Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin on 12 September 2024 during the BRICS national security advisors meeting. Russia is the current chair of BRICS and will host all related meetings in 2024, including the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan from 22 to 24 October 2024. President Putin invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the summit. The BRICS national security advisors’ conclave took place in St. Petersburg from 11 to 13 September 2024, attended by 10 member countries, including India, Russia, Brazil, China, and others. The meeting was hosted by Russian NSA Sergei Shoigu.

Notes:
The Madhya Pradesh government has added Pittu to its 2024-25 sports calendar for colleges. The aim is to revive Pittu, a traditional game linked to Lord Krishna, mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana. Pittu is played on a 26m x 14m field with two teams of six players, with four substitutes per team. The striker team knocks over and reassembles seven colored tiles, while the defending team tries to stop them. Reviving Pittu connects students with their heritage and gained attention after the Prime Minister’s mention in 2021. It was demonstrated during the National Games and had a Lagori World Cup in 2015-16.

Notes:
The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly started in New York. Palestine, despite not being a full UN member, was given a seat among member states in the General Assembly Hall. Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour was seated at a table marked “State of Palestine,” positioned between Sri Lanka and Sudan.

Notes:
Researchers from the University of Kerala recently presented a study at the Estuarine & Coastal Sciences Association (ECSA) 60 conference in Hangzhou, revealing significant ecological decline in Veli-Akkulam Lake. Over 30 years, non-native species have invaded the lake, altering its nutrient flow and disrupting the food web. Using the Ecopath Model, the study highlights a major decline in native species like prawns and cichlids, while invasive species have surged. Initially, in the 1990s, the lake was rich in native species, but now, its ecosystem is severely impacted. Veli-Akkulam Lake, a 20-acre freshwater lake in Kerala, is fed by the Veli River.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved a budgetary support scheme for Hydro Electric Projects (HEP) with Rs. 12,461 crore. Running from 2024-25 to 2031-32, it enhances infrastructure for hydro power in remote areas. It covers costs for transmission lines, substations, ropeways, rail sidings, and communication infrastructure. The scheme aids projects generating 31,350 MW, including private and Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). Funding varies by project size, with increased support for larger projects.

Notes:
The BRICS Literature Forum 2024 was recently held in Kazan, Russia. The theme of the forum was “World Literature in the New Reality: Dialogue of Traditions, National Values, and Cultures.” It gathered writers, poets, philosophers, artists, and scholars from BRICS nations to share their ideas and experiences. The plenary session emphasized the importance of literature in promoting unity and cooperation in society. The “Meet the Authors from India” session focused on “Volga to Ganga,” exploring how river-based cultures contribute to multiculturalism and social progress. The forum highlighted literature’s role in connecting cultures and fostering social harmony.

Notes:
India launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian aid to Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, affected by Typhoon Yagi.
These countries faced massive floods due to Asia’s most powerful storm this year. India sent 10 tonnes of aid to Myanmar via INS Satpura, including dry rations, clothing, and medicines. A military aircraft delivered 35 tonnes of aid to Vietnam and 10 tonnes to Laos, including gensets, water purifiers, hygiene items, mosquito nets, blankets, and sleeping bags. India’s quick response aligns with its ‘Act East Policy’ and its broader effort in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) within ASEAN.

Notes:
On 17 September 2024, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) elected Atishi Marlena as the new Chief Minister of Delhi. This followed the resignation of Arvind Kejriwal, who stepped down after facing corruption charges in the Delhi Liquor Excise case. Kejriwal, a three-time Chief Minister, tendered his resignation to Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena after being granted bail. Atishi Marlena, MLA from Kalkaji, becomes the third woman and eighth person to serve as Delhi’s Chief Minister.
Delhi’s Legislative Assembly term ends on 11 February 2025, with AAP holding 62 seats from the 2020 election.

Notes:
The population of nesting birds has slightly increased in Bhitarkanika National Park. Bhitarkanika National Park is in Odisha’s Kendrapara district. It is located in the delta formed by the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamara rivers.
The park covers 672 sq. km, making it India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem. It consists of mangrove forests, rivers, creeks, and tidal deltas, enriched by its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. The park’s species and vegetation are typical of tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. Bhitarkanika is Odisha’s second Ramsar site, after Chilika Lake.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet recently extended the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) price support scheme in agriculture until 2025-26. PM-AASHA, or Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan, ensures fair prices for farmers’ produce. The scheme has three components, and states can choose which to implement. Under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), central agencies like NAFED and FCI will procure pulses, oilseeds, and copra with state support. The Central Government will cover procurement costs and any losses as per norms.