Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that Russian warplanes intercepted two U.S. strategic bombers over the Barents Sea, preventing a border violation. The Barents Sea, a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, covers 1.4 million sq. km and borders Norway and Russia. Named after Dutch explorer Willem Barents, it was known to Vikings as the Murmean Sea. It is bounded by several archipelagos and seas, including the Svalbard and Novaya Zemlya archipelagos.

Notes:
National Broadcasting Day is celebrated in India every July 23, marking the start of radio broadcasting on this day in 1927 by the Indian Broadcasting Company from Bombay. Renamed All India Radio (AIR) in 1936, it grew into one of the world’s largest networks. Radio has been vital in connecting India, offering news, music, and stories, and playing a key role in historical events like the freedom struggle.

Notes:
Coal India Limited has acquired its first critical-mineral asset, a graphite block, in Madhya Pradesh. Graphite, a crystalline form of carbon, comes in amorphous, flake, and crystalline vein varieties. Despite being a non-metal, graphite exhibits metallic properties such as high electrical conductivity, strength, and corrosion resistance. It also has high natural lubricity and is among the lightest reinforcing agents.

Notes:
Since Chhattisgarh’s first tribal Chief Minister took office, Naxalite-related incidents have surged fivefold, including killings, arrests, and surrenders. This increase coincides with “Operation Prahar,” a counter-insurgency effort targeting Maoist leaders. While aimed at neutralizing insurgents and disrupting recruitment, the operation has faced allegations of excessive state power and staged encounters, raising concerns about its impact on local Adivasi communities not involved with Maoist activities.

Notes:
India will apply for exploration licenses from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to search for deep-sea minerals in the Pacific Ocean, focusing on the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). The CCZ, a vast plain between Hawaii and Mexico, contains large volumes of polymetallic nodules rich in manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt, essential for electric vehicles and solar panels. Discovered in 1873, these nodules form over millions of years. The CCZ hosts up to 30 cetacean populations, including endangered blue whales. The ISA, established in 1994 under the UNCLOS, regulates mining in international seabeds beyond national jurisdiction.

Notes:
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the discovery of 1,600 tonnes of lithium resources in Karnataka’s Mandya and Yadgiri districts. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), under the Department of Atomic Energy, identified these resources through preliminary surveys and subsurface exploration in the Marlagalla area. Lithium, a highly sought-after element globally, was first discovered in 1817 by Johan August Arfvedson. Derived from the Greek word “lithos” meaning stone, lithium is the metal with the lowest density, reacts vigorously with water, and is toxic in nature.

Notes:
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) recently unveiled the “Wind Demon,” an advanced air-to-surface cruise missile designed for precise, long-range attacks at low cost. Developed by IAI, it can be launched from helicopters or aircraft to strike mobile and stationary targets without operator intervention. The missile has a range of over 200 kilometers, weighs 140 kg, and boasts a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 1 meter. It flies at low altitudes to avoid detection and features an advanced electro-optical seeker with thermal and laser spot tracking capabilities. The missile includes a Man-in-the-Loop control system for human supervision during critical mission phases.

Notes:
International Tiger Day, observed on 29 July since 2010, raises public awareness about threats faced by tigers due to illegal hunting and habitat destruction. The day originated from an international summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2010, attended by 13 countries with significant tiger populations, including India. The summit aimed to address the dwindling tiger population caused by human encroachment and launched the TX2 goal to double the number of wild tigers by 2022. The 2024 theme, “Call for Action,” emphasizes the need for global efforts to save endangered tigers. The first Tiger Day was observed on 29 July 2010.

Notes:
The National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat) mission, launched by the Ministry of Education under NEP 2020, aims to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy among children aged 3 to 9 years. Implemented through a five-tier system at national, state, district, block, and school levels, this mission seeks to achieve universal FLN skills by 2026-27. It focuses on improving access to schooling, teacher training, development of learning resources, and tracking student progress. NIPUN Bharat is part of the Samagra Shiksha scheme, applying to all government, aided, and private schools.

Notes:
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed on July 30th, aims to raise awareness and protect the rights of human trafficking victims. The 2024 theme is “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” Established by the UN in 2010, the Global Plan of Action urges worldwide efforts against trafficking and includes setting up a UN Voluntary Trust Fund for victims. A high-level meeting in 2013 focused on advancing this plan.