Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh Assembly recently passed the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which tightens regulations against fraudulent or forced conversions. The bill aims to better protect minors, disabled individuals, women, and SC/ST communities. It addresses concerns about insufficient existing laws and follows an Allahabad High Court view on rampant illegal conversions. Other states with similar laws might adopt similar amendments.

Notes:
The Indian Air Force faces delays in receiving Tejas light combat aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, affecting its readiness and capabilities. Tejas, a 4.5-generation single-seat supersonic multirole fighter, was developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL. Intended to replace older MiG-21 and Su-7 jets, it joined the IAF in 2016. It has three models and is known for being the smallest and lightest in its class, with versatile combat roles.

Notes:
In Gujarat, a Chandipura Virus (CHPV) outbreak has been reported since early July, with 137 suspected cases and 51 confirmed. CHPV, spread by sandflies, causes acute viral encephalitis with symptoms like high fever, headache, vomiting, and severe neurological issues. Viral encephalitis, which can result from various viruses including CHPV, causes brain inflammation and can lead to severe symptoms like seizures and loss of consciousness.

Notes:
The Centre has allowed state governments to directly buy rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) without e-auctions under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). The OMSS enables FCI to sell surplus wheat and rice from the central pool at predetermined prices to traders, bulk consumers, and states. This is in addition to maintaining buffer stocks for the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and other welfare schemes. The scheme aims to ensure food security and control market prices during lean seasons, especially in deficit regions. States can procure food grains for their needs beyond NFSA allocations.

Notes:
Scientists have discovered six new lineages of bent-toed geckos in Northeast India. These geckos, found in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, are nocturnal and live near forest streams, rocks, and vegetation. Each state in the region hosts its own unique species of these geckos, with 30 different species identified in Northeast India overall.

Notes:
The Union Minister of Cooperation informed Rajya Sabha about Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL), established under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. Promoted by IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NDDB, and NCDC, it has an initial capital of Rs. 250 Cr and an authorized capital of Rs. 500 Cr. BBSSL focuses on producing, procuring, and distributing quality seeds to improve crop yield and promote indigenous seeds, with the Ministry of Cooperation as the nodal agency.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Law & Justice released a report highlighting infrastructural issues in the judicial system. Key findings include inadequate courtroom space for 37.7% of judicial officers, a shortage of trained personnel, and insufficient digital infrastructure in legal offices. The report recommends creating an independent IT department for courts, emphasizing electronic case management, and establishing separate civil and criminal courts with distinct judicial officers.

Notes:
The 7th Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Subordinate Officers’ Conclave, held on August 1-2, 2024, in New Delhi, was inaugurated by Director General Rakesh Pal. Themed ‘Towards an Inclusive Approach,’ the event included sessions on holistic living, stress management, and leadership. It provided a platform for officers to share ideas with decision-makers, focusing on inclusive growth, technology integration, and the principles of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and good governance.

Notes:
The Indian government, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a Rs 5,792 crore investment in Nepal’s 669 MW Lower Arun Hydroelectric Project. Located in Sankhuwasabha district, this project, awarded to SJVN Ltd., will generate 2,900 million units of energy annually. This initiative highlights India’s commitment to enhancing renewable energy collaboration with neighboring countries.

Notes:
Researchers have isolated India’s first indigenous methanotroph, Methylocucumis oryzae, from rice fields and wetlands in Western India. This cucumber-shaped bacterium, abundant in wetlands and rice fields, is important for methane consumption. It is larger than most bacteria and grows only below 37ºC. Methylocucumis promotes rice plant growth by inducing early flowering and increasing grain yield, though its slow growth limits large-scale applications.