This is the current affairs of 21 June 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Name the first multinational air exercise to be hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in August 2024?
a. Bharat Shakti
b. Tarang Shakti
c. Vayu Shakti
d. Ashva Shakti
Answer: b. Tarang Shakti
– The Indian Air Force will organize an international air exercise for the first time in August 2024.
– Prior to this, the Indian Air Force has conducted bilateral and trilateral air exercises, but has not organized exercises involving the air forces of many countries together.
– However, India often participates in international air exercises held abroad.
– Tarang Shakti was initially planned to be held at the end of 2023, but it was postponed. Now it will be held in August.
Countries Invited
– The IAF has invited 10 friendly countries.
– The IAF has invited friendly countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
– According to The Hindu, Germany will also deploy fighter jets and an A-400M transport aircraft for this event.
Two-Phase Exercise
– Now this exercise will be conducted in two phases, the first phase will be in South India during the first two weeks of August, while the second phase will be in the Western region from the end of August to mid-September.
Experience of the Red Flag Exercise
– The Red Flag exercise, organized by the United States Air Force (USAF) from June 4 to 14, concluded at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
– The Indian Air Force participated in it.
This year, it was the second edition of the Red Flag exercise.
– The Indian Air Force has said – enriched by the experience of America’s Red Flag exercise, the Indian Air Force is eager to host participant teams from other countries during Tarang Shakti-2024, which is the first Indian multinational air exercise to be held later this year.
Indian Air Force Chief – Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari
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2. When is International Day of Yoga celebrated?
a. 21 June
b. 22 June
c. 23 June
d. 24 June
Answer: a. 21 June
Theme 2024
– Yoga for Self and Society
Why is Yoga Day celebrated on June 21?
– In fact, June 21 is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, known as the Summer Solstice.
– India proposed this day to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, which was accepted.
– Since then, International Yoga Day has been celebrated worldwide from the year 2015.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the initiative for International Yoga Day at the United Nations.
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3. Indian company Coal India Limited is exploring lithium blocks in Argentina in collaboration with which country’s company?
a. America
b. Japan
c. Maldives
d. Russia
Answer: a. America
– This exploration is being conducted to ensure the supply of battery materials.
– According to The Hindu newspaper, this information was obtained on June 18, 2024.
– India is exploring ways to ensure the supply of lithium, which is a critical raw material used for making electric vehicle batteries.
Note: According to The Hindu newspaper, the Indian government has also asked miners to explore critical minerals in the Dubbo region of Australia.
What are India’s Efforts and Objectives?
– These efforts are part of the Indian government’s strategy, under which India joined the U.S.-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) last year in 2023.
– The purpose of this partnership is to ensure that India has an adequate supply of the necessary minerals to meet its net-zero carbon targets.
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4. India and which country launched a new strategic semiconductor partnership in June 2024 and also agreed to co-invest in a lithium resources project and rare earth reserves?
a. America
b. Japan
c. Maldives
d. Russia
Answer: a. America
– These decisions were made during the second meeting of the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (ICET) led by Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his U.S. counterpart Jake Sullivan in New Delhi on June 17, 2024.
– Under this initiative, the semiconductor design and manufacturing process for precision-guided munitions will be co-developed.
– Additionally, both countries are jointly investing in a lithium resource project in South America and rare earth reserves in Africa.
– The exact amount of the investment has not yet been determined.
Why Did India and the U.S. Agree?
– Both countries also agreed to co-invest in a lithium resource project in South America and rare earth reserves in Africa.
– This is to help boost India’s “critical role” in the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP).
– India is engaging in talks with several countries, including the U.S., to cooperate in lithium processing and to avoid dependence on China.
– India joined the MSP (Minerals Security Partnership) in June 2023.
– Many countries are part of this partnership.
First Lithium Discovery in India
– For the first time, lithium reserves were found in India in Jammu and Kashmir.
– The Geological Survey of India discovered lithium reserves in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 9, 2023.
– The GSI is running projects to discover lithium in 19 locations across the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Jammu and Kashmir.
– Additionally, the Central Public Sector Enterprise, Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited, has discovered lithium in Ladakh. The Department of Atomic Energy has discovered lithium in some parts of Karnataka and estimated 1,600 tons of metal in the Mandya district.
What is Lithium?
– Lithium is a chemical element.
– Its chemical symbol is Li.
– It is the lightest metal and the least dense solid element.
– Its atomic number is 3 and its atomic weight is 6.941 u.
– Lithium is a non-ferrous metal used to make rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, and other devices.
– India currently depends on other countries for lithium.
– As of 2023, China and Australia are the world’s largest lithium suppliers.
From Which Countries Does India Import Lithium?
– India is the fourth largest importer of lithium in the world.
– India imports almost 80% of its lithium-ion batteries from China.
– To become self-reliant in the field of lithium, India is attempting to acquire stakes in lithium mines in Argentina, Chile, Australia, and Bolivia.
Geological Survey of India (GSI)
– Established: 1851
– Headquarters: Kolkata
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5. Which medal did Neeraj Chopra win at the Paavo Nurmi Games in June 2024?
a. Silver
b. Bronze
c. Gold
d. None of These
Answer: c. Gold
Neeraj Chopra’s First Gold Medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games
– This is Neeraj Chopra’s first gold medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games.
– He secured the first place with his best throw of 85.97 meters in his third attempt on June 18, 2024.
– Finland’s Toni Keränen won the silver medal with a throw of 84.19 meters.
