Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
The International Labour Organization released the “Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024” report, marking its 20th anniversary. The report highlights achievements, challenges, and future outlooks for youth employment. In 2023, the global youth unemployment rate dropped to 13%, the lowest in 15 years, with 64.9 million unemployed youth, the lowest since 2000. 20.4% of youth were classified as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training), showing broad labor market exclusion. Two-thirds of young NEETs are women.

Notes:
Corbett Tiger Reserve celebrated World Elephant Day with an awareness campaign. It is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, the reserve spans the districts of Pauri, Nainital, and Almora. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it was renamed in 1957 to honor Jim Corbett, a naturalist and conservationist. The reserve now covers 1,288.31 sq. km, featuring undulating terrain with valleys and rivers like Ramganga, Pallaen, and Sonanadi. It is mainly spread over the Bhabar and lower Shivalik regions, characterized by a porous tract with boulders and sand deposits.

Notes:
PR Sreejesh, who recently led India to a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian junior men’s hockey team. His transition from a key player to a coach is notable, especially after his crucial saves helped India win against Spain. Hockey India celebrated Sreejesh’s move, recognizing his inspiring journey and expecting his coaching to positively impact the young athletes.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister announced the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Yojana to empower youth. The scheme provides financial support to young entrepreneurs, aiming to establish one million MSME units across the state. Over 16.2 million young people have gained employment through state investments. 62 lakh youth have connected with self-employment opportunities through Central and State Government schemes. A dedicated start-up fund has been established to finance new ventures and further boost entrepreneurship.

Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu approved 103 Gallantry awards for Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces on Independence Day. The awards include four Kirti Chakras (three posthumous), 18 Shaurya Chakras (four posthumous), and one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry). Additional awards include 63 Sena Medals (Gallantry, two posthumous), 11 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), and six Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). 39 Mention-in-Despatches were approved, including for Army Dog Kent. The President also approved one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service), one Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry), and two Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious Service) for the Indian Coast Guard, along with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Services and Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

Notes:
The Hakki Pikki tribe has become successful in the hair oil industry. Traditionally, they were semi-nomadic bird catchers and hunters. They live mainly in Karnataka’s Shivamogga, Davanagere, and Mysuru districts, having migrated from Northern India. The tribe is recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India. They speak ‘Vaagri,’ an Indo-Aryan language, at home, but use Kannada for business; UNESCO lists Vaagri as endangered.

Notes:
Two young lives were lost in the Bhima River in Ganagapur, Kalaburagi district. The Bhima River, also called Chandrabagha, is the largest tributary of the Krishna River. It originates near Bhimashankar Temple in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats and flows southeast through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. The river merges into the Krishna River in Raichur district, Karnataka, and spans 861 km. The Bhima River’s basin covers 48,631 sq. km, with 75% in Maharashtra.
The river’s water level varies with the monsoon, flooding in August and nearly stagnant in March and April. Major tributaries include the Indrayani, Mula, Mutha, and Pavana Rivers.

Notes:
The Chhattisgarh Forest Department held a Van Mahotsav in the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district, planting saplings using the Miyawaki method. The Miyawaki method, is a urban afforestation method, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. It involves planting 2-4 types of native trees per square meter. Dense planting leads to rapid growth as seedlings compete for sunlight. Only native species, suited to the local climate and naturally occurring without human interference, are planted. Trees become self-sustainable and reach full growth in about three years. Miyawaki forests grow 10 times faster, are 30 times denser, and have 100 times more biodiversity.

Notes:
Researchers in Bhuj assessed areas of Banni for sustainable grassland restoration, focusing on ecological value. Banni is in Gujarat’s Kachchh district and is home to 22 ethnic groups, mainly pastoralists. It has rich biodiversity with 37 grass species, 275 bird species, and domesticated animals like buffalo, sheep, and camel. The Banni Grasslands include the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and Chhari Dhand Conservation Reserve.

Notes:
The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have launched the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) project. This initiative aims to raise awareness and share best practices on labor standards. The FPRW project focuses on upholding basic human values crucial for social and economic well-being. It was established in 1998 and updated in 2022. The ILO Declaration covers essential labor standards across various conventions. Originally four categories of standards were recognized, now expanded to five, including occupational safety and health.