recorded the largest regional deterioration, driven by increased violent crime and perceptions of criminality in both Canada and the US.
Three Craters on Mars
- ‘Lal’, ‘Mursan’ and ‘Hilsa’. These are the names given to three craters on the surface of Mars recently discovered by Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), that hint at the red planet’s wet past.
- Lal has been named after legendary cosmic ray physicist from Varanasi, the late Professor Devendra Lal. The other two have been named after Mursan town in UP’s Hathras district, and Hilsa town in Nalanda district of Bihar.
- The largest of these craters, spanning approximately 65 kilometres in diameter, has been named “Lal Crater” in honour of Professor Devendra Lal.
- Professor Lal, who served as the director of PRL from 1972 to 1983, made substantial contributions to the fields of cosmic ray physics and space research. His leadership and pioneering work have left an indelible mark on the scientific community, particularly in advancing our understanding of cosmic rays and their impact on planetary environments.
- In the case of Lal Crater, SHARAD identified substantial sedimentary deposits, providing compelling evidence that water once flowed across the Martian surface. This discovery contributes significantly to our knowledge of Mars’s past climate and potential for habitability, offering insights into the planet’s evolution over billions of years.
- Both towns hold cultural and historical significance in the region, and naming these craters after them serves as a nod to the rich cultural tapestry that informs our exploration and understanding of space. The discovery of these craters was facilitated by SHARAD (Mars SHAllow RADar sounder), a cutting-edge subsurface sounding radar mounted on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). This technology allows scientists to probe beneath Mars’ surface, revealing details about its geological composition and history.
Krishi Sakhi Program
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded certificates to over 30,000 self-help groups as Krishi Sakhis in Varanasi.
- This initiative aims to enhance the skills of rural women in agriculture, recognizing their vital role in this sector .
- Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program is part of the ambitious ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program, which aims to create 3 crore (30 million) Lakhpati Didis. Krishi Sakhi is one dimension of this larger initiative.
- Objectives : Transform rural India by empowering women as Krishi Sakhis, Train and certify Krishi Sakhis as para-extension workers, Align with the “Lakhpati Didi” Program goals.
- Krishi Sakhis are ideal for this role because they are: Trusted community resource persons, Experienced farmers themselves, Deeply rooted in farming communities, Welcomed and respected by local farmers.
National Monetisation Pipeline
- Government monetised assets worth ₹1.56 lakh crore under the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) in the financial year 2023-24, falling short of the target of ₹1.8 lakh crore.
- This performance represents approximately 159% of the achievement in 2021-22. The NMP aims to unlock the value of brownfield infrastructure assets, with a total monetisation potential estimated at ₹6 lakh crore over a four-year period from FY22 to FY25.
- NMP Targets and Achievements : Aggregate Monetisation Potential: ₹6 lakh crore over FY22 to FY25.
- First Two Years (2021-22, 2022-23): Target of ₹2.5 lakh crore; achievement of ₹2.30 lakh crore. FY24 Achievement: ₹1.56 lakh crore against a target of ₹1.8 lakh crore.
- NMP, announced in the Union Budget 2021-22 and prepared by NITI Aayog with infrastructure ministries, aims to tap private investment for infrastructure development and drive high economic growth through asset monetisation.
UK Become India’s 4th Largest Export Market
- United Kingdom (UK) has overtaken China to become India’s fourth-largest export market in May 2024, commerce department data showed.
- The UK was India’s sixth-largest export destination in May last year. While exports to the UK grew by a third to $1.37 billion in May, the shipments to China saw 3 per cent growth at $1.33 billion last month.
- The disaggregated data for May wasn’t immediately available, but trends over the past few months showed that exports to the UK were dominated by items such as machinery, food items, pharmaceutical products, textiles, jewellery, iron, and steel, among other items.
