Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently approved its first Mpox vaccine for use in Africa. The vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, is a major step forward in tackling Mpox in the African region. With this approval, the vaccine can be pre-qualified for purchase by international donors like GAVI and UNICEF. Although there is limited supply due to having only one manufacturer, this vaccine is crucial for controlling outbreaks and enhancing public health in Africa.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Agriculture plans to launch a Smart Precision Horticulture Programme under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). The program will use technologies like IoT, AI, drones, and data analytics to boost production while reducing environmental impact. It will cover 15,000 acres over five years, benefiting around 60,000 farmers from 2024-25 to 2028-29. The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) provides financing for smart and precision agriculture projects. The government is exploring collaborations with the Netherlands and Israel for modern farming solutions. 22 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs) have been set up for testing and adapting new technologies.

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:
India’s top pistol shooter, Anmol Jain, won gold in the Men’s 10m Air Pistol event at the prestigious TOPGUN CUP, held at Topgun Shooting Academy in Gurugram. In the Men’s 10m Air Rifle, American shooter Jeff Browning took the gold. The two-day competition showcased top shooting talent. Anmol, a former National Champion and ISSF World Cup medalist, praised the event for its high standards and competitive spirit.

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.

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:
Rapa Nui, also called Easter Island, did not experience a population collapse, based on ancient DNA analysis of 15 former inhabitants. Rapa Nui is a Chilean territory in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and is the easternmost Polynesian island.
It is located 3,540 km west of Chile and 1,900 km east of Pitcairn Island. The island covers 163.6 sq. km and is one of the most remote inhabited places. It is a small volcanic island with a tropical rainforest climate. Easter Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, with much of it protected under Rapa Nui National Park.

Notes:
The Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility, known as VINETRA, was commissioned at INS Satavahana in Visakhapatnam by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar. Visakhapatnam is the base for the Eastern Naval Command, a key formation of the Indian Navy. The city hosts vital naval facilities, including the Naval Dockyard, and plays a strategic role in India’s maritime defence. VINETRA improves the escape skills of crew members from distressed Kalvari-class submarines. The facility supports India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, reflecting the country’s focus on self-reliance in defence technology.

Notes:
Hyderabad Liberation Day is celebrated on September 17th. It commemorates the day in 1948 when the princely state of Hyderabad was incorporated into the Indian Union, ending the rule of the Nizam. The day honors the martyrs of the Hyderabad Liberation Movement and the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to liberate the region from the Nizam’s rule. It also helps to instill a sense of patriotism in the younger generation.

Notes:
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) commended India for achieving high technical compliance with its recommendations to combat illicit finance. FATF is an intergovernmental body focused on fighting money laundering and terrorist financing. Its objective is to set international standards and promote effective policies at national and international levels. It was established in 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris. FATF expanded its mandate to include terrorism financing in 2001. It includes 39 member countries, such as the US, India, China, and several European nations. India joined FATF in 2010.