Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
The Finance Minister recently announced that corridor projects will be developed for the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The Vishnupad Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, was built in 1787 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. It stands 100 feet tall with 44 pillars on the banks of the Falgu river. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site, especially during Pitra Paksh for ancestral rituals.

Notes:
The Finance Minister announced a revision to the model Skill Loan Scheme, now facilitating loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh, backed by a government-promoted fund guarantee. Introduced in July 2015, the scheme offers institutional credit for skill development courses aligned with National Occupations Standards and Qualification Packs, conducted by NSQF-compliant training institutes. It applies to all Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) member banks and RBI-advised financial institutions. Any Indian National admitted to ITIs, Polytechnics, recognized schools, affiliated colleges, or NSDC training partners is eligible, with no age restrictions. The courses lead to certifications, diplomas, or degrees.

Notes:
Scientists have discovered “dark oxygen,” a phenomenon where oxygen is produced in complete darkness thousands of feet below the ocean surface. This challenges the belief that oxygen is only created through photosynthesis, which requires sunlight. Traditionally, oceanic plankton, drifting plants, algae, and some bacteria produce oxygen via photosynthesis. However, at these depths, oxygen is generated by polymetallic nodules resembling lumps of coal. Composed of metals like manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium, these nodules produce oxygen through electrochemical activity, splitting H2O molecules into hydrogen and oxygen without light.

Notes:
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare released a report titled “Economic Case for Investment in the Well-being of Adolescents in India,” highlighting key areas for investment in adolescent health. India has the largest adolescent population (253 million) globally. Between 2000 and 2019, the adolescent mortality rate dropped by over 50%, and fertility rates fell by 83%. Secondary school completion rates more than doubled from 22% in 2005 to over 50% in 2020. However, fatal road accidents among adolescents under 18 increased by 22.7% from 2021 to 2022. Recommended interventions are projected to boost India’s economy by 10.1% of annual GDP.

Notes:
India assumed the chairmanship of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) for 2024-25 on July 25, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand, taking over from China. Rajendra Singh, Head of the National Disaster Management Authority, represents India. As chairman, he also chaired the 5th Board of Trustee meeting of the ADPC. Established in 1986, ADPC is a non-profit regional organization promoting disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific. It addresses the impacts of natural hazards and climate change, supporting global initiatives on climate and urban resilience. Founding members include China, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi. The theme is Viksit Bharat@2047, focusing on making India a developed nation. Discussions will include the approach paper for the Vision Document on Viksit Bharat, fostering participative governance and collaboration between the Centre and States to enhance the quality of life. The meeting will address states’ roles in achieving this goal. With aspirations to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047, attendees include Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, and NITI Aayog members.

Notes:
Recently, Shri Venkateshwara University in Meerut signed an MoU with Brazil to promote educational and research collaborations. The partnership focuses on student and faculty exchange programs in dairy, agriculture, biotechnology, health, and tourism. Both nations will collaborate on advanced technologies and innovations through joint seminars, workshops, and regular classes. This initiative aims to provide students with high-quality higher education and valuable international experiences, marking a significant step forward in academic and research cooperation between India and Brazil.

Notes:
During his visit to Vientiane, Laos, from 25 to 27 July 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the first postage stamp of Ram Lalla of Ayodhya. The event took place during ASEAN-related foreign minister meetings. Jaishankar, alongside Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, released two sets of stamps themed “Celebrating the shared cultural heritage of Lao PDR and India.” One stamp depicted Ram Lalla’s idol from Ayodhya, while the other commemorated Lord Buddha from Luang Prabang, Laos’s ancient capital. Although predominantly Buddhist, Laos’s culture is deeply influenced by Hinduism, including the Ramayana, known locally as Ramakien.

Notes:
The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is set for a crucial flyby of Earth on August 20, 2024. This mission, aimed at exploring Jupiter and its moons Europa, Callisto, and Ganymede, seeks to investigate the potential for life and understand Jupiter’s origins. JUICE will study Jupiter’s magnetic, radiation, and plasma environments, and in about four years, it will enter orbit around Ganymede, marking the first probe to orbit a planetary moon other than Earth’s. The mission will provide unprecedented insights into one of the largest moons in our solar system.

Notes:
The Karnataka Chief Minister is ready to discussing the Mekedatu project with Tamil Nadu. This multi-purpose project aims to build a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Karnataka, close to Tamil Nadu. The project involves constructing a dam at the confluence of the Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers, with a capacity of 66,000 TMC, supplying over 4 TMC of drinking water to Bengaluru. The estimated cost is around Rs 14,000 crores.