Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Education announced guidelines for bagless days for students in Classes 6 to 8, as recommended by the National Education Policy 2020. This involves a 10-day period where students intern with local vocational experts like carpenters and artists. The objectives are to enhance observation-based learning, understand community interdependence, and promote dignity of labor through activities like market visits, charity work, and report writing.

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:
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 National Institute of Technology, Calicut (NIT-C) launched NIVAHIKA, an innovative web portal for advanced data management. This platform streamlines data collection, storage, and analysis, enhancing efficiency. NIVAHIKA features real-time data processing, customizable dashboards, and seamless integration with existing systems, setting a new benchmark in digital data handling and management.

Notes:
The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs launched Version 4.0 of the Price Monitoring System (PMS) Mobile app, developed to enhance price data quality for 38 essential commodities, up from 22. The app, initially launched in 2021, receives daily retail and wholesale prices from 550 centers. This data aids government and analysts in policy decisions regarding CPI inflation, covering items like rice, wheat, oils, milk, and newly added produce like brinjal and banana.

Notes:
Haryana’s Chief Minister announced the state’s procurement of all crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), making it the first in India to do so. Additionally, he waived Rs 133 crore in irrigation charges and promised Rs 137 crore in pending compensation for crop damage due to natural calamities. MSP, recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), ensures fair prices for farmers and promotes crop diversification.

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:
India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Confederation of Indian Industries hosts the 1st BIMSTEC Business Summit in New Delhi from August 6-8, 2024. The summit, inaugurated by Dr. S. Jaishankar and attended by key leaders, aims to boost regional trade and investment among BIMSTEC countries. Over 300 stakeholders will discuss trade, connectivity, energy security, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

Notes:
The Indian Army conducted the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise in Ladakh, focusing on high-altitude warfare. The exercise highlights operations in rugged terrains near the India-China border. It involves real-world combat simulations to train soldiers for unique challenges. This fortnight-long drill involves various Army units, including infantry, artillery, and armoured forces, and showcases military assets like tanks, K-9 Vajra artillery, and UAVs. The exercise, involving the Mountain Strike Corps, is crucial for maintaining readiness in this sensitive region amid the ongoing India-China standoff.

Notes:
The 10-day Shri Baba Buddha Amarnath pilgrimage in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, started on August 8 and will end on August 19, coinciding with Sawan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. The first batch of pilgrims left Jammu amid tight security. Around 700 pilgrims from Karnataka, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh are participating. The temple is 290 km from Jammu, 4600 feet above sea level, and surrounded by Loran Valley. Visiting Baba Buddha Amarnath is considered essential before the Baba Amarnath yatra in Anantnag.