Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh set a record by generating one crore tokens through the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID, with a total of 1,43,00,000 tokens. Andhra Pradesh follows with 60,33,104 tokens, and Karnataka with 42,57,944. The Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) guidelines, updated in 2022, set quality benchmarks for healthcare facilities. The Health Ministry’s dashboard helps monitor compliance with IPHS standards, ensuring consistent and accountable healthcare nationwide.

Notes:
The World Bank approved $1.5 billion to support India’s low-carbon energy development. The funding will boost green hydrogen, electrolysers, and renewable energy. This aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and energy goals: achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070.

Notes:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Haryana and the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, in Panchkula. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Manohar Lal, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh attended. This collaboration aims to enhance Haryana’s criminal justice system by leveraging NFSU’s expertise. Forensic teams will visit for serious offences, increasing the demand for forensic experts.

Notes:
Environmental organizations recently urged the Forest department to maintain transparency in a project to extract Senna spectabilis from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Senna spectabilis, a legume family tree native to South and Central America, is invasive in India. Known for its bright yellow flowers and resilience, it was introduced for shade and fuelwood but now threatens native species due to its dense foliage. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
An artificial lake in the Saryu River poses a significant threat as draining attempts have failed for two days. The Saryu River, also known as Sarayu or Sarju, flows through Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. It is historically significant, mentioned in the Vedas and Ramayana, with Ayodhya, Lord Rama’s birthplace, on its banks. Originating from the Himalayas, it flows into the Sharada River at Pancheshwar, which then merges with the Ghaghara River.

Notes:
Several high-street banks have restricted opening accounts for firms less than a year old due to suspicions of money mule activities linked to laundering and digital fraud. A money mule transfers illegally acquired money for criminals, aiding in laundering proceeds from crimes like human trafficking and drug trafficking. Criminals use fake job adverts or social media posts to recruit money mules, who move funds via bank accounts, checks, virtual currency, or prepaid cards.

Notes:
Kerala’s Chief Minister emphasized the Pachathuruthu initiative’s importance in achieving the state’s Net Zero Carbon target. The project aims to create man-made mini-forests by planting indigenous plants on barren lands, enhancing forest biodiversity. It will aid in carbon sequestration and mitigate urban heat island effects. The initiative relies on mass participation through campaigns and coordination by Local Self-Government Institutions.

Notes:
The 133rd Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest club-based football tournament, starts on 27 July 2024 and ends on 31 August 2024. Matches will be held in Kolkata, Kokrajhar, Jamshedpur, and Shillong, with Jamshedpur hosting for the first time. The tournament features 24 teams from the Indian Super League, I-League, and Armed Forces. The opening match, semi-finals, and final will be in Kolkata. Mohun Bagan Super Giant is the reigning champion.

Notes:
The Philippine Army confirmed the imminent withdrawal of the “deadly” Typhon Weapons System, used by the US in joint military exercises. Also known as the Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF) System, Typhon includes Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) for ballistic defense and ship targeting up to 370 km. It also deploys Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles and comprises four launchers, a command post, and support vehicles on trailers. Using Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) technology, it integrates various missiles and sources external targeting data.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh passed the Uttar Pradesh Nodal Investment Region for Manufacturing (Construction) Area Bill (NIRMAN)-2024, establishing Special Investment Regions (SIRs) to boost industrial growth and economic development. This includes an MoU between ITPO and MSME to enhance the business environment and the construction of new convention centres in Lucknow and Varanasi. These initiatives aim to promote MSMEs and position UP as a prime destination for industrial investments.