Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
The Asia Power Index Report 2024, published by the Lowy Institute, shows India has overtaken Japan to become the third-ranked power in Asia. This index evaluates 27 countries based on military capability, economic relationships, and cultural influence, among other factors. The United States and China hold the first and second positions, respectively. The report highlights India’s potential for growth, driven by its vast population and resources, despite it not yet reaching its full potential in regional influence.

Notes:
India’s Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth won the Hangzhou Open 2024 doubles title. They defeated Germany’s Constantin Frantzen and Hendrik Jebens in the final. The Indian pair came from behind to win 4-6, 7(7)-6(5), 10-7 in one hour and 49 minutes. This was their first ATP Tour title together and Jeevan’s second career ATP title.

Notes:
Antyodaya Diwas is observed on September 25, 2024, to honor Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary. He promoted “Antyodaya,” focusing on uplifting the most disadvantaged in society. His philosophy of “Integral Humanism” emphasized social justice, economic equality, and self-reliance. He co-founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), which later became the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Since 2014, Antyodaya Diwas commemorates his contributions. The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) was renamed after him in 2015. In 2018, Mughalsarai Junction was renamed after him, where he passed away in 1968.

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:
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha recently launched Chief Minister’s Scholarship for Achievers Towards Higher Learning (CM-SATH) scheme for students from low-income families. It aims to provide financial support to deserving students in Tripura. This initiative targets students whose family income is up to Rs 2,50,000 and who do not receive any other government scholarships. The program is part of a broader effort to enhance educational opportunities for children from low-income families, similar to initiatives in other states.

Notes:
The Kangan assembly constituency is part of the larger Jammu & Kashmir region, which has been undergoing elections amid significant political interest. The area is known for its high voter turnout, particularly among the Gujjar community. Voter concerns include local governance issues and the impact of central rule since 2019, emphasizing the need for elected representation.

Notes:
Recently, an infant in Chennai was diagnosed with ‘black nose disease,’ a rare symptom of chikungunya. This condition, also referred to as ‘chik sign’ or ‘brownie nose,’ is characterized by macular pigmentation affecting the nose, appearing weeks after chikungunya fever. Chikungunya, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, causes fever and severe joint pain. While the pigmentation is benign and temporary, it highlights the evolving nature of chikungunya symptoms, which can include severe cases like paralysis and low platelet counts.

Notes:
World Tourism Day has been celebrated on September 27 since 1980, highlighting tourism’s role in economic development and cultural exchange. The day was established by the United Nations Tourism General Assembly in 1979 to mark the adoption of the UN Tourism Statutes in 1970. The first World Tourism Day was observed in 1980. The 2024 theme is “Tourism and Peace,” focusing on tourism’s ability to foster understanding and reconciliation among cultures and nations.

Notes:
The Mao Council, the top tribal body of the Mao Nagas in Manipur, has accepted the Tenyimia People’s Organisation (TPO) Presidential Council’s ruling on a traditional land dispute along the Nagaland-Manipur border. The Mao Naga is an indigenous tribe from Northeast India, specifically one of the Naga tribes in Manipur. They speak the Mao language and refer to themselves as Ememei or Memei. The Mao region is located in northern Manipur, near the southern part of Nagaland. According to the 2011 census, the Mao population is 97,195, living in well-protected villages on hilltops and mountain ridges.

Notes:
India was recently elected to the GloBE Network’s Steering Committee during a session in Beijing. The GloBE Network, launched in June 2021, is a G-20 initiative to combat global corruption. It now has 121 member countries and 219 member authorities, including India’s CBI and ED, with the Ministry of Home Affairs as the central authority. The Steering Committee consists of one chair, one vice-chair, and 13 members. The network facilitates sharing best practices and criminal intelligence to fight corruption, supported by UNODC. India’s G-20 Presidency in 2023 emphasized leveraging the GloBE Network.