Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
Indian Navy hosted the fifth Goa Maritime Symposium at the Naval War College in Goa. This symposium promotes collaboration and understanding among India and key maritime nations in the Indian Ocean Region. The theme for 2024 is “Common Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region,” focusing on issues like illegal fishing and maritime crimes. Representatives from 12 Indian Ocean countries, including Bangladesh, Maldives, and Thailand, participated, along with observers from Kenya and Tanzania. The Goa Maritime Symposium was started by the Indian Navy in 2016 and is held every two years.

Notes:
The Mankidia community in Odisha is now the 6th Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) to gain habitat rights over forests. They are a semi-nomadic group, part of the Birhor tribe, living primarily off the forest. Mankidias are hunters and gatherers, known for their wandering lifestyle and temporary settlements called Kumbhas. They speak a form of the Munda language and some also speak Odia. Their beliefs center around spirits and ancestors, with Logobir and Budhimai as their supreme deities. The community is found in Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal.

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The UN General Assembly adopted the “Pact for the Future” to reshape global governance. It reaffirms UN Member States’ commitment to sustainable development, peace, and stronger governance. It emphasizes building peaceful, inclusive societies and addressing conflict root causes. The Pact highlights the role of science, technology, and innovation in advancing UN goals. It prioritizes youth inclusion in decision-making at national and global levels. The Pact calls for stronger partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and local authorities.

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The Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition features the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini, which will navigate 21,600 nautical miles around the globe. This mission, led by Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, emphasizes India’s maritime heritage and commitment to empowerment and innovation. The expedition will challenge the crew with treacherous waters, including passages around Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope, showcasing their resilience and spirit.

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The Global Aerospace Summit, held in Abu Dhabi, focuses on sustainability, youth engagement, and innovation in the aerospace, space, and defense sectors. Key themes include advancements in aerospace technology, investment strategies, and the integration of emerging technologies like AI and hydrogen-powered aircraft. Industry leaders and government officials discuss the future of air travel and the space economy, which is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. The event emphasizes Abu Dhabi’s role as a leading aerospace hub and its contribution to economic growth through the aviation industry

Notes:
A rare weather event involving the collision of two cyclones caused massive tree flattening in Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Telangana. The sanctuary is located near the Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana borders in Mulugu district. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1952 by the Hyderabad Nizam Government, it spans 806 sq. km. The sanctuary is divided by the Dayyam Vagu water source, and the River Godavari also flows through it.

Notes:
World Maritime Day, organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is celebrated annually on the last Thursday of September. In 2024, it falls on September 26. The theme for this year is “Navigating the future: safety first!” This day emphasizes the significance of maritime activities and the industry’s contributions to global development, raising awareness about safety measures and innovations in the maritime sector.

Notes:
According to the Union Agriculture Ministry, India is projected to achieve a record foodgrain production of 3,322.98 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) for the financial year 2023-24. This figure represents an increase of 26.11 LMT from the previous year’s production of 3,296.87 LMT. The rise is attributed to higher yields of rice, wheat, and millet, despite declines in pulses and oilseeds due to drought-like conditions affecting various states.

Notes:
The Indian government designated 1.84 lakh hectares around the Gir Protected Area as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). This area aims to protect Asiatic lions and promote sustainable development. The ESZ covers 196 villages across three districts and includes 17 rivers. It features a 10 km buffer zone from the Gir Protected Area’s boundary. Gir National Park, located in Gujarat, is famous for its conservation efforts and has a thriving population of Asiatic lions.

Notes:
The Nanjangud rasabale banana, once scarce due to a fungal disease, is thriving again in Karnataka’s Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2006 for its unique taste and thick pulp.
This banana has a distinct aroma and flavor not found in other varieties. It grows best in black clay alluvial saline soil, contributing to its unique qualities. The fruit has medicinal properties, believed to cure neurological ailments. Farmers face threats from Panama Wilt disease, caused by the Fuserium Wilt pathogen.