Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde inaugurated the state’s first ‘Solar Village’ in Manyachiwadi, Satara district. The state government aims to promote renewable energy and reduce reliance on traditional power sources. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has helped reduce electricity bills, while a 90-95% subsidy is provided for solar pump sets under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that 12,000 MW of solar power will be generated in the next 1.5 years, ensuring free daytime electricity for farmers. MSEDCL plans to provide 100% solar power to two villages in each district, expanding to over 70 villages.

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Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai inaugurated India’s first digital court, 24*7 ONCOURTS, in Kollam, Kerala, to handle cheque bounce cases. This digital court operates entirely online, from case filing to judgments, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce case backlog. The court will start accepting cheque bounce cases in September 2024 and may set a precedent for similar courts in Kerala. Automation is expected to improve productivity and reduce pending cases, with potential future expansion to cases under the Motor Vehicles Act.

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The President of India will present the National Geoscience Awards 2023 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. These awards are among the oldest and most prestigious in geosciences, established in 1966 by the Ministry of Mines. Initially called the National Mineral Awards, the name changed in 2009. The awards honor individuals and teams for exceptional contributions in geosciences, including mineral discovery, mining technology, and fundamental/applied geosciences. Any Indian citizen with significant contributions in geosciences is eligible for the award.

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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.

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India is co-hosting a conference on online radicalization with the European Union (EU). The collaboration underscores the need to address online radicalization internationally. The EU is a significant political and economic union of 27 member states, mainly in Europe. With over 449 million people and contributing about one-sixth of the global GDP in 2022, the EU is a key global partner in this initiative.

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India and Japan signed their first project offtake agreement for exporting green ammonia from India to Japan. The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister of New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi. This marks a key step in India’s goal to become a global leader in green hydrogen and ammonia production. The Heads of Terms (HoT) agreement involves Sembcorp Industries, Sojitz Corporation, Kyushu Electric Power, and NYK Line. It highlights India’s growing role in the global green energy sector and represents the first such collaboration between India and Japan.

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An international group has proposed a lunar time standard to address time discrepancies on the Moon due to its unique gravity. Atomic clocks, crucial for precision in GPS, telecom, and research, are the most accurate timekeeping devices. These clocks measure time using the stable resonant frequencies of atoms like cesium-133. One second is defined by the vibration of a cesium atom 9,192,631,770 times. Atomic clocks work by introducing a microwave signal to cesium atoms, detecting emitted radiation, and adjusting timekeeping for continuous precision.

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The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an order on August 21, 2024, forming a 14-member National Task Force for the safety of medical professionals. The task force was established by the Supreme Court on August 20, 2024, after a postgraduate doctor was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, leading to nationwide protests. Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba is appointed as the Chairperson. The task force includes 9 eminent doctors, the Home Secretary, Health Secretary, and leaders from the National Medical Commission and National Board of Examinations. The Health Ministry will cover all expenses for the task force.

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India launched its first survey of high-risk glacial lakes in Tawang and Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative follows a glacial lake outburst flood in Sikkim’s South Lhonak lake last October. It is led by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). It is part of the National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Mission. The survey aims to assess risks and feasibility for early warning systems and other preventive measures. It will evaluate lake accessibility, geo coordinates, boundaries, elevation, and land use patterns to install early warning systems and weather stations.

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Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the ‘National Conclave: Sangathan Swasthya Samriddhi’ in New Delhi. The event focuses on women’s roles in food, nutrition, health, and WASH. Health and nutrition are highlighted as essential for the nation’s development, with women playing a key role. Self-help groups are recognized as important for the country’s progress. Discussions emphasized the need for better basic health facilities and the idea that a healthy population leads to national growth. Women, including self-help groups from across the country, are attending the conclave.