Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
A Soyuz spacecraft carrying two Russians and an American recently docked at the International Space Station (ISS). The Soyuz is a Russian spacecraft and the longest-running human spacecraft program in history. It transports cosmonauts and astronauts to and from the ISS, weighing 7 tonnes, and can carry three people. It also brings supplies like food and water. One Soyuz remains docked at the ISS as an emergency escape pod. The spacecraft has three modules: the Orbital Module for crew living, the Descent Module for safe reentry, and a third for life support. The Soyuz rocket launches the capsule, which reaches space in nine minutes.

Notes:
The United Kingdom has allowed Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles against Russian targets. Storm Shadow is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile with low observability. It was jointly developed by the UK and France, known as SCALP-EG in France. The missile is designed to hit high-value stationary targets like airbases, radar stations, communications hubs, and ports. It is used by the air forces of countries including Egypt, India, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Notes:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses the inauguration of the Official Language Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the 4th Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan in New Delhi on September 14, 2024. The event, marking 75 years of Hindi as an official language, is organized by the Department of Official Language. Shah will launch the Diamond Jubilee special issue of ‘Rajbhasha Bharti,’ a commemorative stamp, and coin, and present awards. The event also includes the launch of Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag. This Sammelan continues the tradition of celebrating Hindi Diwas and promoting Indian languages as initiated in 2019.

Notes:
The 4th South Asian Junior Athletics Championships took place in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from September 11-13, 2024. India dominated middle-distance races and throwing events, while Sri Lanka excelled in sprint events. Sri Lanka won the men’s 4x100m relay, while India secured silver. The Indian women won the 4x100m relay, with Sri Lanka second. Seven South Asian countries participated, with India sending the largest team of 62 athletes. India topped the medal tally with 48 medals (21 gold), followed by Sri Lanka with 35 medals, and Bangladesh secured third place with three bronze. Pakistan and Bhutan did not win any medals.

Notes:
India’s first Vande Metro train was renamed as ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail.’ The train was launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Gujarat. It was equipped with modern facilities and advanced safety systems like KAVACH to prevent collisions. The train also had an automatic smoke/fire detection mechanism and a seating capacity of 1,150 passengers. Additional features included cushioned sofas, Divyangjan-friendly toilets, and meal services. The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail distinguished itself from the Vande Bharat Express with its advanced amenities and comfort provisions for passengers.

Notes:
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) successfully dismantled a cybercrime network involving virtual assets and bullion through Operation Chakra III. This operation was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the US. Operation Chakra, initiated by the CBI in 2022, is a global effort supported by INTERPOL to tackle organized cyber-enabled financial crimes. Phase 1 of the operation began in 2022, followed by Phase 2 in 2023, with Phase 3 recently concluding.

Notes:
President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the 8th India Water Week on 17 September 2024 in New Delhi. The event runs from 17 to 20 September 2024 and is held at Bharat Mandapam. The Union Jal Shakti Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, was present at the inauguration. India Water Week is based on Stockholm Water Week, focusing on water management and cooperation. The International Wash Conference 2024 is also taking place alongside the event. The theme is “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management.”

Notes:
The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has designated the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed cultivation. Seaweed refers to various species of marine plants and algae that grow in oceans, rivers, and lakes. Seaweed is classified into green (Chlorophyta), brown (Phaeophyta), and red (Rhodophyta). Nutritionally, seaweed provides minerals like calcium, sodium, and potassium, and vitamins A, B12, C, D, and E. It offers health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is used in cancer treatment. Seaweed is also used in manufacturing as a binding agent in toothpaste and cosmetics, and enhances agricultural productivity.

Notes:
New Delhi recently hosted a significant dialogue focused on the governance of “Commons,” where over 500 grassroots representatives participated, marking a first-of-its-kind event aimed at developing more inclusive and community-led frameworks for managing shared resources like land and water. The primary topic of discussion was the governance of “Commons,” which refers to shared resources like forests, grazing lands, and water bodies that are collectively managed by communities. The dialogue aimed to promote the development of more inclusive and community-led frameworks for managing Commons.

Notes:
India hosted two major international meetings on the global fight against doping in sports on September 17 and 18. These included the 2nd Formal Meeting of the COP9 Bureau and the 3rd Formal Meeting of the Fund Approval Committee under UNESCO’s International Convention against Doping in Sport. As Vice-Chairperson of the COP9 Bureau, India played a leading role in organizing the events, with participation from dignitaries from countries like Azerbaijan, France, Russia, and more. Discussions focused on strengthening anti-doping measures and promoting fair sports globally, with senior UNESCO officials also in attendance. High-profile dignitaries attended in-person, including ministers from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia.