Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
A new dinosaur species named Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus has been discovered in Kyrgyzstan, dating back about 165 million years. It is a large theropod found in the Middle Jurassic Balabansai formation in the northern Fergana Depression. This predator, from the Callovian age, was around 7 to 8 meters long. It had a distinctive protruding ‘eyebrow’ on the postorbital bone, suggesting a horn-like structure. Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus belongs to the Metriacanthosauridae family, known for high-arched skulls and slender hindlimbs. It is the first large Jurassic predatory dinosaur found between central Europe and East Asia.

Notes:
The 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) took place in Singapore on August 26, 2024, to strengthen strategic ties. The first ISMR was held in New Delhi in September 2022. ISMR is a high-level platform to discuss bilateral relationships and set future agendas. Four Indian ministers, including Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar, and six Singaporean ministers attended the meeting. The 2nd ISMR reviewed progress since the first meeting and focused on enhancing cooperation in various sectors. Discussions included digitalisation, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity.

Notes:
Biologist Johannes Fritz and the Waldrappteam helped increase the northern bald ibis population in Central Europe from zero to nearly 300 since 2002. The species moved from being “critically endangered” to “endangered.” The Northern Bald Ibis, or Geronticus eremita, was native to Central Europe until the 17th century but became extinct there due to excessive hunting. This bird has black plumage with a green sheen, a bald red head with black markings, and a long, curved red beak. They feed mainly on insect larvae and earthworms in open areas like meadows and sports fields. Northern Bald Ibises are social and form large colonies, engaging in ritual greetings involving crest-spreading and bowing.

Notes:
Mangaluru district jail started a nursery program where prisoners grow ornamental plants like croton, hibiscus, jasmine, and royal farm plants. The program, led by Superintendent B T Oblesappa, involves 30 inmates and aims to rehabilitate them by teaching valuable agricultural skills. It provides prisoners with a potential way to earn a living after release.
The initiative has been well-received locally, with strong demand for the saplings. It also helps increase government revenue. This program highlights a successful approach to prisoner rehabilitation and promoting self-sufficiency.

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INS Arighat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, was commissioned into the Navy in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is an upgraded version of INS Arihant, boosting India’s naval capabilities and nuclear deterrence.
Armed with K-15 ballistic missiles, INS Arighat can strike targets up to 750 kilometers away. Launched in 2017, the submarine has undergone construction and testing at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. INS Arighat strengthens India’s nuclear triad, enhancing second-strike capability. It joins INS Arihant, commissioned in 2016, as part of a four-submarine project.

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The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways launched the Voluntary Vehicle Modernization Program, also known as the Vehicle Scrapping Policy. The policy focuses on the voluntary scrapping of commercial and passenger vehicles that are deemed unfit based on their condition, regardless of their age. It aims to phase out polluting vehicles through Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities and Automated Testing Stations. For two years, commercial vehicle manufacturers will offer discounts, and for one year, passenger vehicle manufacturers will also provide discounts, given a Scrappage Certificate.

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The Union Cabinet recently expanded the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF). It was launched in 2020. AIF aims to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure, crucial for the agricultural supply chain. The fund focuses on developing facilities that improve productivity, sustainability, and efficiency in agriculture.

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The Union Cabinet approved ₹4,136 crore to help northeastern states develop hydropower projects totaling 15,000 MW over the next eight years. The funding will cover up to 24% equity in joint ventures, with the scheme running from FY25 to FY32 under the power ministry’s budget. The scheme supports equity participation by state governments in hydropower projects through joint ventures with central public sector undertakings.

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Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the “Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training” (RESET) Programme on National Sports Day in New Delhi. The RESET Programme aims to empower retired athletes who have brought glory to the country. It supports retired athletes by providing them with knowledge and skills for career development, making them more employable. The programme will connect generations, allowing retired athletes to mentor and inspire young aspiring athletes. Their experience will help in developing future champions and boosting sports in India. Applications will be invited through a dedicated portal, with programs based on educational levels of Class 12th and above, and Class 11th and below.

Notes:
The annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) started on August 26 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. It was established in 1971. PIF is an intergovernmental organization with 18 member states in the Pacific region. Member countries include Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The forum aims to boost economic growth, improve political governance, and enhance regional cooperation. Its vision is for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Pacific region where all people can lead healthy lives. Decisions are made by consensus and implemented by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. PIF members are working to raise funds for climate action, with the Pacific Resilience Facility currently 380 million short of its 500 million goal.