– The Paavo Nurmi Games were held at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium in Turku, Finland.
Paavo Nurmi Games
– This is an annual track and field meet held at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium in Turku, Finland.
– It was first organized in 1957.
Neeraj Chopra’s Previous Achievements
– In the 2022 World Championships, Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal with a throw of 88.13 meters.
– He won the gold medal in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
– In 2018, he secured gold for the country in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
– In 2016, Neeraj Chopra won gold in the Under-20 World Championships.
From Haryana, Neeraj Chopra
– Neeraj Chopra was born on December 24, 1997.
– He was born in Khandra village near Panipat city in Haryana.
– Neeraj’s father, Satish Kumar, is a small farmer.
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6. In which state did Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate the new campus of Nalanda University in June 2024?
a. Uttar Pradesh
b. Rajasthan
c. Maharashtra
d. Bihar
Answer: d. Bihar
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University on 19 June 2024.
Establishment of the New Campus of Nalanda University
– The new campus is located 12 kilometers away from the ruins of Nalanda in Bihar.
– It is 100 kilometers away from the capital city of Bihar, Patna.
– The campus spreads across 455 acres and includes academic and administrative blocks, quarters for faculty and students, laboratories, and a library.
– It began in 2014 with a temporary location for 14 students; construction work started in 2017.
About the New Campus of Nalanda University
– Discussions on reviving Nalanda University began in 2006, initiated during the visit of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to Bihar.
– The decision for its establishment was taken in 2010 but couldn’t be implemented at that time.
– According to The Hindu newspaper, its inception began in 2014 with a temporary location for 14 students.
– Construction work started in 2017.
– The construction of the new campus was undertaken under the Nalanda University Act, 2010.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it on June 19, 2024.
Students from how many countries are studying here?
– Currently, around 400 students from about 17 countries are studying at the university.
– Additionally, diploma and certificate courses are being offered here in 10 subjects.
– The university provides postgraduate and doctoral research programs, as well as short-term certificate courses.
Note: It was declared a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in the year 2016.
About the ancient Nalanda University
– The ancient Nalanda University was established in the 5th century AD, originally founded as a Mahavihara.
– It attracted students from all over the world.
In the 12th century, it was destroyed by invaders.
– Prior to its destruction, this ancient university flourished for 800 years.
– The credit for the establishment of this university goes to Emperor Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty.
Bihar
– Capital: Patna
– Chief Minister: Nitish Kumar
– Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
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7. Former Indian player of which sport, David Johnson, passed away on 20 June 2024?
a. Hockey
b. Cricket
c. Football
d. Volleyball
Answer: b. Cricket
– He was a former fast bowler for India, aged 52.
– He played two Test matches in 1996 and took three wickets.
– In 39 first-class matches, he took 125 wickets.
– He achieved four five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul in his career.
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8. Which wildlife filmmaker has been honoured with the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award?
a. Eric Stoltz
b. Art Linson
c. Jenny Wright
d. Subbiah Nallamuthu
Answer: d. Subbiah Nallamuthu
– Subbaiah Nallamuthu has been honored with the 18th V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the field of wildlife documentary filmmaking.
– He received this award on June 15, 2024, at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), presented by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, L. Murugan.
– Subbaiah Nalla Muthu’s recent wildlife conservation campaign film, “Tiger Anthem,” produced in collaboration with The Times of India, received much acclaim.
– The movie has been viewed over 100 million times worldwide and garnered praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
– It was also showcased at the G-20 Summit.
– “Tiger Anthem” was part of TOI’s “Project Tiger” campaign celebrating 50 years.
– Nalla Muthu is considered one of the eminent natural history filmmakers in the world. His work on Indian tigers has no parallel. He dedicated 16 years of his life to narrating poignant stories about India’s big cats.
– These stories not only garnered praise worldwide but also raised global awareness about tiger conservation.
V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award
– The V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious honor initiated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in 1990 in memory of filmmaker V. Shantaram.
– This award is presented at the Mumbai International Film Festival to filmmakers who have made significant contributions to documentary filmmaking.
– The Mumbai International Film Festival is held biennially.
– The award includes a citation, a trophy, and a cash prize of 10 lakh rupees.
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9. Peter Pellegrini was sworn in as the President of which country?
a. Czech Republic
b. Poland
c. Hungary
d. Slovakia
Answer: d. Slovakia
– On June 15, 2024, Peter Pellegrini took oath amidst tight security because a month earlier there was an assassination attempt on his close associate Prime Minister Robert Fico.
– Since gaining independence from Czechoslovakia in 1993, 48-year-old Peter Pellegrini became Slovakia’s sixth president.
– Elections were held in Slovakia on April 6, 2024.
– Prime Minister: Robert Fico
– Currency: Euro
– Language: Slovak
– Population: 5.43 million (2022)
– Neighboring countries: Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the west, and the Czech Republic to the northwest.
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10. When was the International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice celebrated?
a. 18 June
b. 19 June
c. 20 June
d. 21 June
Answer: d. 21 June
– This day has been declared by the United Nations.
– There are two solstices in a year: the summer solstice and the winter solstice.
Summer Solstice
– This is commonly known as “Summer Solstice”.
– It is the longest day and shortest night of the year in the northern hemisphere.
In Delhi, this day lasts approximately 14 hours.
– On the other hand, the winter solstice (often referred to as “winter solstice” in Hindi) marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, signaling the onset of winter.
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