Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
India hosts the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists at the Pusa Institute, New Delhi, from 2 to 7 August 2024, after 66 years since it last hosted in 1958. The conference, held every three years, is organized by the International Association of Agricultural Economists in collaboration with various Indian and international agricultural and economic organizations.

Notes:
China has completed a 400-meter bridge near Pangong Lake, in territory it has controlled for 60 years. This bridge facilitates quick troop movements between the lake’s North and South banks. In response, India is building the 4.1-kilometer Shinkun La tunnel for all-weather connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Pangong Lake, a high-altitude saltwater lake in disputed territory, is partly in Tibet and Ladakh.

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:
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 Naval Submarine INS Shalki, the first submarine built in India, arrived in Colombo for a two-day visit. This Shishumar-class diesel-electric submarine, commissioned in 1992, was constructed by Mazgaon Dock Limited in Mumbai. It is 64.4 m long, carries 40 people, and has a displacement of 1450-1850 tons. Its speed ranges from 11 knots surfaced to 22 knots submerged, with a range of 8,000 nautical miles.

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.

Notes:
India and Russia conducted a maritime partnership exercise (MPX) in St. Petersburg on the 328th Russian Navy Day. The exercise featured India’s INS Tabar and Russia’s Soobrazitelny, showcasing naval maneuvers like communication drills, search and rescue tactics, and replenishment at sea. This MPX reinforced strong bilateral naval ties, highlighting both nations’ commitment to regional peace, stability, and security, and demonstrated professionalism and interoperability between their navies.

Notes:
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) tested the Russian-made Typhoon-K vehicle at its Transport Battalion in Chandigarh. This 4×4 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, developed by Remdiesel (a subsidiary of KamAZ), is designed for troop and cargo transport in high-risk mine areas. It can be configured as a command post, ambulance, or logistics vehicle. The Typhoon-K can carry eight troops, withstand substantial explosions, and is equipped with advanced surveillance and weapon systems.

Notes:
According to new study, the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano in northern Tanzania has been both erupting and sinking for the past 10 years. Known as the “Mountain of God” to the Maasai people, this unique stratovolcano rises to 9,442 feet and contains alkaline lavas. Recent studies reveal its upper slopes have been sinking since 2013 due to a deflating magma reservoir located 3,300 feet below the surface.

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.