- Commerce department data showed that India’s top 10 key export markets witnessed positive growth in May, reversing the trend when exports to some of these countries contracted for more than a year. These 10 countries comprise 52 per cent of the country’s total value of goods exported in May. India’s merchandise exports grew 9.13 per cent in May to $38 billion. This came in after several months of tepid growth in outbound shipments, amid volatile global demand and uneven economic recovery.
- Export to the Netherlands, which is also India’s third-largest export market, soared to $2.19 billion with nearly 44 per cent growth in May.
- Other countries that showed positive growth include Saudi Arabia (8.46 per cent), Singapore (4.64 per cent), Bangladesh (13.47 per cent), Germany (6.74 per cent), France (36.94 per cent). The United States (US) continued to remain India’s largest export destination, with 13 per cent growth, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which saw 19 per cent jump.
NHAI To Use Miyawaki Plantation
- To realise the vision of saturating National Highways with green cover, NHAI will undertake a unique initiative to plant Miyawaki plantation on land parcels adjacent to National Highways at various locations.
- Total land area of over 53 acres has been identified at different places in and around Delhi-NCR to establish the Miyawaki plantations.
- Miyawaki plantations, also known as Miyawaki method is a unique Japanese approach to ecological restoration and afforestation development.
- This method aims to create dense, native, and biodiverse forests in a short period of time. These forests retain ground water and helps to recharge the ground water table.
- With this method, trees grow ten times faster and the plantations act as a sound and dust barrier. For successful implementation of the Miyawaki Plantation method, focus will be on plantation of indigenous species of plants that can survive in the local climate and soil conditions.
Ports Of India Makes To Global Top 100 By World Bank
- India’s port development programme, as many as 9 ports of India made it to the Global Top 100 in the latest edition of Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), 2023.
- This report is prepared by the World Bank and S&P Global Marketing Intelligence). The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal gave credit to the ambitious Sagarmala programme, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for modernisation of the ports and improving their efficiency.
- There has been a significant improvement via operational efficiency and service delivery in the efficient handling of ships and cargo. This has helped us build resilience, incorporate new technology, and green infrastructure to ensure stability of global markets and sustainability of India’s maritime industry.
India To Host 64th ISO Council Meeting
- India is hosting the 64th International Sugar Organisation, ISO Council Meeting in New Delhi.
- Delegates from more than 30 countries and representatives of many international organisations will participate in the three-day Meeting to deliberate on critical issues of the sugar and biofuel sector.
- India is starting the series of events with an industrial tour of international delegates to one grain-based distillery at Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh to showcase India’s adoption of the latest technology in the production of biofuels and other by-products.
- A workshop titled ‘Sugar and Biofuels – Emerging Vistas’ is also being organised at Bharat Mandapam.
- Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, Union will inaugurate the workshop. ISO Council nominated India as the Chair of the organisation for 2024 as India is the world’s largest consumer and second-largest producer of sugar.
- ISO has about 85 countries as members covering almost 90 percent of sugar production in the world. It is mandated to bring major sugar-producing, consuming and trading nations together to bring mutual understanding and a progressive approach in dealing with issues pertaining to the sugar sector.
UNESCO City Of Literature
- UNESCO honored Kozhikode as India’s first “City of Literature” on June 23. According to this status, the city’s cultural history should be celebrated and used to help develop literary ability.
- The Mayor of Kozhikode and the Kerala Institute of Local Administration took the lead in getting the city this title. Their thorough research and well-organized presentation brought out Kozhikode’s important contributions to many cultural areas, making Kolkata’s literary practices look weak in comparison.
- Kozhikode has been home to numerous cultural icons including two Jnanpith laureates. The local cinema, music, and media houses have also played an essential role in developing the city’s literary and cultural environment.
- To honor and support literary excellence in the city, six different awards will be given out every year. The Anakkulam Cultural Center is also called the “City of Literature Center.”
- During the announcement event, prominent local figures and artists were present, and the city’s much-acclaimed writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair was honored with the Kozhikode Corporation’s diamond jubilee award, which showed the city’s commitment to its literary heroes.
