Current Affairs Quiz- September, 2019

Notes:
The book, titled “From Leeches to Slug Glue: 25 Explosive Ideas that Made (and Are Making) Modern Medicine” has been written by bestselling author Roopa Pai. In its 25 chapters, the book explores breakthroughs like vaccination, anaesthesia, X-rays and the germ theory, apart from revolutionary ideas like compassionate care for the mentally ill and mandatory hand-washing for surgeons.

Notes:
The report titled, ‘Keeladi-An Urban Settlement of Sangam Age on the Banks of River Vaigai’ has recently published by the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department (TNAD). The report is the major turning point in the cultural historiography of the ancient Sangam Age, which is generally considered between 300 BC and 300AD. In it, TNAD stated that the cultural deposits unearthed during excavations at Keeladi in Sivaganga district could be safely dated to a period between 6th century BCE and 1st century CE. Hence, the recent scientific dates obtained for Keeladi findings push back the date of Tamil-Brahmi script to another century, i.e. 6th century BCE.

Notes:
The Indian Army conducted a massive rare exercise named ‘Chang Thang Prahar’ at a high altitude area in Eastern Laddakh  bordering China for testing and improving its war-fighting capabilities. The integrated exercise involved the use of infantry, mechanized forces, T-72 tanks, with force multipliers such as artillery guns and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). 

Notes:
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to ban private practice by doctors working in government hospitals and increase their salaries as compensation in accordance with the recommendations made by the experts committee on reforms in the health sector headed by former Union Health Secretary K. Sujatha Rao. This is the second time that government doctors are being barred from private practice in Andhra Pradesh. Private practice by government doctors was banned in undivided Andhra in April 1993 by the then Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao.

Notes:
In New York, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently addressed the 74th Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and participated in other multilateral and bilateral engagements. Mr. Modi also addressed the first-ever High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC),  which will launch new efforts to provide access for all to affordable, inclusive and resilient health systems. He also addressed the ‘Leaders’ Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives’ that deals with the Office of Counter-terrorism.

Notes:
Director Zoya Akhtar’s musical drama film “Gully Boy” has been named as India’s official entry in the Best Foreign Language Film category to the 92nd Academy Awards (Oscars 2020). The movie chronicled the story of Mumbai’s street rappers and was said to loosely based on rapper Naezy’s life. 

Notes:
In Bengaluru, Senior journalist and Ramon Magsaysay awardee Ravish Kumar has recently received the first Gauri Lankesh National Award for Journalism by freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy. He was chosen for the award for sharp news analysis and uncompromising secular stance by the Gauri Lankesh Memorial Trust (GLMT). Apart from this, three books –  ‘Neera Nade’ by Prof. Vinaya Okkunda, ‘Dehali Nota’ by senior journalist D. Umapathy, and Ravish Kumar’s ‘Free Voices’ translated as ‘Maatige Enu Kadime’ by Harshakumar Kugwe.

Notes:
Ponung Doming  has created history by becoming the first woman Army officer from Arunachal Pradesh to be elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. Earlier, IAF Wing Commander Shaliza Dhami  became the 1st female officer to be appointed as flight commander of a flying unit. 

Notes:
As per latest IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2019 (WDCR), India has been ranked at 44th position in terms of digital competitiveness in the world as the country has made improvement in terms of knowledge and future readiness to adopt and explore digital technologies. The ranking measures the capacity and readiness of 63 nations to adopt and explore digital technologies as a key driver for economic transformation in business, government and wider society.  

Notes:
England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor, who is regarded as one of the world’s best wicketkeepers, has recently retired from international cricket because of her ongoing battle with anxiety. Sarah made her England debut in 2006 and scored 6,553 international runs. She was also a magnetic keeper behind the stumps, creating waves with her innovative methods that led her to 232 dismissals, the most in women’s cricket. Taylor had previously gone on an indefinite break from cricket after the 2016 World T20 in India before returning for the 2017 World Cup.