Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
Hamas political head Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran on 31 July 2024. He was attacked after attending the swearing-in of Iran’s new president, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. Hamas, a militant Palestinian group, aims to destroy Israel and establish an Islamic Palestinian state.

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:
Singapore and the United States have signed a 30-year civil nuclear cooperation agreement, called the 123 Agreement. This deal will allow Singapore to access detailed information and expertise on U.S. nuclear energy technologies, which are typically under export control. The agreement aims to enhance Singapore’s capabilities in nuclear energy and strengthen ties between the two countries in this field.

Notes:
The Union Environment Ministry’s approval for oil and gas drilling in Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary may endanger the Hoolock gibbon further. This evergreen forest sanctuary, located in Assam’s Jorhat district, was established in 1997. It’s the only sanctuary in India named after a gibbon, containing the densest gibbon populations in Assam. The Bhogdoi River forms a waterlogged region with semi-hydrophytic plants along its border.

Notes:
The U.S. became India’s second-largest LNG supplier, overtaking the UAE, but Qatar still the largest supplier. LNG is growing as a green energy substitute. In 2023, the U.S. also became the world’s top LNG exporter, surpassing Qatar and Australia due to past investments in liquefaction. Increased U.S. supply is due to lower LNG prices and closer proximity to India via the Cape of Good Hope.

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:
World Lung Cancer Day, observed on August 1st, raises awareness about lung cancer, highlighting its impact and educating the public on risks, symptoms, and treatments. The day advocates for early detection, better treatment options, and more research funding. This year’s theme, “Close the Care Gap: Everyone Deserves Access to Cancer Care,” emphasizes the need for equitable healthcare access for all cancer patients.

Notes:
Ministry of Defence signed an MoU with Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) to establish three advanced testing facilities in Uttar Pradesh under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS). These include one facility in Lucknow for Mechanical & Material (M&M) and two in Kanpur for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Communications. DTIS was launched in May 2020 by Ministry of Defence with a Rs 400 crore budget. DTIS aims to boost indigenous defence production.

Notes:
The Indian government plans to introduce the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. This bill aims to create a comprehensive disaster database and set up Urban Disaster Management Authorities in state capitals and major cities. It will empower the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to independently prepare disaster plans and appoint experts. The bill also seeks to grant statutory recognition to bodies like the National Crisis Management Committee and propose the establishment of State Disaster Response Forces by state governments. This amendment aligns with the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations.

Notes:
Heavy rainfall in Kerala’s Wayanad region triggered landslides and rescue operations along the 169 km Chaliyar River. Originating from the Elambalari Hills in Tamil Nadu, the river passes through Malappuram and Kozhikode districts and drains into the Arabian Sea at Beypore port. Historically vital for timber transport and known for goldfields, the river has faced significant pollution from a pulp factory at Mavoor.