Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumed charge as India’s Ambassador to the United States, succeeding Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Kwatra expressed commitment to strengthening the US-India partnership. Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Ambassador, welcomed Kwatra to the US. Kwatra has 32 years of experience, including roles in the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, and previous service at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Kwatra takes charge at a time of strong US-India relations, with President Biden considering it one of the most consequential global partnerships.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh government plans to launch a toll-free number for Vidya Samiksha Kendras to improve education quality. The toll-free line will gather feedback, address concerns, and resolve school education inquiries using interactive voice response (IVR) technology. This initiative aims to increase public involvement and strengthen support for students at primary, upper primary, and composite school levels. Vidya Samiksha Kendras aim to leverage data and technology to significantly improve learning outcomes by analyzing data from over 15 lakh schools, 96 lakh teachers, and 26 crore students using AI and machine learning.

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Recent train accidents in India emphasize the need for better collision avoidance systems. A collision avoidance system helps vehicles avoid collisions by using technology to detect and prevent obstacles. For trains, this means avoiding crashes with other trains or obstacles by monitoring their positions in real-time.

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An evaluation of 254 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) by NCERT identified issues like lack of transparency in fund use, weak infrastructure, teacher shortages, low salaries, and student safety concerns. KGBVs, launched in 2004, are residential schools for girls from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities in educationally backward areas. They aim to improve access and quality of education for girls in regions with low female literacy and high gender gaps. The scheme reserves 75% of seats for these disadvantaged groups and 25% for girls from poor families.

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DRDO successfully conducted the first flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), GAURAV, from an Indian Air Force Su-30 MK-I. GAURAV is a 1,000 kg air-launched glide bomb designed to strike targets at long distances. It is equipped with conventional warheads to destroy enemy airstrips, bunkers, and buildings. The bomb integrates with fighter aircraft and uses an Inertial Navigation System with GPS data for precise targeting. Developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, it hit the target with pinpoint accuracy during the test, with complete data captured.

Notes:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 25th issue of the ‘Women and Men in India 2023’ report, offering a comprehensive view of gender-related data. By 2036, India’s population is expected to reach 152.2 crore, with the female percentage increasing to 48.8%. The sex ratio is projected to rise from 943 (2011) to 952 (2036). The working-age population (15-59 years) is expected to grow from 60.7% to 64.9% by 2036. Life expectancy is projected to improve to 71.2 years for males and 74.7 years for females by 2031-36.

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India and Australia held two key bilateral meetings to enhance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Australia hosted the 6th India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue in Canberra, to discuss maritime security cooperation.
The Indian delegation was led by Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi, while Ms. Sarah Storey and Mr. Bernard Philip led the Australian delegation. They discussed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), sustainable marine resource use, Search and Rescue operations, pollution response, blue economy, and Port State control. India hosted the 14th India-Australia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism in New Delhi. The 7th Maritime Security Dialogue will be held in New Delhi.

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The Maharashtra government has declared the geoglyphs and petroglyphs in Ratnagiri as protected monuments under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960. This move addresses concerns about preserving these important cultural artifacts. Geoglyphs and petroglyphs are ancient art from the Mesolithic era, featuring animal figures and footprints that offer insights into prehistoric life and creativity. Over 1,500 artworks are found at around 70 sites in Ratnagiri, covering 210 square meters, with seven sites on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list.

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Fifty-seven casual employees of Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh have been reinstated three months after their termination. The employees will work until March 31, 2025, as part of the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s (NTCA) annual operation plan for 2024-25. Namdapha Tiger Reserve is located in Arunachal Pradesh and spans 1,985 sq km. It is the world’s only park with four big cat species: tigers, leopards, snow leopards, and clouded leopards. It’s also home to hornbills, giant squirrels, and butterflies. The park has a sub-tropical climate, with a mountain climate in the mountainous areas and a tropical climate in the valleys and plains.

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The Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways launched the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP). The program aims to replace diesel-powered harbour tugs with zero-emission green tugs at Indian Major Ports. Objectives of GTTP include reducing carbon emissions and promoting the use of sustainable fuels in maritime operations. It is a key step toward decarbonizing the operations of Indian ports by phasing out conventional fuel-based tugs.