Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
Ministry of Education launched the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal, disbursing ₹100 crore in stipends via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The portal supports apprenticeships in IT, manufacturing, and automobiles, enhancing youth skills and employability. It simplifies registration, application, and contract management, ensuring timely stipend payments.

Notes:
PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), a unit within NCERT established in 2023, has recommended including student performance from Classes 9, 10, and 11 in the final Class 12 marks. Its goal is to standardize school board assessments across India, focusing on competency-based assessment, large-scale surveys, and equivalence of school boards. The unit, staffed by assessment experts, aims to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and create a common assessment platform.

Notes:
Archaeologists recently found Vattezhuthu and eight Tamil inscriptions at the Thalikiswarar temple in Tirupur district, Tamil Nadu, dating back 1100 years. Vattezhuthu, a syllabic script used in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Sri Lanka, was used to write Tamil and Malayalam. It emerged around the 4th century AD from the Tamil-Brahmi script and evolved into the modern Malayalam script by the 15th century.

Notes:
The Madhya Pradesh government will provide gas cylinders at a subsidized rate of ₹450 per year for beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna scheme, focusing on women, especially those under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Additionally, beneficiaries will receive ₹250 for the Rakhi festival. The central government also offers a targeted subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder for PMUY beneficiaries.

Notes:
Singapore and the United States have signed a 30-year civil nuclear cooperation agreement, called the 123 Agreement. This deal will allow Singapore to access detailed information and expertise on U.S. nuclear energy technologies, which are typically under export control. The agreement aims to enhance Singapore’s capabilities in nuclear energy and strengthen ties between the two countries in this field.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Indian Air Force faces delays in receiving Tejas light combat aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, affecting its readiness and capabilities. Tejas, a 4.5-generation single-seat supersonic multirole fighter, was developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL. Intended to replace older MiG-21 and Su-7 jets, it joined the IAF in 2016. It has three models and is known for being the smallest and lightest in its class, with versatile combat roles.

Notes:
The U.S. became India’s second-largest LNG supplier, overtaking the UAE, but Qatar still the largest supplier. LNG is growing as a green energy substitute. In 2023, the U.S. also became the world’s top LNG exporter, surpassing Qatar and Australia due to past investments in liquefaction. Increased U.S. supply is due to lower LNG prices and closer proximity to India via the Cape of Good Hope.

Notes:
Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair became the first woman to lead the Indian Army’s Medical Services on August 1, 2024. A third-generation armed forces member, she graduated from the Armed Forces Medical College and joined the Army Medical Corps in 1985. She previously served as Director General of Hospital Services and has received numerous honors, including the Vishisht Seva Medal and commendations from top Air Force officials.

Notes:
The Health Ministry has asked the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to stop surrogate advertising of tobacco and alcohol products by sportspersons. Surrogate advertising uses the brand image of one product to promote another, often due to legal restrictions on advertising the original product. Brands like liquor and tobacco companies use this method to subtly promote their products by advertising similar or different items under the same brand name. This helps maintain brand recognition and legally spread their message, a process known as “brand extension.”