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:
Researchers discovered 230 million metric tons of minerals essential for electric car batteries on the seabed off Minami-Torishima Island, also known as Marcus Island. This isolated Japanese atoll in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, southeast of Tokyo, has a triangular shape formed by a raised coral reef. The island has a flat terrain with a maximum altitude of 9 meters and an oceanic climate, with an average annual temperature of 25.6°C.

Notes:
Recently, Borneo elephants were classified as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List. They are the smallest Asian elephant subspecies and the largest mammal on Borneo. Genetically distinct, they evolved separately around 300,000 years ago. Their habitat in floodplain areas faces threats from oil palm plantations, infrastructure projects, human settlements, and poaching. Borneo elephants primarily feed on roots, grasses, leaves, and crops. This classification underscores urgent conservation efforts to protect their dwindling populations.

Notes:
Japan introduced new banknotes featuring advanced holography, creating 3D rotating portraits of historic figures as an anti-counterfeit measure. This innovative technology marks the world’s first use of such holography on currency. The redesign, Japan’s first in 20 years, aims to enhance security and prevent counterfeiting.

Notes:
Senior IAS officer Sujata Saunik became Maharashtra’s first female Chief Secretary (CS), the 45th since the state’s formation in 1960. She succeeds Nitin Kareer, who retired. Saunik will serve a one-year tenure until June 2025. Her appointment by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was unanimous. The transition ceremony took place at Mantralaya, the State Secretariat in Mumbai.

Notes:
Former world chess champion Viswanathan Anand of India won the Leon Masters chess championship for the 10th time by defeating Jaime Santos Latasa of Spain 3-1 in the final on June 30, 2024, in Leon, Spain. Anand, a five-time world champion, has previously won the tournament in 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, and 2016. The Leon Masters features four players, including Arjun Erigaisi and Veselin Topalov.

Notes:
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India discovered a forest-dwelling frog, Xenophrys apatani, in Talle Wildlife Sanctuary, named after the Apatani community for their conservation efforts. This species is found in the Eastern Himalayan and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots. The Apatani, residing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro valley, speak Tani, worship the sun and moon, and celebrate festivals like Dree and Myoko. They practice integrated rice-fish farming, using rice varieties Emeo, Pyape, and Mypia.

Notes:
In 2023, the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, faced unprecedented fires due to severe water loss. The area covered by water was 61% below average, leaving only 2.6% of the Pantanal wet, leading to extreme dryness and wildfires. This crisis threatens its rich biodiversity, including jaguars and capybaras. Located in South America’s Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, the Pantanal spans 68,000 square miles and is a vital, productive habitat.

Notes:
The Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS) commenced at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi with Chief Guest Smt. Nivedita Shukla Verma inaugurating. Key attendees included AIPMA and CPMA leaders. Verma highlighted the need for collaborative efforts and government initiatives like the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016. Smt. Mercy Epao emphasized MSME’s support. The conference aims to address plastic waste management, with India’s industry projected to reach $6.9 billion by 2033.

Notes:
Sir Keir Starmer has been appointed as the UK’s 58th Prime Minister by King Charles III on 5 July 2024. His Labour Party won a landslide victory, securing 412 out of 650 House of Commons seats. He replaces Conservative leader Rishi Sunak, whose party won only 119 seats. Starmer will reside at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the UK Prime Minister.