Vulture Conservation Centre In Maharajganj
- Uttar Pradesh is set to establish the world’s first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vultures or red-headed vultures in Maharajganj.
- The centre is named Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre. This is one of the 9 species of Vulture which are found in India. It is also called the Asian King vulture or Pondicherry Vulture was extensively found in India but its numbers drastically reduced after diclofenac poisoning.
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1. The centre is named Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre, where 24×7 monitoring of the vultures is being done.
- Among its staff include a scientific officer and a biologist. They (vultures) make one partner in their entire life and lay one egg in a year. Hence, their monitoring is our highest priority.
- Asian king vultures are endangered due to the loss of their habitats and the excessive use of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in domestic animals, which becomes poisonous for vultures. The centre aims to ensure the good health of growing vultures and provide them with a pair.
Global Energy Transition Index
- World Economic Forum (WEF) just released the Global Energy Transition Index.
- It shows that the global energy transition scene has changed in big ways. After falling to 67th place, India moved up to 63rd place out of 120 countries, which is a big jump.
- Sweden stayed at the top of the Index, showing that it has been making steady progress in the energy field. India was praised by the WEF for taking the initiative to promote sustainable energy sources, especially solar energy.
- The country’s progress in energy security, fairness, and long-term use shows that it is becoming an important player in global energy changes. Notably, 42% of India’s total energy production potential now comes from renewable sources, such as biomass.
- Other countries are following the lead of the United States by investing in green hydrogen and making more electric vehicles. The Index, which was made by the WEF and Accenture working together, is a way to compare how ready and how well countries are doing at switching to safe, long-lasting, and fair energy systems.
- A lot of things are looked at, like government regulations, energy security, sustainability efforts, and lowering carbon emissions. The goal of the Index is to keep track of how far the world has come in using less fossil fuels and making energy use more efficient.
- In 2024, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, and France lead the better rankings. This is because they have strong energy policies and are committed to being environmentally friendly. With rankings of 20th and 63rd, China and India stand out among non-European countries.
Iberian Lynx Conservation Status
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) changed the Iberian Lynx’s protection status from “Endangered” to “Vulnerable”.
- The species was once very close to going extinct. This is a big step forward in what is one of the best conservation rescues in recent memory.
- The species is native to Spain and Portugal. In 2001, there were only 62 adult individuals, but by 2022, there were 648, and now more than 2,000. The species is native to Spain and Portugal.
- In 2001, there were only 62 adult individuals, but by 2022, there were 648, and there are now more than 2,000 of them.
- Since 2010, more than 400 Iberian lynxes have been safely returned to parts of Portugal and Spain where they lived before. In 2005, the species only lived in 449 km², but now it lives in at least 3,320 km². These reintroductions have been very important to the survival of the species, leading to more of them and a wider range of genetic types.
Rahul Gandhi To Be Leader Of Opposition
- WRahul Gandhi Accepted A Decision By Congress Working Committee And Will Take Up The Leader Of The Opposition In Lok Sabha. Leader Of Largest Opposition Party Having Not Less Than 1/10th Seats Of Total Strength Of Lok Sabha. He Will Be A Member Of Committees Such As Public Accounts, Public Undertakings, Estimates & Member Of Joint Parliamentary Committees.
- He Is Entitled To Be A Member Of Various Selection Committees Responsible For Appointing Heads Of Statutory Bodies Like The Central Vigilance Commission, The Central Information Commission, The CBI, The NHRC, And The Lokpal.
- Leader Of Opposition In Both The Houses Were Accorded Statutory Recognition Under The Salaries And Allowances Of Leader Of Opposition In Parliament Act, 1977 And Are Entitled To The Salary, Allowances And Other Facilities Equivalent To That Of A Cabinet Minister. The Office Of The Leader Of The Opposition Is Not Mentioned In The Constitution.
Srinagar – ‘World Craft City’
- Srinagar, the largest city of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has recently been designated as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council.
