Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
India hosts ‘Tarang Shakti,’ largest international air exercise, in two phases: August in Tamil Nadu and September in Rajasthan. The event aims to strengthen strategic relations, inviting 51 countries with 30 participating. Phase one in Tamil Nadu features France, Germany, Spain, and the UK. Phase two in Rajasthan includes Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, UAE, and the USA. This exercise enhances collaboration and operational skills.

Notes:
Researchers found that gene mutations in Parkinson’s disease patients are more common than expected, suggesting broader genetic testing. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement and body balance, usually starting around age 60. Men are more likely to be affected. It is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the substantia nigra, leading to a lack of dopamine, which results in slowed movements and tremors.

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:
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:
During Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to India from July 30 to August 1, 2024, the Indian government announced $300 million in loans to strengthen Vietnam’s maritime security. Nine agreements were signed, including Vietnam joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and a plan to develop the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. The visit marked a significant step in deepening India-Vietnam ties.

Notes:
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in an air strike in Tehran. Experts believe this could lead Iran to increase attacks against Israel through its allies, known as the Axis of Resistance. This coalition of Iranian-backed groups includes Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Houthis. The coalition’s origins trace back to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which empowered radical Shia clerics and led Iran to support non-state actors to expand its influence and counter threats from Israel and the US.

Notes:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to improve solid waste management and sanitation in 100 Indian cities under the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. This funding will be used for building waste processing facilities and community sanitation projects. The agreement, signed by Juhi Mukherjee and Mio Oka, aims to strengthen urban waste management systems and advance India’s environmental and public health goals.

Notes:
Jharkhand’s government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has launched Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana. This scheme provides financial aid to women for their empowerment, education, health, and nutrition. Seen as a pre-election move before the legislative assembly elections in late 2024, the government will hold enrollment camps across the state from August 3-10, 2024.

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:
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.