Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
The 28th conference of central and state statistical organizations, organized by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), concluded in New Delhi. The two-day conference focused on “Use of Data for Decision Making- Strengthening State Statistical System.” The conference featured engaging sessions and panel discussions on topics of common interest between Central and State Government departments. Over 30 Central Ministries, State and Union Territories, along with organizations like the Reserve Bank of India and Indian Statistical Institute, participated. The conference was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Notes:
According to recent study, climate change may reduce the Malabar Tree Toad’s range by up to 68.7% in India’s protected areas. This toad is the only species in the genus Pedostibes and was first discovered in 1876 but not seen again until 1980. It was rediscovered in Silent Valley National Park, Kerala. It is endemic to India’s Western Ghats. It lives in evergreen to moist deciduous forests, climbing trees and dwelling in tree cavities. Unique among Indian toads for its tree-climbing ability, it breeds in water pools during the monsoon.

Notes:
Researchers rediscovered the rare owlfly species Glyptobasis dentifera in Kerala after 75 years. Owlflies belong to Order Neuroptera and are often mistaken for dragonflies due to similar appearance. Owlflies are aerial predators and can release a musk-like chemical when threatened. They lay eggs in groups on tree limbs, with females creating protective shields. Larvae typically live in soil or trees in clusters for defense.

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The Chhattisgarh Forest Department held a Van Mahotsav in the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district, planting saplings using the Miyawaki method. The Miyawaki method, is a urban afforestation method, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. It involves planting 2-4 types of native trees per square meter. Dense planting leads to rapid growth as seedlings compete for sunlight. Only native species, suited to the local climate and naturally occurring without human interference, are planted. Trees become self-sustainable and reach full growth in about three years. Miyawaki forests grow 10 times faster, are 30 times denser, and have 100 times more biodiversity.

Notes:
The Indian Army held a landmark event, Shaurya Sampravah 1.0, at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi, led by General Upendra Dwivedi. The event aimed to harness the experience and insights of veteran officers to shape the Army’s future and contribute to national growth. General Dwivedi expressed gratitude to veterans and emphasized the event as a platform for idea exchange between current leadership and veterans. The event featured a detailed briefing on the “Decade of Transformation” roadmap, focusing on modernization and enhancing operational capabilities.

Notes:
Croatia will reintroduce compulsory military service starting January 1, 2025, due to rising European tensions and increased Balkan military activity. The aim is to strengthen national defence and align with NATO goals. Conscription was suspended in Croatia in 2008. This move reflects a broader European trend, with countries like Latvia also enhancing military capabilities amid regional instability and geopolitical threats.

Notes:
A study found large amounts of liquid water deep within Mars’ rocky crust, a major breakthrough in understanding the planet. This is the first evidence of liquid water on Mars’ surface beyond the known ice at the poles. The study, titled “Liquid water in the Martian mid-crust,” was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) by scientists from the University of California. The discovery could enhance knowledge of Mars’ water cycle, climate history, and potential for life. Water is located 10-20 km deep, believed to have seeped from the surface billions of years ago. If widespread, this water could fill an ocean 1-2 km deep across Mars.

Notes:
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh released a Rs 100 commemorative coin for Kalaignar M Karunanidhi’s birth centenary in Chennai on August 18, 2024. Karunanidhi, a key figure in the Dravidian movement and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister for nearly two decades, passed away on August 7, 2018. Known as Kalaignar (“the artist”), he led the DMK party, which remains influential under his son, Stalin. Commemorative coins celebrate events or notable individuals and often feature special designs. These coins are usually minted in limited quantities and held by the Reserve Bank of India as collectibles.

Notes:
The Union Minister launched a pilot project to transform 60 Fair Price Shops (FPS) into Jan Poshan Kendras. FPSs distribute essential commodities to ration card holders under the Targeted Public Distribution System. Jan Poshan Kendras will offer nutrition-rich food items and provide extra income for FPS dealers. They will store 50% nutrition products and the rest will be other household items. The pilot project will be implemented in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Notes:
According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Karnataka leads India with 5,765 public EV charging stations, with 85% (4,462) located in Bengaluru Urban district. This puts Karnataka ahead of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi in EV charging infrastructure. Energy Minister K.J. George highlighted Karnataka’s commitment to electric mobility, supported by initiatives like the FAME scheme, BESCOM investments, and public-private partnerships. Karnataka introduced India’s first EV policy in 2017 and plans to develop model EV cities statewide. The 2024 State Budget announced 2,500 new EV charging stations via PPP and ₹35 crore investment for 100 more in collaboration with electricity companies.