Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
Assam has permitted oil and gas exploration in the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary in Jorhat, Assam, is unique for housing India’s only gibbons and North-eastern India’s only nocturnal primate, the Bengal slow loris. It is the only sanctuary in India named after gibbons due to its high gibbon population density. The western hoolock gibbon, found in all northeastern states and parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar, is listed as endangered by the IUCN and is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The eastern hoolock gibbon is found in specific areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, with a vulnerable IUCN status.

Notes:
Tiger ST-2303 has moved from Sariska Tiger Reserve to Jhabua forests in Rewari, Haryana. Jhabua forest is rich in prey like nilgai and wild boar, providing the tiger with abundant food and dense cover, making relocation difficult. The tiger’s presence near villages has raised concerns about human-wildlife conflict. Forest officials are working with Rajasthan authorities to safely return the tiger to Sariska. The Sariska Tiger Foundation has requested the Union Environment Minister to ensure the tiger’s return to its original habitat, emphasizing the need to protect wildlife corridors for future tiger migrations.

Notes:
Biologist Johannes Fritz and the Waldrappteam helped increase the northern bald ibis population in Central Europe from zero to nearly 300 since 2002. The species moved from being “critically endangered” to “endangered.” The Northern Bald Ibis, or Geronticus eremita, was native to Central Europe until the 17th century but became extinct there due to excessive hunting. This bird has black plumage with a green sheen, a bald red head with black markings, and a long, curved red beak. They feed mainly on insect larvae and earthworms in open areas like meadows and sports fields. Northern Bald Ibises are social and form large colonies, engaging in ritual greetings involving crest-spreading and bowing.

Notes:
Solar Paraboloid technology is a promising advancement for improving solar energy efficiency. It is a type of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) that uses a Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC). Parabolic mirrors focus sunlight onto a receiver tube at the focal line. This technology offers advantages over traditional photovoltaic (PV) systems, including higher operating temperatures, greater thermal efficiency, and reduced heat losses. However, it faces challenges like high upfront costs and significant infrastructure needs.

Notes:
Mangaluru district jail started a nursery program where prisoners grow ornamental plants like croton, hibiscus, jasmine, and royal farm plants. The program, led by Superintendent B T Oblesappa, involves 30 inmates and aims to rehabilitate them by teaching valuable agricultural skills. It provides prisoners with a potential way to earn a living after release.
The initiative has been well-received locally, with strong demand for the saplings. It also helps increase government revenue. This program highlights a successful approach to prisoner rehabilitation and promoting self-sufficiency.

Notes:
Jay Shah was elected as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on August 27, 2024. At 35, Shah will be the youngest ICC chairman, succeeding Greg Barclay, who chose not to seek a third term. Shah will officially start his role on December 1, 2024. Shah was the only nominee for the position, as elections would only be held if multiple candidates were proposed. Shah’s election is significant as cricket aims to grow globally, with the sport set to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Shah has previously chaired the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs subcommittee.

Notes:
Moscow hosted the 2nd Meeting of the Joint Russian-Indian Commission on Emergency Management on August 28, 2024. The Indian delegation was led by Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs. The Russian delegation was led by Kurenkov Aleksandr Vyacheslavovic, Minister for Civil Defence, Emergencies, and Disaster Management. Both countries agreed to continue sharing best practices and lessons in disaster management. They will also cooperate in emergency management during 2025-26. The first meeting of this Indo-Russian Joint Commission took place in New Delhi in 2016.

Notes:
Grandmaster Karthik Venkataraman from Andhra Pradesh won the 61st National Chess Championship in Gurgaon. The event was organized by The Haryana Chess Association at RPS International School. Karthik received a trophy and a cash prize of six lakh rupees. Surya Ganguly, who led the tournament, finished second with a prize of five lakh rupees. IM Neelash Saha also scored nine points but placed third due to lower tiebreaks, earning four lakh rupees.

Notes:
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed a bill to raise the minimum marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years. The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024, was approved by voice vote. The Bill amends the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which is a central law. Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil stated that raising the marriage age provides better opportunities for women. Early marriages hinder women’s education, career progress, and health. The Bill aims to improve women’s physical development and prevent early motherhood. Early marriage limits women’s success and affects their overall well-being.

Notes:
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the “Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training” (RESET) Programme on National Sports Day in New Delhi. The RESET Programme aims to empower retired athletes who have brought glory to the country. It supports retired athletes by providing them with knowledge and skills for career development, making them more employable. The programme will connect generations, allowing retired athletes to mentor and inspire young aspiring athletes. Their experience will help in developing future champions and boosting sports in India. Applications will be invited through a dedicated portal, with programs based on educational levels of Class 12th and above, and Class 11th and below.