Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
A Kalamezhuthu workshop was recently organized by the Malayalam Department in Kochi, Kerala. Kalamezhuthu, also known as Dhulee Chithram or Kalam Pattu, is a traditional floor painting art form in Kerala. It is performed during rituals to worship gods like Kaali, Ayyappan, and Vettakkorumakan. The drawings are erased at the end of rituals with musical accompaniment. Natural colors from plants are used for the drawings. Artists usually come from communities like the Kurups, Theyyampadi Nambiars, and Theeyadi Unnis.

Notes:
Diana Pundole, a teacher and mother from Pune won the national championship in the saloon category at the MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 in Chennai. Her victory is an inspiration for aspiring female racers. She balanced numerous challenges, including family life, to achieve this success. Her win highlights her determination and breaks barriers in the male-dominated motorsport industry.

Notes:
Genrobotic Innovations has launched the Bandicoot Mini, a more compact and affordable version of the Bandicoot robot. The Bandicoot robot is designed for manhole cleaning and performs tasks typically done manually inside the manhole. It can be operated via a control panel outside the manhole. The robot features a specialized arm for unblocking sewer lines. Its purpose is to help eliminate manual scavenging.

Notes:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh. The new districts are Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. This decision aims to improve governance and bring benefits closer to the people.
Ladakh, previously with two districts (Leh and Kargil), is large and sparsely populated. The new districts will help implement public welfare schemes more effectively. The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Ladakh administration to form a committee to plan the new districts, including details like headquarters and boundaries, and submit a report within three months.

Notes:
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Chief Ministers announced the development of a new religious circuit named the ‘Shri Krishna Gaman Path’. The initiative is aimed at boosting religious tourism and preserving cultural heritage. The circuit will connect Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, with Ujjain, a sacred city in Madhya Pradesh. This project will trace the footsteps of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The ‘Shri Krishna Gaman Path’ is expected to enhance cultural ties and attract pilgrims and tourists to these significant religious sites.

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:
Shannon Gabriel, a West Indies fast bowler, announced his retirement from international cricket. Gabriel began his international career in 2012. He played in 59 Test matches, 25 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and two T20 Internationals, taking a total of 202 wickets. He found more success in Test cricket and became a regular in the West Indies team by 2017. In 2019, Gabriel was banned for four ODIs due to a homophobic remark against Joe Root. His last appearance for West Indies was in a Test match against India in July 2023. He plays for Trinidad and Tobago in domestic cricket.

Notes:
Namibian cheetah Pawan was found dead in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. Pawan was the only free-ranging cheetah to have survived in Kuno. After Pawan’s death, Kuno National Park now has 24 cheetahs, including 12 adults and 12 cubs.
Project Cheetah, started in 2022, aims to reintroduce the cheetah, which was extinct in India. The cheetahs were brought from South Africa and Namibia. The project also focuses on conserving prey species and protecting other endangered species in grasslands and open forests.

Notes:
Ministry of Science and Technology developed a composite membrane called the Mixed Matrix Membrane (MMM). MMMs are made from two or more materials and can detect ammonia or other amine leaks in industrial settings or labs. The MMM changes color when exposed to amine vapors, making it easier to detect leaks. Ammonia and other aliphatic amines are often used as raw materials or intermediate products in the food, chemical, and fertilizer industries. The MMM was developed by a research team at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology.

Notes:
Bihar Police launched the “Safe Travel Facility” on September 15 to improve safety for women. This 24/7 service is initially available in six districts. Women can call Dial 112 for secure transportation, with police monitoring their journey. The initiative aims to enhance women’s safety and aligns with national efforts to protect and empower women, especially during the festive season.