Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
The Indian Army has approved the procurement of the Advanced Land Navigation System (ALNS) Mk-II for its Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs). This Ring Laser Gyro-based system offers Inertial, GPS, and Hybrid navigation modes and is designed to be spoof-proof with high encryption. It is compatible with Indian and global navigation systems and Defence Series Maps, ensuring high accuracy. The system will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited under the Buy Indian-IDDM category.

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:
Wayanad, Kerala, struck by a deadly landslide killing nearly 200 people, ranked 13th in ISRO’s 2023 Landslide Atlas of India. Prepared by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO, the atlas details landslide occurrences and damage in 147 districts across 17 states and two Union Territories. It includes 80,000 landslides mapped from 1998 to 2022, categorized by season, event, and route. The data, using high-resolution satellite imagery, ranked districts based on socio-economic exposure to landslides.

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:
World Lung Cancer Day, observed on August 1st, raises awareness about lung cancer, highlighting its impact and educating the public on risks, symptoms, and treatments. The day advocates for early detection, better treatment options, and more research funding. This year’s theme, “Close the Care Gap: Everyone Deserves Access to Cancer Care,” emphasizes the need for equitable healthcare access for all cancer patients.

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:
India selected Group Captains Shubhanshu Shukla and Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair for the Axiom-4 mission. They will train in the U.S., and their experience will benefit India’s human space program. Axiom-4 is the fourth private astronaut mission by NASA and Axiom Space, expected to dock with the ISS for fourteen days. SpaceX is the launch provider for this mission.

Notes:
A Bangladesh-registered C-130J Hercules jet became the most tracked flight on Flightradar24.com amid rumors of the Bangladesh Prime Minister leaving the country. The C-130J Super Hercules, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a four-engine military transport aircraft used for tactical missions. It has a 19-ton payload capacity, can operate from rough runways, and is primarily used by the US and other nations for airdropping troops and equipment.

Notes:
The Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee highlighted serious wildlife harm in Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve due to unchecked tourism and traffic, recommending a ban on private vehicles. Located in the Aravali Hills, Sariska covers 800 sq km and was once a royal hunting ground. It was declared a reserve in 1955 and a national park in 1979, becoming the first to successfully relocate tigers. Sariska features diverse flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, and dhok trees.

Notes:
The National Commission for Women (NCW) inaugurated the Digital Shakti Center in New Delhi to combat cyber crimes against women. This facility aims to raise awareness and provide technical support for addressing complaints. Building on the successful Digital Shakti campaign launched in 2018, the center will help women protect themselves from cyber crimes like identity theft and cyberstalking. NCW Chairperson Ms. Rekha Sharma noted the rise in cyber crime cases in India, emphasizing the center’s importance.