Daily Current Affairs Quiz: January 19, 2024

Notes:
Chhattisgarh recently launched the Mahtari Vandana Yojana 2024, inspired by Madhya Pradesh’s successful ‘Aarthik Sarkari Ladli Bahna Yojana.’ The state initiative aims to provide monthly economic assistance of 1,000 rupees to women, fostering self-reliance and skill development. The scheme supports women in managing expenses, initiating small-scale enterprises, and improving their financial conditions. With direct transfers to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, Mahtari Vandana Yojana 2024 proves to be a significant state-level effort empowering women in Chhattisgarh.

Notes:
In response to severe water shortages in dry regions of Africa, the ancient “qanat system” is proposed as a solution. Originating in arid areas worldwide, this water-supply system channels mountain water through sloping tunnels to address limited water supplies. Known by various names, such as “foggara” and “falaj,” qanats have been used for centuries in regions like North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This gravity-based system, requiring no electricity, offers sustainability, minimal evaporation, and widespread irrigation potential, fostering social cohesion.

Notes:
ISRO has developed a second-generation Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT) that enhances safety for fishermen at sea. Operational since 2010, over 20,000 DATs are in use. The technology allows fishermen to send emergency messages with real-time acknowledgments through satellite communication. The DAT-SG, an improved version, utilizes advanced capabilities and features. Messages decoded at the Indian Mission Control Centre help Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres locate distressed boats for timely Search and Rescue operations, reassuring fishermen of impending assistance.

Notes:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) appointed Sue Redfern as the first female neutral umpire to officiate a bilateral series. Redfern will umpire the upcoming ICC Women’s Championship and T20I matches between Australia and South Africa. The ICC also appointed seven other impartial women umpires to officiate in the Women’s Championship series. The decision to appoint Redfern aims to promote gender diversity in officiating roles.

Notes:
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) confirmed that the Chang’e 6 sample return mission is scheduled to land on the Moon in the first half of 2024. This mission, aiming to collect lunar samples from the south pole, will contribute valuable data to understand the Moon’s geology. Marking the first attempt to retrieve samples from the far side of the Moon, Chang’e 6 plans to bring back up to two kilograms of lunar samples and involves collaboration with international partners like the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French space agency CNES. The mission includes a lander, rover, and contributions from various countries, emphasizing global scientific cooperation.