Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024
1. Recently, the Central Railway has inaugurated its first-ever floating solar plant with a 10 MWp capacity in which lake of India?
[A] Lonar lake
[B] Periyar lake
[C] Venna lake
[D] Igatpuri lake
[B] Periyar lake
[C] Venna lake
[D] Igatpuri lake
Correct Answer: D [Igatpuri lake ]
Notes:
Central Railway has inaugurated India’s first floating solar plant, a 10 MWp installation on Igatpuri lake in the Western Ghats. This initiative marks a milestone in Indian Railways’ clean energy efforts, aimed at achieving zero carbon emissions by 2030. Additional rooftop solar plants totaling 12.05 MWp have saved Rs. 4.62 crores and reduced carbon footprints by 6594.81 MT in 2023-24. Plans include installing 7 MWp more this year, reinforcing the commitment to renewable energy transition.
Central Railway has inaugurated India’s first floating solar plant, a 10 MWp installation on Igatpuri lake in the Western Ghats. This initiative marks a milestone in Indian Railways’ clean energy efforts, aimed at achieving zero carbon emissions by 2030. Additional rooftop solar plants totaling 12.05 MWp have saved Rs. 4.62 crores and reduced carbon footprints by 6594.81 MT in 2023-24. Plans include installing 7 MWp more this year, reinforcing the commitment to renewable energy transition.
2. What is the theme of Statistics Day, 2024?
[A] Use of data for decision-making
[B] Alignment of State Indicator Framework with National Indicator Framework
[C] Data for Sustainable Development
[D] End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition
[B] Alignment of State Indicator Framework with National Indicator Framework
[C] Data for Sustainable Development
[D] End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition
Correct Answer: A [Use of data for decision-making]
Notes:
National Statistics Day, celebrated annually on June 29 in India, honors Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis for his contributions to statistics and economic planning. Initiated in 2007, its goal is to raise awareness, particularly among youth, about the pivotal role of statistics in shaping socio-economic policies. The theme for 2024, “Use of data for decision-making,” underscores the importance of informed decision-making through statistical insights in fostering national development.
National Statistics Day, celebrated annually on June 29 in India, honors Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis for his contributions to statistics and economic planning. Initiated in 2007, its goal is to raise awareness, particularly among youth, about the pivotal role of statistics in shaping socio-economic policies. The theme for 2024, “Use of data for decision-making,” underscores the importance of informed decision-making through statistical insights in fostering national development.
3. What is ‘Snowblind’, recently seen in news?
[A] Exoplanet
[B] Asteroid
[C] Malware
[D] Drugs
[B] Asteroid
[C] Malware
[D] Drugs
Correct Answer: C [Malware]
Notes:
A new Android malware called ‘Snowblind’ targets users to steal banking credentials by bypassing anti-tamper mechanisms using the ‘seccomp’ security feature. Snowblind repacks apps to avoid detection and utilizes accessibility services to remotely view screens, disabling biometric and two-factor authentication. It primarily infects devices via apps from untrusted sources and is most active in Southeast Asia, posing a significant threat to banking app security.
A new Android malware called ‘Snowblind’ targets users to steal banking credentials by bypassing anti-tamper mechanisms using the ‘seccomp’ security feature. Snowblind repacks apps to avoid detection and utilizes accessibility services to remotely view screens, disabling biometric and two-factor authentication. It primarily infects devices via apps from untrusted sources and is most active in Southeast Asia, posing a significant threat to banking app security.
4. Recently, which state has set a record by generating one crore tokens through the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID?
[A] Bihar
[B] Haryana
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Haryana
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
Uttar Pradesh set a record by generating one crore tokens through the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID, with a total of 1,43,00,000 tokens. Andhra Pradesh follows with 60,33,104 tokens, and Karnataka with 42,57,944. The Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) guidelines, updated in 2022, set quality benchmarks for healthcare facilities. The Health Ministry’s dashboard helps monitor compliance with IPHS standards, ensuring consistent and accountable healthcare nationwide.
Uttar Pradesh set a record by generating one crore tokens through the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID, with a total of 1,43,00,000 tokens. Andhra Pradesh follows with 60,33,104 tokens, and Karnataka with 42,57,944. The Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) guidelines, updated in 2022, set quality benchmarks for healthcare facilities. The Health Ministry’s dashboard helps monitor compliance with IPHS standards, ensuring consistent and accountable healthcare nationwide.
5. ‘Nouka Baich’, recently seen in news, is the traditional boat race of which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] West Bengal
[C] Assam
[D] Manipur
[B] West Bengal
[C] Assam
[D] Manipur
Correct Answer: B [West Bengal]
Notes:
With the south-west monsoon setting in, Nouka Baich boat races will soon begin in rural West Bengal. These traditional races occur from September to November, with increasing female participation. Linked to the worship of the Hindu deity Manasa, goddess of snakes, these races use various traditional boats, including the 90 ft long Sorengi. The races celebrate agrarian culture and the swollen rivers of the monsoon season.
