Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
The Indian Army has approved the procurement of the Advanced Land Navigation System (ALNS) Mk-II for its Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs). This Ring Laser Gyro-based system offers Inertial, GPS, and Hybrid navigation modes and is designed to be spoof-proof with high encryption. It is compatible with Indian and global navigation systems and Defence Series Maps, ensuring high accuracy. The system will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited under the Buy Indian-IDDM category.

Notes:
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has granted permission for the first criticality approach of India’s 500 MWe sodium-cooled Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This is India’s first indigenous PFBR, commissioned by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a government company under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

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:
A recent study found that kidlins, adapter proteins in cell membranes, could offer a new cancer treatment pathway. The Kindlin family, with three distinct members, transfers mechanical cues to biochemical signals, interacting with structural proteins and receptors. Mutations in these proteins, caused by carcinogens like nicotine and UV rays, can disrupt cell signaling and mechanical homeostasis, affecting the body’s balance and function.

Notes:
KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT DU) received special recognition from the UN Economic and Social Council, for its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Out of 476 global applicants, only 19 were honored, enhancing KIIT’s international reputation. KIIT signed an agreement with UN Volunteers, enabling students to join UN development projects. Additionally, KIIT partnered with the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) for student exchange programs. KIIT joins its sister institution, KISS, in holding Special Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC.

Notes:
Scientists discovered a new loach species, Schistura sonarengaensis, in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills near the Bangladesh border. This freshwater, bottom-dwelling fish was found in three cave-dwelling populations. It has prominent eyes and 13-26 black blotches on a greyish-black stripe over a pale body. Unlike typical cave species, it retains eyes and has reduced pigmentation. It differs from other Schistura species in the region, except for Schistura syngkai.

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:
Australia’s Victoria has 71 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease, with one woman dying. This severe form of pneumonia is caused by Legionella bacteria, found in natural bodies of water and water systems like tanks. It spreads through inhaling contaminated water aerosols, not person-to-person. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, malaise, and muscle pain. While treatments are available, there is no vaccine for the disease.

Notes:
Kerala Police asked people to avoid dark tourism in Wayanad as it could disrupt rescue efforts. Dark tourism, also known as black tourism or grief tourism, involves visiting places associated with death, suffering, or tragedy, such as cemeteries, disaster zones, and battlefields. Defined by John Lennon and Malcolm Foley, it represents inhuman acts for visitors. Notable sites include Auschwitz, Chernobyl, Ground Zero, and Hiroshima. Dark tourism is controversial, with mixed views on its ethics.

Notes:
Scientists have identified Ladakh as a potential site for a Martian or Lunar analogue research station. Such stations simulate planetary conditions for testing space technologies and studying human behavior in extreme environments. Ladakh’s dry, cold, and rocky landscape resembles early Mars and the Moon, with features like permafrost, volcanic rocks, and saline lakes. Its conditions, including high radiation and low atmospheric pressure, make it an ideal location for this research.