June 10, 2024 Current Affairs

1. Which countries recently signed NASA's Artemis Accords for peaceful moon exploration?

A.    Argentina and Brazil

B.    Chile and Slovenia

C.   Argentina and Hungary

D.   Peru and Slovakia

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

Peru and Slovakia have recently become the 41st and 42nd countries to sign NASA's Artemis Accords, a U.S.-led agreement focused on the safe exploration of space. Initiated by NASA and seven other nations in 2020, the Artemis Accords set out principles to govern civil space exploration, with a focus on ensuring sustainable human presence on the Moon and, eventually, Mars. By signing these accords, countries demonstrate their dedication to the peaceful utilization of space and contribute to U.S.-led diplomatic initiatives in space governance.

2. When is World Accreditation Day observed globally?

A.    June 09

B.    May 15

C.   July 04

D.   June 10

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

Every year on June 09, World Accreditation Day is celebrated worldwide. This yearly occasion, created by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), is intended to increase understanding of the significance of accreditation in different areas of our lives, such as safeguarding consumers, promoting societal welfare, supporting business activities, and shaping government policies. The theme for World Accreditation Day 2024 is "Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future," emphasizing the role of accreditation in the changing landscape of digitalization, emerging technologies, and sustainability issues.

3. Which country space agency is collaborating with ISRO on the TRISHNA mission?

A.    Japan

B.    France

C.   United States

D.   Russia

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

The French space agency CNES is responsible for providing the Thermal Infra-Red (TIR) payload for the TRISHNA mission. This payload, in conjunction with another payload developed by ISRO, will aid in the research of surface temperature and heat radiation, advancing our knowledge of natural resource evaluation and climate effects on Earth.

4. Which institution has collaborated with the Centre of Excellence for UAVs and DFI to launch the UDAAN initiative?

A.    IISC Bangalore

B.    IIT Delhi

C.   IIT Kanpur

D.   IIT Madras

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Through a partnership with the Centre of Excellence for UAVs and DFI, IIT Kanpur has launched the UDAAN initiative, a drone startup acceleration program. This joint endeavor is designed to assist upcoming drone businesses by granting them access to cutting-edge facilities, mentorship, financial support, and customized business development advice, thereby promoting swift advancement in the drone sector.

5. Who emerged victorious in the men's singles final at the French Open 2024?

A.    Carlos Alcaraz

B.    Alexander Zverev

C.   Marcelo Arevalo

D.   Mate Pavic

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

Carlos Alcaraz clinched the men's singles final by triumphing over Alexander Zverev in an exciting five-set match. Meanwhile, in the women's singles final, Iga Swiatek secured a win by defeating Jasmine Paolini with a convincing score of 6-2, 6-1. Alcaraz's win signifies his outstanding feat as the youngest male player in the Open era to claim Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces, while Swiatek's victory cements her reputation as a clay-court expert and contributes to her remarkable performance at Roland Garros.

6. Which organization was honoured with the 'Best Conduct of Business Regulator' award in the Asia-Pacific region by The Asian Banker?

A.    RBI

B.    IMF

C.   World Bank

D.   SEBI

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

Recognized by The Asian Banker, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was honored with the 'Best Conduct of Business Regulator' award in the Asia-Pacific region. SEBI's accomplishments, such as the successful implementation of the T+1 settlement cycle, have not only improved market liquidity and efficiency but also underscored its dedication to regulatory excellence, thereby raising the bar for business conduct standards in India's financial markets.

7. Which country has been excluded by the European Commission from a conservation grant under its NaturAfrica initiative?

A.    Ethiopia

B.    Kenya

C.   Uganda

D.   Tanzania

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

The European Commission (EC) has decided to withhold a conservation grant from Tanzania within its NaturAfrica initiative because of reported human rights violations linked to the forced displacement of Maasai communities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo. This exclusion could impact conservation endeavors in East Africa, specifically affecting the ERiSaWa project focused on the Eastern Rift Savannahs and Watersheds.

8. What is the revised threshold for bulk fixed deposits set by the Reserve Bank of India?

A.    Rs 1 Crore

B.    Rs 2 Crore

C.   Rs 3 Crore

D.   Rs 4 Crore

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

In order to enhance liquidity management and adapt deposit classifications to current economic requirements, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised the threshold for bulk fixed deposits from Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore. Bulk fixed deposits are usually associated with higher interest rates than retail term deposits and are essential for the liquidity management strategies of banks.

9. Who has plans to release a memoir titled "Source Code: My Beginnings"?

A.    Sumit Arora

B.    Bill Gates

C.   Steve Jobs

D.   Mark Zuckerberg

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

Bill Gates, Microsoft's co-founder, has revealed his plans to publish his memoir "Source Code: My Beginnings" on February 4, 2025. The book is set to offer a deep dive into Gates' life story, spanning from his early days to his influential positions in the tech industry and his philanthropic endeavors, giving readers a unique perspective on the events that influenced his extraordinary professional trajectory.

10. Who claimed his title at the prestigious Norway Chess Tournament?

A.    Fabiano Caruana

B.    Magnus Carlsen

C.   Hikaru Nakamura

D.   Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

Magnus Carlsen, the current top-ranked chess player in the world, clinched his sixth championship at the Norway Chess Tournament. In an exciting last round, Carlsen triumphed over Fabiano Caruana in a fierce Armageddon showdown, demonstrating his supremacy in the realm of chess and solidifying his place in chess history. Meanwhile, in the Women’s Norway Chess Tournament, Ju Wenjun emerged as the winner, contributing to the tournament's thrill and showcasing her skill in the game.

11. When is International Archives Day observed?

A.    June 09

B.    June 10

C.   July 09

D.   July 10

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

Every year on June 09, International Archives Day is celebrated to emphasize the importance of records and archives in safeguarding our shared history and influencing our current and future circumstances. The day was established following a resolution at the 2004 International Congress on Archives, and officially recognized by the International Council on Archives (ICA) in 2007. Across the world, numerous activities and projects are arranged on this day to promote the significance of archives in communities.

12. Who has been appointed as the Director of the Department of Rural Development under the Ministry of Rural Development?

A.    Kamlesh Paswan

B.    Ashwini Yadav

C.   Raj Priy Singh

D.   Chandra Sekhar

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Raj Priy Singh, an Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer from the 2010 batch, has been designated as the Director of the Department of Rural Development within the Ministry of Rural Development. His selection for this role came after a suggestion for Central deputation from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, and is in accordance with the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS).