Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
Flooding has occurred in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur area due to rising water levels in the Bagmati River. This river, originating from the Bagdwar area in Nepal’s Shivapuri Hills, is considered holy by Hindus and Buddhists. Flowing through diverse terrains, it travels approximately 360 km before joining the Burhi Gandak River. The Bagmati is fed by springs, monsoon rainfall, and tributaries, transiting three distinct physiographic zones of the Nepal Himalayas.

Notes:
The All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi held the Second National Seminar SAUSHRUTAM Shalya Sangoshti from July 13 to 15, 2024, celebrating Sushruta Jayanti. The event featured 25 live complex surgical demonstrations, showcasing techniques like VAAFT, laparoscopy, laser, and traditional methods. Renowned surgeons performed procedures on conditions like fistula, hemorrhoids, pilonidal sinus, gall bladder stones, and hernia. Over the past year, AIIA’s surgical procedures have benefitted around 1500 patients.

Notes:
UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024 highlights the impact of climate change on education. Mandated by the ‘Education 2030 Incheon Declaration and Framework for Action’, it monitors SDG 4 (Quality Education). Key findings: Over 20 years, schools closed during 75% of extreme weather events, affecting over 5 million people. In India, early-life rainfall shocks impaired vocabulary, math, and non-cognitive skills. Education’s role in combating climate change is underrepresented in international agendas.

Notes:
The Gevra and Kusmunda blocks of South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) in Chhattisgarh rank second and fourth globally in coal production, as per WorldAtlas.com. These open-cast mines produce over 100 million tonnes annually, about 10% of India’s total coal output. Gevra produced 59 MT in 2023-24, while Kusmunda produced over 50 MT. SECL’s Chairman, Prem Sagar Mishra, highlighted this achievement. US and China mines also feature in the top five.

Notes:
The MV Sea Change, the world’s first commercial passenger ferry powered by 100% hydrogen fuel, launched at the San Francisco Ferry Building. Built by All American Marine Shipyard for SWITCH Maritime and designed by Incat Crowther, it carries 75 passengers and operates for 16 hours, covering 300 nautical miles per refueling. Emitting only heat and water vapor, it reaches speeds up to 20 knots and features drinkable water emissions.

Notes:
The Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) program targets school children aged 9-18, aiming to hunt talent nationwide and curb addiction through sports. Launched in 50 centers, it assesses 50,000 applicants across 10 sports. In FY 2024-25, it aims for 20 lakh assessments via Talent Assessment Centres. Using AI and IT for transparent selection, KIRTI promotes sports excellence and mass participation, supporting Khelo India’s twin objectives.

Notes:
The Telangana government initiated the first phase of its farm loan waiver scheme, crediting Rs 6,098 crore to over 11 lakh farmers’ accounts. Farm loan waivers relieve farmers of debt repayment obligations, with the government assuming their outstanding loans by funding banks and financial institutions. This measure addresses challenges like disputed land ownership, depleting groundwater, poor soil quality, rising input costs, and low crop productivity.

Notes:
Brazil’s agriculture ministry declared an animal health emergency in Rio Grande do Sul due to a Newcastle disease case on a poultry farm. Newcastle disease, caused by paramyxovirus, affects birds’ respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems. Highly contagious, it spreads through direct contact with infected birds and contaminated materials. Symptoms include loss of appetite, coughing, and discolored wattles. There is no treatment; prevention relies on vaccination and biosecurity.

Notes:
Armenia’s interest in India’s Pralay missile presents a significant opportunity for India. The Pralay missile is a 350-500 km short-range, quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile with a 500-1,000 kg payload, developed by DRDO for defense needs. It features solid-fuel propulsion, inertial guidance, and a DSMAC seeker for terminal guidance. Capable of evasive maneuvers, it has various warhead options and a reduced radar signature.

Notes:
A study by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) confirmed two black holes at the center of galaxy OJ 287, four billion light-years away. Launched by NASA in 2018, TESS searches for exoplanets around the brightest stars. It has found 410 confirmed exoplanets, ranging from small rocky worlds to giants. TESS orbits Earth in a unique high orbit, continuing its mission beyond its initial end date in 2020.