Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
Researchers from the Korean Institute of Basic Science, South Korea have developed Nano-MIND, a magnetogenetics technology that allows precise, remote control of brain circuits using magnetism. Tested on mice, it can activate specific neurons to alter behaviors such as maternal instincts and feeding. This breakthrough advances brain research and could impact brain-computer interfaces and treatments for neurological disorders.

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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.

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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.

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The Centre has allowed state governments to directly buy rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) without e-auctions under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). The OMSS enables FCI to sell surplus wheat and rice from the central pool at predetermined prices to traders, bulk consumers, and states. This is in addition to maintaining buffer stocks for the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and other welfare schemes. The scheme aims to ensure food security and control market prices during lean seasons, especially in deficit regions. States can procure food grains for their needs beyond NFSA allocations.

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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.

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The World Bank’s 2024 report highlights the “Middle-Income Trap,” where countries stuck in middle-income status struggle to advance to high-income levels. This trap often occurs around $8,000 GDP per capita. Since 1990, only 34 of 108 middle-income countries have moved to high-income status. Key challenges include aging populations, rising protectionism, and the need for faster energy transitions. India, classified as a lower-middle-income country since 2007, has a GNI per capita of $2,540 and would need 75 years to reach one-quarter of U.S. income per capita at current trends.

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Scientists have discovered six new lineages of bent-toed geckos in Northeast India. These geckos, found in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, are nocturnal and live near forest streams, rocks, and vegetation. Each state in the region hosts its own unique species of these geckos, with 30 different species identified in Northeast India overall.

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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.

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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.

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The Department of Posts released commemorative stamps for the Paris Olympics. These limited-edition stamps celebrate significant events, personalities, and issues. They are available at Philatelic Bureaux and through the Philatelic Deposit Account Scheme. Stamps can honor institutions on major anniversaries, personalities of national/international importance posthumously, and heritage sites. Proposals for stamps can be submitted by any Indian citizen, following specific guidelines by the Ministry of Communications.