Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
The Border Security Forces (BSF) and SBI Bank conducted a “Grow with the Trees” plantation event at BSF Headquarters in Srinagar to boost green cover and raise awareness about tree planting. BSF officials, jawans, SBI representatives, and Kendriya Vidyalaya schoolchildren participated. The initiative promotes sustainability and camaraderie, aiming to make the campus greener and mitigate the effects of global warming.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank’s Financial Inclusion (FI) Index rose to 64.2 in March 2024, up from 60.1 in March 2023, indicating growth in financial inclusion across India. The index ranges from 0 (complete exclusion) to 100 (full inclusion) and comprises three parameters: access (35%), usage (45%), and quality (20%). The improvement was mainly driven by the usage dimension. The quality parameter uniquely captures aspects like financial literacy and consumer protection.

Notes:
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) recently released the World Population Prospects Report, projecting the global population to peak at 10.3 billion by the mid-2080s, up from 8.2 billion in 2024. Key findings include a current fertility rate of 2.25 births per woman and a life expectancy of 73.3 years. India’s population is expected to peak in the early 2060s, remaining the largest globally throughout the century.

Notes:
Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket successfully launched satellites into orbit after a four-year delay. Developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace, this heavy-lift launch vehicle offers a cost-effective and flexible solution for commercial and government missions, utilizing both liquid and solid propellant engines. The ESA, established in 1975 and headquartered in Paris, coordinates space activities among member states and collaborates on projects like the International Space Station and the Rosetta mission.

Notes:
Argentina won their 16th Copa America title by defeating Colombia 1-0 in the final, held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The tournament, hosted by the USA for the second time, featured 16 teams. Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal in extra time. This victory marked Argentina’s consecutive Copa America win and added to their 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph. Lionel Messi left the field injured.

Notes:
The Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary in Telangana is being studied to potentially become the state’s first Ramsar site. Located in the Medak district, it was originally a crocodile sanctuary and now hosts over 70 bird species, including the vulnerable mugger crocodile. Following the Manjeera River, the man-made reservoir supports irrigation and drinking water for Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Its nine islands feature marshy fringes, serving as crucial nesting sites for waterbirds.

Notes:
DD Robocon 2024, hosted by IIT Delhi and Prasar Bharati, concluded successfully at Delhi’s Thyagaraj Stadium on July 13–14. The event featured 46 teams showcasing innovation and teamwork in robotics. The Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, won the championship and will represent India at the ABU Robocon 2024 in Vietnam. Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Pune, secured the runner-up position.

Notes:
NITI Aayog has launched the ‘NITI GearShift Challenge’ under the e-FAST India initiative, aimed at decarbonizing road-based freight transportation in India to meet 2070 net zero commitments. Launched in September 2022, e-FAST promotes cleaner freight solutions through national and international collaborations, supporting pilot programs and technology integration. The initiative fosters discussions among stakeholders, including government bodies and logistics providers, to enhance the adoption of electric technologies in the freight sector, backed by 12 knowledge partners.

Notes:
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda was sworn in for a second five-year term, taking the presidential oath at the Lithuanian parliament, Seimas. The 60-year-old economist proposed increasing Lithuania’s defense budget to 4% of GDP to fund long-range air defense, a missile shield for the Baltic Sea coast, and border fortifications.

Notes:
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the North East Region Agri Commodity E-Connect (NERACE) web portal and app in Shillong to benefit Northeastern farmers and buyers. NERACE supports products like spices, fruits, and vegetables, providing farmers with larger markets and better pricing. The platform supports seven languages and aims to connect producers, buyers, and service providers globally. It emphasizes the region’s potential as a hub for high-value horticultural products.