- The fact that Srinagar is known as a “World Craft City” shows how skilled and dedicated the people who work there are. Their traditional craftsmanship and skills have not only made their culture richer but they are also admired around the world.
- The goal of this award is to honor and protect the wide range of crafts that are unique to Srinagar.
- Aileen Osborn Webb started the non-profit World Crafts Council (WCC) in 1964 to promote and encourage craftsmanship around the world.
- It was created after talks between foreign craft representatives in New York City, which led to its joining UNESCO.
- The WCC is split into five areas: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Its main office is in Belgium.
Monthly Current Affairs June 2024 Question
- Nelson Mandela Award Is Awarded To
A. NIMHANS
B. AIIMS Delhi
C. PGIMER
D. Apollo Hospitals
ANSWER: A - Claudia Sheinbaum Elected As First Woman President Of
A. Peru
B. Colombia
C. Mexico
D. Brazil
ANSWER: C - Jasmine Lamboria Seen In News Relates To
A. Boxing
B. Tennis
C. Badminton
D. Soccer
ANSWER: A - 6th Meeting Of India Japan Joint Working Group On Counter Terrorism Held
A. New Delhi
B. Hyderabad
C. Chennai
D. Bengaluru
ANSWER: A - The First World Environment Day Was Held In Which Year
A. 1971
B. 1973
C. 1976
D. 1978
ANSWER: B - First Major Conference On Environmental Issues Under United Nations Held
A. 1970
B. 1971
C. 1972
D. 1973
ANSWER: C - AT Provisional Estimate Of NSO What Was Growth Rate Of Indian Economy In
2023-24
A. 7.6%
B. 8.2%
C. 6.6%
D. 5.1%
ANSWER: B - Armed Forces Medical Services Signed An Mou With Which IIT To Collaborate
On Research And Training
A. IIT Delhi
B. IIT Kanpur
C. IIT Bombay
D. IIT Hyderabad
ANSWER: D - Which Organizations Jointly Launched ‘ Bimren Initiative’ For PhD Students
A. Ministry of Earth Sciences and Indian Ocean Rim Association
B. Ministry of External Affairs and Bay of Bengal Programme-Inter Governmental
Organization
C. Ministry of Science and Technology and BIMSTEC Secretariat
D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and SAARC
ANSWER: B - India to Host _ IATA Annual General Meeting
A. 81
B. 82
C. 83
D. 84
ANSWER: A - Sarabjot Singh Seen In News Who Recently Won Gold Related To
A. Badminton
B. Tennis
C. Shooting
D. Football
ANSWER: C - Zero Debris Charter Is Initiative Lead By
A. ISRO
B. NASA
C. ESA
D. KASA
ANSWER: C - NASA Collaborated With Space Agency To Develop A Time System For Moon
A. ISRO
B. ESA
C. JAXA
D. CNSA
ANSWER: B - Which Space Organization Recently Developed Computational Fluid Dynamics
Software Named ‘PraVaHa’
A. ISRO
B. JAXA
C. ESA
D. CNSA
ANSWER: A - Which Country Emerged As India’s Third Largest Export Destination In 2023-24
A. Netherlands
B. Mexico
C. Malaysia
D. Singapore
ANSWER: A - Who Has Been Selected For Gudleppa Hallikeri Award 2024
A. Shirshendhu Mukyopadhyaya
B. Siddalinga Pattanashetti
C. V.K.Gokak
D. B Sriramulu
ANSWER: B - Who Received The Hindi Sahitya Bharati Award 2024
A. Rameshchandra Shah
B. Seeni Viswanathan
C. Krishna Prakash
D. Sandeep Joshi
ANSWER: C - What Is T Coronae Borealis (T CrB)
A. Star
B. Submarine
C. Invasive plant
D. Protein
