Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
The Indian Army conducted the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise in Ladakh, focusing on high-altitude warfare. The exercise highlights operations in rugged terrains near the India-China border. It involves real-world combat simulations to train soldiers for unique challenges. This fortnight-long drill involves various Army units, including infantry, artillery, and armoured forces, and showcases military assets like tanks, K-9 Vajra artillery, and UAVs. The exercise, involving the Mountain Strike Corps, is crucial for maintaining readiness in this sensitive region amid the ongoing India-China standoff.

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 Chhattisgarh government has announced the creation of a new tiger reserve named Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve. It is located in northern Chhattisgarh near Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. It will be the state’s fourth tiger reserve after Indravati (in Bijapur district), Udanti-Sitanadi (Gariaband) and Achanakmar (Mungeli). The reserve combines areas from Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary. It hosts various animals like tigers, leopards, and bears, and is a source for major rivers including Hasdeo Gopad and Baranga.

Notes:
India has exported its first GI-tagged fig juice to Poland, marking a major achievement for Indian agriculture. This follows the export of GI-tagged Purandar figs to Hong Kong. The Purandar Highlands Farmers Producer Company Ltd, with government support, facilitated these exports. This milestone highlights the quality of Indian figs and opens up new opportunities for expanding Indian agricultural products in global markets.

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:
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 Indian Army and Sri Lankan Army started their 10th joint exercise, “Mitra Shakti,” at Maduru Oya in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. This year’s focus is on joint operations in semi-urban areas, in line with UN Chapter VII on peace and security threats. This year’s exercise involves 120 soldiers from India’s Rajputana Rifles. The goal is to boost both armies’ skills in counter-terrorism and urban warfare. The exercise aims to strengthen defense ties, enhance coordination, and improve interoperability between the Indian and Sri Lankan armed forces.

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:
India is ready to commission its second nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighat, for strategic deterrence. INS Arighat is India’s second indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), following INS Arihant, commissioned in 2018. It was built at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. It is crucial for India’s nuclear triad, allowing nuclear missile launches from land, air, and sea. The submarine is 111.6 meters long, with a displacement of 6,000 tonnes, and can reach speeds up to 24 knots submerged. It can carry four K-4 SLBMs or twelve K-15 SLBMs, with additional torpedoes and mines for defense.

Notes:
The Science and Technology Ministry has withdrawn support from the Kalinga Prize. The Kalinga Prize is UNESCO’s oldest award for popularizing science. It was established in 1951 with a donation from Odisha’s former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. The prize honors individuals with notable careers in writing, editing, lecturing, or media production, who help explain science and technology to the public.