Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
The Meghalaya Lokayukta has notified former officials of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) over alleged irregularities in implementing the Saubhagya scheme. Launched in October 2017, Saubhagya aims for universal household electrification nationwide, providing free LED bulbs and essential electrical items to BPL families. It emphasizes last-mile connectivity in rural areas and Solar Photovoltaic systems for remote villages. Urban connections target economically poor households, excluding non-poor urban dwellings from benefits.

Notes:
A massive avalanche struck Gandhi Sarovar, also known as Chorabari Tal, near Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. Gandhi Sarovar, originating from the Chorabari Bamak Glacier, is where Lord Shiva is believed to have taught yoga to the Saptrishis. Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva, is part of the Char Dham circuit, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath.

Notes:
Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Chief Ministers signed an MoU for the Rs 72,000 crore Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal river linking project in Bhopal. This initiative aims to transfer surplus water from Southern Rajasthan’s rivers to water-scarce districts in southeastern Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh. It will irrigate 2.8 lakh hectares and benefit 13 districts in Rajasthan, along with Malwa and Chambal regions in Madhya Pradesh, fostering interstate cooperation and developmental corridors between religious sites.

Notes:
US-based Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) and Blue Origin have partnered with India for their human spaceflight program. They will offer six seats on a future New Shepard mission to citizens from countries with limited space presence. New Shepard, a reusable suborbital rocket, will take the selected astronauts on an 11-minute journey past the Kármán line, the internationally recognized space boundary at 100 km.

Notes:
The Indian Army commenced the Maitree exercise with the Royal Thai Army at Fort Vachiraprakan, Thailand, from 1 to 15 July 2024. Initiated in 2006, this bilateral exercise enhances defense cooperation. Seventy-six personnel from both armies, including the Ladakh Scouts, participate. The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in urban and jungle environments, joint planning, tactical drills, and physical fitness.

Notes:
Astronomers discovered a new radio galaxy using the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR), a pan-European distributed radio interferometer developed by the Dutch Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON). LOFAR observes the Universe at low radio frequencies (90-200 MHz) and can simultaneously observe multiple directions. It aims to explore the early universe, solar activity, and the terrestrial atmosphere. LOFAR’s innovative design includes advanced digital beam-forming for agile, multi-user operations.

Notes:
A recent study potentially documents the first case of Down syndrome in Neanderthals. Down syndrome occurs when a person has an extra chromosome or a part of a chromosome, specifically an extra copy of chromosome 21, called trisomy 21. This genetic condition impacts mental and physical development, causing various challenges. Although individuals with Down syndrome share similarities, their abilities vary. The condition typically arises randomly during early fetal development and is not inherited.

Notes:
The Odisha government plans to plant nearly 19 lakh palm trees in 2024-25 to mitigate lightning risks. Each forest block boundary will receive four palm trees, costing Rs 7 crore. Palm trees like Coconut and Palmyrah are part of tropical ecosystems, with Palmyrah designated as Tamil Nadu’s State Tree. They act as natural conductors during lightning strikes, potentially saving lives. Male palm trees bear flowers, while females produce fruits.

Notes:
India will host the 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session from July 21-31, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This significant cultural diplomacy event will draw over 2,500 delegates from 195 countries, including state parties to the World Heritage Convention, advisory bodies, senior diplomats, heritage experts, and scholars. The gathering aims to discuss and decide on matters of global cultural significance.

Notes:
The ‘Jaiva Gramam’ campaign launched in Karumalloor, Kerala, aims to promote organic farming. Supported by the local panchayat and Lions Club, it encourages households to grow vegetables for Onam. Participants receive subsidies for saplings, fertilizers, and tools, and learn from experienced farmers. The initiative aims for sustainable agricultural growth, self-sufficiency in vegetable production, and preserving Kerala’s farming heritage to boost farmers’ economic prospects.