ANSWER: A - Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Is Located In Which State
A. Madhya Pradesh
B. Maharashtra
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Odisha
ANSWER: C - Who Has Been Appointed As The Chairman Of The Staff Selection Commission
A. C.P. Jain
B. Yogendra Paswan
C. S. Kishore
D. Rakesh Ranjan
ANSWER: D - Where Was The Cyber Security Conclave Organized
A. Mumbai
B. Bengaluru
C. New Delhi
D. Hyderabad
ANSWER:C - Who Assumed Appointment Of Commandant At National Defence Academy
A. Simran Sharma
B. Gurcharan Singh
C. Ajay Kocchar
D. Ranjit
ANSWER: B - With Which Country India Discuss Revitalizing “Energy Sector Cooperation”
A. Libya
B. Iran
C. Iraq
D. Kuwait
ANSWER: A - Which Organization Launched Small Climate Satellite To Study Earth’s Poles
A. ESA
B. NASA
C. CNSA
D. ISRO
ANSWER: B - EY World Entrepreneur Of Year 2024 Award Is Awarded To
A. Vellayan Subbiah
B. Cyrus Poonawalla
C. Lakshmi Mittal
D. Azim Premji
ANSWER: A - What Is The Theme For ‘World Food Safety Day 2024’
A. Prepare for the unexpected
B. Food Standards Save Lives
C. Safer food, better health
D. Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow
ANSWER: A - Which Regulatory Body Launched ‘Saarthi 2.O’ Mobile App For Investors
A. RBI
B. SEBI
C. NABARD
D. FCI
ANSWER: B - NPCI International Payments Ltd Recently Joined Hands With Which South
American Country To Enable UPI Payments
A. Brazil
B. Argentina
C. Peru
D. Chile
ANSWER: C - Who Sworn As Pro-Tem Speaker
A. Radha Mohan Singh
B. Faggan Singh Kulaste
C. Bhartruhari Mahtab
D. Sudip Bandyopadhya
ANSWER: C - Which City Is Awarded As UNESCO City Of Literature
A. Gwalior
B. Kolkata
C. Kozhikode
D. Hyderabad
ANSWER: C - HQ Of International Sugar Organisation
A. Paris
B. London
C. New York
D. New Delhi
ANSWER: B - What Is “Indiconema”
A. New Genus Of The Gomphonemoid Diatom
B. Newly Discovered Species Of Spider
C. Nuclear Ballistic Submarine
D. Ancient Irrigation Technique
ANSWER: A - Which Institute Signed Mou With NHAI To Enhance Road Safety Through AI
A. IIT, Kanpur
B. IIIT, Delhi
C. IIM, Ahmedabad
D. IIT, Bombay
ANSWER: B - Which Institute Won Joint Second Prize In Trinity Challenge’s Second
Competition
A. IIT, Ahmedabad
B. IIT, Kanpur
C. IIIT, Delhi
D. IIT, Roorkee
ANSWER: C - Documented Presence Of A ‘Striped Caecilian’ In Which National Park For First Time
A. Kaziranga National Park
B. Manas National Park
C. Raimona National Park
D. Orang National Park
ANSWER: A - Mudgal Fort, Is Located In Which State
A. Kerala
B. Maharashtra
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Karnataka
ANSWER: D - What Is ‘Musankwa Sanyatiensis’
A. Newly discovered fossils of dinosaur species
B. Invasive weed
C. New vaccine for TB
D. Asteroid
ANSWER: A - Purana Qila Was Built On The Banks Of Which River
A. Ganga
B. Gomti
C. Yamuna
D. Narmada
ANSWER: C - Name Of The Campaign Launched By Prime Minister On World Environment
Day 2024
A. Ek Ped Maa ke Naam
B. Vriksh ka Sanrakshad
C. Ghar Ghar Vriksh
D. Haryali
ANSWER: A - ALMA Telescope, Is Located In Which Desert
A. Kalahari Desert
B. Atacama Desert
C. Sonoran Desert
D. Mojave Desert
ANSWER: B
