6th July 2024 Daily Current Affairs
1. Which two organizations recently signed an MoU to develop AI tools for detecting and classifying large cardamom diseases in Sikkim?
[B] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Spices Board of India
[C] National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Ministry of Agriculture
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Spices Board of India
Correct Answer: A [National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Spices Board of India]
Notes:
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Spices Board of India have signed an MoU to develop AI tools for detecting and classifying large cardamom diseases in Sikkim. Led by NIC’s AI Centre of Excellence in Kolkata, the project analyzes images of cardamom leaves to identify diseases early. This initiative, following three months of discussions, is a significant step in leveraging AI for agricultural advancements in Sikkim.
2. Recently, where was the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held?
[A] Tehran, Iran[B] Astana, Kazakhstan
[C] Beijing, China
[D] New Delhi, India
Correct Answer: B [Astana, Kazakhstan]
Notes:
The 24th SCO Heads of State Meeting was held on July 4, 2024, in Astana, Kazakhstan. Hosted by President Tokayev, the summit admitted Belarus as the 10th full member. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped the meeting, represented by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, who reiterated Modi’s stance against terrorism. Key leaders, including Putin, Xi Jinping, and Erdogan, attended, emphasizing the priority of combating terrorism and radicalization.
3. Recently, which government agency has launched the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyaan’?
[B] NABARD
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Ministry of Finance
Correct Answer: C [NITI Aayog]
Notes:
NITI Aayog launched the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ on July 4, 2024, targeting 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators across 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks. Running until September 30, the campaign saw enthusiastic participation from officials, frontline workers, and citizens nationwide. Events included health camps, cultural programs, and awareness yatras, emphasizing community involvement and commitment to the campaign’s goals from Jammu and Kashmir to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
4. Which country hosts 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee?
[A] Australia[B] France
[C] India
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
India will host the 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session from July 21-31, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This significant cultural diplomacy event will draw over 2,500 delegates from 195 countries, including state parties to the World Heritage Convention, advisory bodies, senior diplomats, heritage experts, and scholars. The gathering aims to discuss and decide on matters of global cultural significance.
5. What is ‘Junk DNA’, recently mentioned in news?
[A] Regions of DNA that code for proteins[B] Noncoding regions of DNA
[C] DNA used in cellular respiration
[D] DNA that is completely functional
Correct Answer: B [Noncoding regions of DNA]
Notes:
Using AI, researchers discovered potential cancer drivers in ‘junk’ DNA regions, which are noncoding sections of DNA. While DNA codes for proteins, not all sequences serve this function. Some noncoding DNA produces RNA components, but others have unknown functions and are termed junk DNA. In humans, 98% of DNA is noncoding, compared to 2% in bacteria. Evidence suggests junk DNA might have functional roles through exaptation, gaining functions beyond natural selection.
