Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
The 7th Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Subordinate Officers’ Conclave, held on August 1-2, 2024, in New Delhi, was inaugurated by Director General Rakesh Pal. Themed ‘Towards an Inclusive Approach,’ the event included sessions on holistic living, stress management, and leadership. It provided a platform for officers to share ideas with decision-makers, focusing on inclusive growth, technology integration, and the principles of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and good governance.

Notes:
The Maharashtra government has introduced a new prisons bill to replace the outdated Prisons Act of 1894.The bill aims to modernize prison operations with better staffing technology upgrades & mental health initiatives addressing overcrowding deaths custody & poor conditions.The bill has been approved by state cabinet as an ordinance awaiting central government & presidential approval.Maharashtra’s prisons currently hold over 40k prisoners despite capacity for only 27k.

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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.

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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:
Astronomers are watching Eta Carinae, a hypergiant star 7,500 light-years away, as it might soon explode as a supernova. About 170 years ago, it had a major outburst, creating the Homunculus Nebula. Eta Carinae is unique for emitting natural laser light and recently showed intriguing details in the nebula. When it eventually goes supernova, it could provide a spectacular light show and valuable insights into massive stars.

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Researchers have recently identified a new clade of Candida auris, increasing the total number to six globally. Candida auris is a multi-drug-resistant fungal pathogen that can cause a range of infections, from skin infections to severe, life-threatening bloodstream infections. It was first identified in Japan. It spreads mainly in healthcare settings through contaminated surfaces or person-to-person contact. The fungus can either colonize parts of the body without symptoms or cause serious infections if it enters the bloodstream or wounds.

Notes:
IIT Indore has developed footwear for military personnel using Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology. TENG technology converts mechanical energy from walking into electrical energy through the triboelectric effect, which generates electricity from friction. This technology acts as a portable and renewable energy source. The stored energy can power small electronics, wearable devices, IoT devices, and medical devices.

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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.

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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.