Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
Heavy rainfall in the Cauvery basin has increased water release from the Krishna Raj Sagar (KRS) dam. Built across the River Cauvery at Kannambadi by the Wodeyar dynasty, it was named Krishnaraja Sagara in 1917 after King Krishnaraja Odeya IV. The dam supplies water to Shivasamudra’s hydro-electric power station, Mysore City’s drinking water, and irrigation purposes.

Notes:
A study found that Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi slowed disease progression over three years. Leqembi is an IV antibody therapy that removes beta-amyloid from the brain. Alzheimer’s is the most common dementia, starting with mild memory loss and potentially leading to severe communication and response issues. Symptoms typically appear after age 60, with the risk increasing with age.

Notes:
India has become the world’s second-largest aluminium producer, with a 1.2% increase in production to 10.43 lakh tons in the first quarter of FY 2024-25. This highlights India’s growth in the aluminium sector, just behind China. Additionally, production of other key minerals has risen significantly, with iron ore reaching 79 million metric tons (MMT) and limestone 116 MMT.

Notes:
GAIN’s report, “The Case for Investment in Nutritious Foods Value Chains,” urges nutrition investments in the agri-food sector to reduce gender inequalities, boost productivity, and enhance business resilience. GAIN, a Swiss NGO launched at the UN in 2002, addresses malnutrition by supporting public-private partnerships to increase access to essential nutrients in diets.

Notes:
The Indian Air Force has approved the production of 200 Astra Mk-1 missiles for Su-30 MKI and Tejas aircraft after Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit’s visit to Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Developed by DRDO and made by BDL, Astra Mk-1 is an air-to-air missile with a range of 80-110 km and a speed of Mach 4.5. DRDO is also working on the Astra Mk-2 with a range of 130-160 km.

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 Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams canceled Arjitha sevas and privileged darshans during the 9-day Tirumala Brahmotsavams at Tirumala Tirupati Sri Venkateshwara Temple. This festival, initiated by Lord Brahma, includes grand events like Garuda Seva and Vahanaseva. The temple, located in the Seshachalam Hills, Andhra Pradesh, is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara and features Dravidian architecture.

Notes:
The Government of Nagaland signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SBI General Insurance to implement the Disaster Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS), making Nagaland the first state in India to adopt such a measure. The DRTPS aims to safeguard critical infrastructure and mitigate economic losses from floods, droughts, and mudslides. The government will cover the insurance premium for three years, addressing the rising risks from climate change-related extreme weather events.

Notes:
Recently, Union Minister Mr. Bhupender Yadav announced the establishment of two new Peacock Sanctuaries in India: Adichunchanagiri in Karnataka and Choolannuar in Kerala. This initiative aims to protect peacocks and their habitats, ensuring they can thrive without human interference. The government is also enhancing conservation efforts, including breeding centers, to boost peafowl populations. Protecting these birds is vital for biodiversity and cultural heritage, as they play important roles in ecosystems.

Notes:
Maharashtra has approved the Wainganga-Nalganga River Linking Project. The project will irrigate 3.7 lakh hectares of farmland in six Vidarbha districts. It involves diverting excess water from the Gosikhurd dam to the Nalganga dam by building 426.52 km of link canals. The National Water Development Agency presented the project report in 2018, and it has been approved by the Central Water Commission. The project will support the National River Linking Project.