Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma launched the Mukhya Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, an income support scheme, at Krishi Upaj Mandi in Tonk. The first installment of Rs 650 crore was released to 65 lakh farmers. Eligible farmers will receive Rs 2000 annually in three installments, alongside the Rs 6000 from the central PM-KISAN scheme. The Cooperative Department is the nodal agency for implementation.

Notes:
The Indian men’s cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, won the 9th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa by 7 runs at Kensington Oval, Barbados on 29 June 2024. This is India’s second T20 World Cup win, following their 2007 victory. The final marked the T20 retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. It was also Rahul Dravid’s last assignment as coach.

Notes:
For the first time, the Taliban participated in the United Nations Conference on Afghanistan, held in Doha on 30 June and 1 July 2024. Despite attendance from 25 countries and organizations, including the EU and SCO, no substantial progress was made. The Taliban, represented by Zabihullah Mujahid, joined after their demands were met, excluding Afghan civil society representatives. India was represented by J.P. Singh from the Ministry of External Affairs.

Notes:
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $170 million loan to enhance India’s health system for future pandemics. Key signatories were Ms. Juhi Mukherjee and Ms. Mio Oka. The “Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems Programme” aims to improve disease surveillance, human resources for health, and climate-resilient public health infrastructure, supporting initiatives like the National Health Policy 2017 and PM-ABHIM.

Notes:
Recent volatility in the Stablecoin market, including the collapse of TerraUSD, has raised concerns about their stability and reliability. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to assets like fiat currency or commodities (e.g., gold) to maintain a stable price. They offer an alternative to the high volatility of popular cryptocurrencies, making them potentially more suitable for everyday transactions.

Notes:
IIT Bombay and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) have partnered to develop a ship trajectory prediction tool to improve maritime safety. This tool focuses on disabled ships, offering early warnings and facilitating rescue operations. Integrated with IRS’s Emergency Response System, it aims to enhance response times by locating drifting vessels and rerouting nearby ships. Professors Behera and Srineash emphasize its alignment with national safety goals and industry-academia collaboration.

Notes:
NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and TransUnion CIBIL have launched the SEHER programme to enhance financial literacy and business skills among women entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to improve access to financial tools for business growth and job creation, supporting WEP’s goal of improving financing for India’s 63 million MSMEs. Launched in 2018, WEP supports women entrepreneurs through promotion, finance access, market linkages, training, mentoring, and business development services.

Notes:
A high-level committee led by an Orissa High Court judge has accelerated the process of opening the Ratna Bhandar treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple after 46 years. Located in Puri, Odisha, the Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and dates back to the 12th century under the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Known for its Kalinga architecture, the temple houses idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, and hosts the famous Ratha Yatra festival annually.

Notes:
The Ministry of Culture has launched Project PARI (Public Art of India) in conjunction with the 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting in New Delhi from July 21-31, 2024. Executed by Lalit Kala Akademi and National Gallery of Modern Art, this initiative aims to blend India’s rich artistic heritage with modern themes. Over 150 artists will create public artworks, democratizing art and enhancing cultural engagement nationwide.

Notes:
Indian squash players secured two titles at the 2024 Asian Squash Doubles Championship in Johor, Malaysia. Abhay Singh and Joshna Chinappa won the mixed doubles, defeating Hong Kong’s Tong Tsz Wing and Ming Hong Tang. In the men’s doubles, Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar triumphed over Malaysia’s Ong Sai Hung and Syafiq Kamal. The championship featured 33 teams from seven countries and was held from July 4-7, 2024.