Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
The Cabinet approved an amendment in the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana to provide financial support for Advanced Biofuel Projects. The scheme promotes the production of 2nd-generation (2G) bioethanol from renewable sources like lignocellulosic biomass. Launched in 2019, it was recently extended until 2028-29. It is implemented by the Centre for High Technology under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The objective of scheme is to establishing commercially viable 2G ethanol projects, providing farmers income from agricultural waste, and addressing environmental pollution. Financial support is provided through Viability Gap Funding (VGF).

Notes:
Drug-resistant fungal infections, especially Trichophyton indotineae, are a growing health concern in India. Trichophyton indotineae, known as ringworm or jock itch, was first identified in India and has spread globally. It belongs to genotype VIII within the T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale species. Inappropriate use of steroid creams has made this strain difficult to treat. Symptoms include persistent, treatment-resistant rashes, often misdiagnosed as eczema. Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment worsen the condition and increase community transmission. Resistant cases may require alternative treatments like itraconazole, with close healthcare monitoring.

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Archaeologists at Göbekli Tepe in Turkey discovered a pillar that may be the world’s oldest calendar, dating back nearly 13,000 years. The pillar is located at the ancient site of Göbekli Tepe in the Şanlıurfa province, which is one of the oldest known farming communities in the world. The markings on the pillar appear to show solar and lunar cycles, and may have been used to record dates by ancient humans using precession, the wobble in Earth’s axis that affects the movement of constellations. The markings also depict the summer solstice as a special day, represented by a “V” around the neck of a bird-like beast.

Notes:
Stray dogs near the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand will be vaccinated against the canine distemper virus (CDV).
Canine distemper is a serious, contagious disease caused by canine distemper virus (CDV). The virus affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs. Puppies under four months and unvaccinated dogs are particularly at risk. CDV can also infect ferrets and various other mammals, especially carnivores like foxes, wolves, raccoons, and skunks. Cats can be infected by CDV, but they are unlikely to become sick.

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China conducted its largest unmanned cargo aircraft flight, designed for civilian use, with a 2-ton payload capacity. The twin-engine aircraft’s inaugural flight lasted about 20 minutes in Sichuan province. China aims to expand its low-altitude economy, targeting a 2-trillion-yuan industry by 2030. The aircraft, developed by Tengden, has a wingspan of 16.1 meters and is slightly larger than the Cessna 172.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride over the #HarGharTiranga campaign. The campaign, initiated by the Ministry of Culture and MyGov, aims to spread awareness about India’s National Flag, the Tiranga. It seeks to transform people’s relationship with the flag from a formal connection to a more personal and heartfelt bond.

Notes:
India and Israel have launched a joint project to establish a Centre of Water Technology at IIT Madras to enhance sustainable water management in India. The partnership is seen as a significant milestone, reflecting the growing collaboration between the two countries in addressing water scarcity issues. A Joint Statement of Intent was signed by the Embassy of Israel, IIT Madras, and the AMRUT mission, outlining the framework for the centre. The Centre will focus on innovation and research in urban water supply and technology. A capacity-building course on ’24/7 Water Supply in Urban Areas’ was held at IIT Madras as part of this initiative.

Notes:
The Manipur government plans to hold peace talks with representatives from the Thadou, Paite, and Hmar communities. These communities are involved in the ongoing ethnic conflict between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zomi people that began in May 2023. The Thadou, Paite, and Hmar are indigenous tribes of Manipur, India, and have historically lived in the region.

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Western Railway has added Kandivali and Dahisar stations to the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Launched in February 2023 by the Ministry of Railways, this scheme aims to redevelop railway stations across India. It focuses on long-term development with master plans and phased improvements. The scheme addresses each station’s unique needs, aiming to modernize them with better amenities, traffic flow, and signage. It seeks to transform stations into vibrant, well-equipped hubs and city centers over time.

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Bihar police recently seized 50 grams of californium, a highly radioactive element. Californium is a synthetic, silvery-white metal with atomic number 98, first synthesized in 1950 at the University of California, Berkeley. It is not naturally occurring and is produced by bombarding curium with helium ions. It is known for its intense radioactivity. Californium is valuable but hazardous. It is used in starting nuclear reactors, detecting metal fatigue in airplanes, and treating certain cancers. Californium’s isotopes include Cf-251, the most stable with a half-life of 898 years, and is used in various industrial and scientific applications.