With the south-west monsoon setting in, Nouka Baich boat races will soon begin in rural West Bengal. These traditional races occur from September to November, with increasing female participation. Linked to the worship of the Hindu deity Manasa, goddess of snakes, these races use various traditional boats, including the 90 ft long Sorengi. The races celebrate agrarian culture and the swollen rivers of the monsoon season.
6. Which state recently launched the ‘NTR Bharosa pension scheme’?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the NTR Bharosa pension scheme on 1 July 2024, delivering pensions personally to beneficiaries. The scheme, a promise fulfilled by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government, increases monthly pensions for various categories: from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 for elderly, widows, and others, and up to Rs 15,000 for severely disabled individuals. The initiative aims to enhance social security, with Rs 4,408 crore distributed to 6.531 million beneficiaries across 28 categories.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the NTR Bharosa pension scheme on 1 July 2024, delivering pensions personally to beneficiaries. The scheme, a promise fulfilled by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government, increases monthly pensions for various categories: from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 for elderly, widows, and others, and up to Rs 15,000 for severely disabled individuals. The initiative aims to enhance social security, with Rs 4,408 crore distributed to 6.531 million beneficiaries across 28 categories.
7. What is AI washing, recently seen in news?
[A] It is a deceptive promotional practice that lies about a product use of AI
[B] A new AI malware that harms android phones
[C] A tool which used to washing clothes by using AI tool
[D] None of the Above
[B] A new AI malware that harms android phones
[C] A tool which used to washing clothes by using AI tool
[D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: A [It is a deceptive promotional practice that lies about a product use of AI]
Notes:
AI washing is a deceptive practice where companies falsely claim to use AI technology to appear more advanced and capitalize on AI’s popularity. This can involve overstating capabilities, like saying a chatbot uses AI when it just matches keywords. Similar to greenwashing, AI washing misleads consumers and investors, causing them to overpay for non-existent tech benefits. It undermines trust and complicates the identification of genuinely innovative companies.
AI washing is a deceptive practice where companies falsely claim to use AI technology to appear more advanced and capitalize on AI’s popularity. This can involve overstating capabilities, like saying a chatbot uses AI when it just matches keywords. Similar to greenwashing, AI washing misleads consumers and investors, causing them to overpay for non-existent tech benefits. It undermines trust and complicates the identification of genuinely innovative companies.
8. Which state government recently announced plan to plant nearly 19 lakh palm trees to combat lightning deaths?
[A] Bihar
[B] Haryana
[C] Punjab
[D] Odisha
[B] Haryana
[C] Punjab
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: D [Odisha]
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.
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.
9. What is ‘Junk DNA’, recently mentioned in news?
[A] Regions of DNA that code for proteins
[B] Noncoding regions of DNA
[C] DNA used in cellular respiration
[D] DNA that is completely functional
[B] Noncoding regions of DNA
[C] DNA used in cellular respiration
[D] DNA that is completely functional
Correct Answer: B [Noncoding regions of DNA]
Notes:
Using AI, researchers discovered potential cancer drivers in ‘junk’ DNA regions, which are noncoding sections of DNA. While DNA codes for proteins, not all sequences serve this function. Some noncoding DNA produces RNA components, but others have unknown functions and are termed junk DNA. In humans, 98% of DNA is noncoding, compared to 2% in bacteria. Evidence suggests junk DNA might have functional roles through exaptation, gaining functions beyond natural selection.
Using AI, researchers discovered potential cancer drivers in ‘junk’ DNA regions, which are noncoding sections of DNA. While DNA codes for proteins, not all sequences serve this function. Some noncoding DNA produces RNA components, but others have unknown functions and are termed junk DNA. In humans, 98% of DNA is noncoding, compared to 2% in bacteria. Evidence suggests junk DNA might have functional roles through exaptation, gaining functions beyond natural selection.
10. Zika Virus Disease, recently seen in news, is a mosquito borne disease transmitted by which mosquitoes?
[A] Anopheles mosquitoes
[B] Culex mosquitoes
[C] Aedes mosquitoes
[D] None of the Above
[B] Culex mosquitoes
[C] Aedes mosquitoes
[D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: C [Aedes mosquitoes]
Notes:
Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, issued an advisory to states following reported Zika virus cases in Maharashtra. The advisory emphasizes vigilance due to Zika’s association with microcephaly and neurological issues in fetuses. States are instructed to monitor pregnant women for Zika, ensure health facilities are mosquito-free, and follow central guidelines. Zika primarily spreads via infected Aedes mosquitoes, and symptoms, when present, include fever, rash, and joint pain.
Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, issued an advisory to states following reported Zika virus cases in Maharashtra. The advisory emphasizes vigilance due to Zika’s association with microcephaly and neurological issues in fetuses. States are instructed to monitor pregnant women for Zika, ensure health facilities are mosquito-free, and follow central guidelines. Zika primarily spreads via infected Aedes mosquitoes, and symptoms, when present, include fever, rash, and joint pain.