Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
The recent All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2022 census reported that Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh saw its tiger population double from 5 to 10. Located in Bilaspur district, this reserve, established in 1975 and declared a tiger reserve in 2009, spans 553.286 sq. km. It connects Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves and supports diverse wildlife and tribal communities.

Notes:
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched ‘Suvidha Software Version 1.0’ at its first ‘Annual Operational Sea Training Conference’ in Visakhapatnam. This software aims to improve training protocols across ICG platforms. Deputy Director General Anupam Rai emphasized excellence and adaptability. Senior officers discussed best practices and strategies for maritime security, highlighting ICG’s dedication to innovation and operational training excellence.

Notes:
The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Union Civil Aviation Minister. This bill aims to empower the government to set rules for investigating air accidents and incidents, and regulating aircraft design, manufacture, maintenance, use, and safety. The Aircraft Act of 1934 has been amended many times, creating confusion. This bill seeks to streamline and clarify these regulations.

Notes:
Former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad passed away at 71 after a long battle with cancer. He played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India and had a 22-year first-class career. After retiring, he served as the Indian team’s coach. Gaekwad was part of memorable moments in cricket, including the 1998 Sharjah tournament and Anil Kumble’s historic 10-wicket haul in 1999.

Notes:
NITI Aayog’s report, “Strategy for the development of Seaweed Value Chain,” highlights the importance of seaweeds, marine plants thriving in water bodies, cultivated in aquaculture. The fishing and aquaculture sector contributes 1.5% to India’s GDP. Seaweed farming has economic significance for bioactive compounds in food and pharmaceuticals, environmental benefits in carbon sequestration and climate resilience, and nutritional value with essential minerals and vitamins.

Notes:
The Central government’s Rs 72,000 crore Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project plans to build an airport, an international container terminal, and a township. However, it faces legal challenges from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Calcutta High Court due to inadequate impact assessments on Shompen and Nicobarese tribes and improper permissions. The Shompens are hunter-gatherers, and the project could affect the Nicobarese people’s ancestral lands.

Notes:
Haryana’s Chief Minister announced the state’s procurement of all crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), making it the first in India to do so. Additionally, he waived Rs 133 crore in irrigation charges and promised Rs 137 crore in pending compensation for crop damage due to natural calamities. MSP, recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), ensures fair prices for farmers and promotes crop diversification.

Notes:
The Indian government has approved eight new national high-speed road corridor projects costing Rs 50,655 crore. These projects will construct 936 km of roads, including 8-lane, 6-lane, and 4-lane roads. They aim to enhance connectivity, support economic growth, and generate 4.42 crore mandays of employment. Key projects include corridors in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Assam, with various lengths and costs associated.

Notes:
On August 4, 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched four apps—e-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti, and e-Summon—in Chandigarh to support the new criminal laws in India. These apps will manage evidence, send electronic summons, link various authorities, and allow video testimony. The new laws, effective from July 1, 2024, include Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, aiming to enhance the criminal justice system.

Notes:
The United Nations FAO and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation signed agreements to protect the Miombo forest, a critical African dryland ecosystem spanning 2.7 million square kilometers across seven southern African countries. Dominated by Brachystegia species, the Miombo supports millions in rural areas with essential resources like firewood, food, and water, and plays a crucial role in the Greater Zambezi river basin and regional trade.