Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 13, 2024

Notes:
On 11 September 2024, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). It is implemented by Ministry of Rural Development. The PMGSY was launched on 25 December 2000 to connect rural areas with all-weather roads to reduce poverty. PMGSY-IV will run for five years (2024-2029) with a total cost of Rs 70,125 crore, shared by the central and state governments. The target is to build and upgrade 62,500 km of roads to connect 25,000 unconnected villages. Previous phases focused on upgrading rural roads to improve access to markets, schools, and hospitals.

Notes:
A new snake species, Ahaetulla Longirostris, was discovered in India with a unique long snout. This snake, called the long-snouted vine snake, was found in Bihar and Meghalaya. It has a slender, elongated body and can grow up to 4 feet long. Its color ranges from bright green to orange-brown, with an orange belly. The head is triangular, and the snout is 18% of the head’s length. The species can live in both forests and urban areas, showing adaptability to different environments.

Notes:
Indian and Omani military forces are conducting bilateral exercises in September 2024 to strengthen defence ties. The Indian Air Force is participating in Exercise Eastern Bridge VII, held at Air Force Base Masirah, Oman, from 11-22 September 2024. The Indian contingent includes MiG-29s, Jaguar fighter planes, and C-17 Globemaster III transport planes. This exercise, first held in 2009, enhances interoperability and operational readiness. The Indian Army is also participating in Exercise AL NAJAH-V from 13-26 September 2024 in Salalah, Oman, focusing on counterterrorism operations and desert warfare. These exercises are held biennially, alternating between India and Oman.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurates the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen on 11 September 2024. The conference takes place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 11-13 September 2024. The aim is to position India as a global leader in the green hydrogen ecosystem. It focuses on technological advancements and strategic investments in the green hydrogen value chain. The event is organized by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office.

Notes:
Natural geographic isolation is occurring among Asiatic lions in Gujarat, so translocation isn’t needed, says the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) director. IBCA was launched by the Indian Prime Minister on 9 April 2023, during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. Its goal is to conserve seven big cat species—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma—and their habitats globally. The alliance covers 97 range countries and focuses on knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and resource support. India supports IBCA with Rs 150 crore for five years, with its headquarters in India and a governance structure.