Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Centre’s PARIVESH portal, developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has crossed 50,000 clearances. PARIVESH, which stands for Pro Active and Responsive Facilitation by Interactive and Virtuous Environmental Single-window Hub, is a single-window portal for obtaining and monitoring Environment, Forest, Wildlife, and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances across the nation.

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:
K Kailashnathan has taken oath as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry at a ceremony held at Raj Nivas. Acting Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar administered the oath, while Chief Minister N Rangasamy and other officials attended. Kailashnathan has assumed office as the new Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, marking a new chapter in the union territory’s administration under his leadership and guidance.

Notes:
The Quality Council of India introduced the QCI Surajya Recognition & Ranking Framework to drive excellence among states in key sectors. It focuses on four pillars: Shiksha (Education), Swasthya (Health), Samriddhi (Prosperity), and Sushasan (Governance). The August rankings highlight Uttar Pradesh leading in Shiksha, while Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Mizoram, and Manipur excel in Swasthya. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan lead in Samriddhi. The initiative aims to improve citizens’ quality of life and recognize innovation.

Notes:
A contentious bill to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to include non-Muslim individuals and Muslim women in Waqf bodies, is set to be presented in the Lok Sabha. The Waqf Act of 1954 defines a Waqf as a property dedicated for religious and charitable purposes. It can be established by deed or long-term usage and fund institutions like mosques and schools. Waqfs are non-transferable, perpetual, and managed by a mutawali under the Waqf Act, 1995.

Notes:
The International Day of Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on August 9 since 1995. It aims to raise awareness about the contributions and rights of indigenous, or tribal, peoples, who are among the most vulnerable globally. The UN General Assembly declared this day in 1994 to mark the first meeting of the Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982. The theme for 2024 is “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact,” highlighting the need to safeguard these communities.

Notes:
CSIR-NBRI in Lucknow developed a herbal product called ‘NBRI-Gout Out’ using five medicinal plants to treat gout. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by high uric acid levels in the blood, more common in men. Factors increasing uric acid levels include obesity, certain medicines, and foods/drinks high in purines, like alcohol and sugary drinks. Symptoms include intense joint pain, often in the big toe, and inflammation, redness, and swelling in affected joints. Treatment involves drugs like allopurinol and febuxostat to reduce uric acid production in the body.

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The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has launched the “Million Designers, Billion Dreams” program. The initiative aims to provide systems design knowledge to individuals across India to tackle complex societal issues. It is led by LEAP in collaboration with DAY-NRLM. LEAP is a product of multidisciplinary work by Harvard’s Design Laboratory, Transform Rural India Foundation, and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Notes:
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Aman Sehrawat from India won a bronze medal in the men’s 57kg wrestling category, marking a proud moment in India’s wrestling history. Born in Haryana on July 16, 2003, Sehrawat is known for his freestyle technique. He defeated Puerto Rico’s Darian Toi Cruz 13-5 in the bronze medal match. Aman first gained attention by winning a silver at the 2021 World Wrestling U23 Championships and gold at the 2022 Asian U23 Championships. His journey from local competitions to the Olympic podium highlights his dedication and talent.