Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced the formation of a task force to remove illegal resorts and encroachments from the Western Ghats, covering 10 districts. Led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, this team will start clearing operations immediately. The Minister has also directed the removal of encroachments from 2015 onward and requested a report on the actions taken within a month.

Notes:
The Union Government has referred complaints about Auroville to relevant agencies, the Minister of State for Education stated recently. Founded by Mirra Alfassa on February 28, 1968, Auroville is the world’s largest international intentional community, located near Puducherry. It spans 3,000 acres, houses 3,300 residents from 58 nations, and has over 3 million trees. Administered by the Ministry of Education under the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988, it receives partial government funding.

Notes:
ISRO’s Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) is set to launch on August 15 by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission aims to design and develop a microsatellite, create compatible payload instruments, and integrate new technologies for future operational satellites. EOS-8 represents a significant step in advancing satellite capabilities and enhancing Earth observation efforts.

Notes:
The Mizoram governor highlighted wildlife conservation challenges on International Clouded Leopard Day. The clouded leopard, found from the Himalayas to Southeast Asia, includes two species: Neofelis nebulosa and Neofelis diardi. Its habitat spans countries like China, Bhutan, India, and others, thriving in tropical rainforests and dry forests. This medium-sized cat, 60-110 cm long, weighs 11-20 kg, and is known for its cloud-like coat patterns and long tail. Both the species are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN Red List. It is the state animal of Meghalaya.

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India’s first round-the-clock grain ATM was recently launched at Mancheswar in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Odisha introduced its first Grain ATM on August 8, 2024, under the National Food Security Programme. This technology, part of the central Annapurti programme, was developed with the World Food Programme to enhance food security. Grain ATMs are automated machines that provide food grains directly to people, reducing hunger and ensuring fair distribution. They minimize human intervention, cut down on corruption, and were first used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some machines use biometric authentication for security and offer fortified grains to improve nutrition, aiming to reduce food waste and increase efficiency.

Notes:
The Jammu region has faced increased security challenges due to militant activity and troop redeployment to the LAC post-Galwan incident. Recent reports indicate the induction of additional troops, including Special Forces and Assam Rifles, to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts. Counter-terrorism grids involve deploying units based on threat perception and local support, requiring knowledge of the terrain and winning local confidence. Operation Dudhi, conducted by Assam Rifles in 1991, is a notable example of successful counter-terrorism in the region. New troops need time to integrate with existing units and be effectively deployed to enhance security operations.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) to improve fruit crop quality and productivity nationwide. The Clean Plant Programme aims to provide virus-free, high-quality planting materials to boost crop yields and quality, benefiting farmers’ income. It focuses on improving productivity and quality rather than cutting production costs.
Implemented by the National Horticulture Board (NHB) with ICAR, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, it is part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). The programme supports sustainable agriculture and aligns with Mission LiFE and One Health initiatives. It includes Clean Plant Centres, a certification and legal framework, and enhanced infrastructure.

Notes:
An MoU was signed between India’s Ministry of External Affairs and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to launch Nepal’s Munal satellite. The agreement was witnessed during the visit of India’s External Affairs Minister to Nepal. Munal Satellite is an indigenous Nepali project, developed by Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) with help from Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal (APN), focusing on creating a vegetation density database of Earth’s surface. The satellite will be launched soon using NSIL’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

Notes:
World Organ Donation Day 2024 is celebrated on August 13 to raise awareness about organ donation. The theme for 2024 is “Be the Reason for Someone’s Smile Today.” Thousands of people worldwide await life-saving organ transplants each year. The day aims to promote the importance of organ donation and dispel related myths. It also honors organ donors who have saved lives and given others a chance at a healthy life.

Notes:
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy released guidelines for the “Model Solar Village” under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The initiative aims to create one Model Solar Village per district across India, promoting solar energy adoption and self-reliance. A total of ₹800 crore is allocated, with ₹1 crore for each selected village. Eligible villages must be revenue villages with over 5,000 people (or 2,000 in special category states). Villages compete based on their installed renewable energy capacity, with winners receiving ₹1 crore.The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana provides 300 units of free electricity per month to 1 crore households, with a ₹75,000 crore investment. Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats will be incentivized to promote rooftop solar systems.