Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

Notes:
A 100-metre steel bridge was inaugurated in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. Constructed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRC) and made in Japan, this bridge is a key milestone. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will greatly cut travel time between the two cities. This development represents a major leap forward for India’s high-speed rail infrastructure and transportation sector.

Notes:
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Chief Ministers announced the development of a new religious circuit named the ‘Shri Krishna Gaman Path’. The initiative is aimed at boosting religious tourism and preserving cultural heritage. The circuit will connect Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, with Ujjain, a sacred city in Madhya Pradesh. This project will trace the footsteps of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The ‘Shri Krishna Gaman Path’ is expected to enhance cultural ties and attract pilgrims and tourists to these significant religious sites.

Notes:
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered two new spider species, named Mimetus spinatus and Mimetus parvulus, in the southern Western Ghats. These spiders were found in Karnataka’s Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary and Kerala’s Ernakulam district. Both belong to the Mimetidae family, known as pirate or cannibal spiders for their behavior of mimicking prey or mates to attack other spiders. Mimetus spinatus has a medium size, pale yellow head, and green mottled abdomen. Mimetus parvulus has a creamy-rose head with grey-black spots and a triangular grey-white abdomen. These discoveries mark the first Mimetus species in India after 118 years.

Notes:
Typhoon Shanshan has intensified into a “very strong” storm, nearing Japan’s southwestern coast, causing weather agencies to issue warnings. Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters near the equator. Warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface, creating a low-pressure area. Higher-pressure air moves towards this low-pressure zone, leading to more warm air rising. As the rising air cools, clouds form, creating a spinning system of clouds and wind. The heat from the ocean intensifies the cyclone, increasing wind speeds. An eye, a calm center, forms when the wind speeds become strong.

Notes:
The ‘Anubhav’ online platform was launched in March 2015 by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW) under the Prime Minister’s directions. It allows retiring and retired employees to share their significant achievements during their service. So far, 54 Anubhav Awards and 9 Jury Certificates have been given out. The 7th Anubhav Awards Ceremony took place on August 28, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, presented the awards.
The awards aim to promote good governance and administrative reforms based on the experiences shared by retiring central government employees.

Notes:
Bangladesh is facing severe floods due to ongoing monsoon rains and overflowing rivers. The country partly blames the floods on the opening of the Farakka Barrage gates in West Bengal, India. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has denied any connection between the Farakka Barrage and the floods. The Farakka Barrage, located 18 km from the Bangladesh border, began operations in 1975. Its purpose is to divert water into the Farakka Canal to flush silt from the Bhagirathi-Hoogly river, aiding Kolkata port. The Ganga Water Treaty of 1996 and previous agreements aim to manage the shared waters between India and Bangladesh.

Notes:
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) celebrated its 54th Foundation Day in New Delhi. BPR&D was established in 1970 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, replacing the Police Research and Advisory Council. Its headquarters is in New Delhi. BPR&D aims to identify police needs, conduct research, and suggest solutions for challenges. It promotes the use of science and technology in police work. The bureau oversees training quality and modernization of state police forces and correctional administration. BPR&D helps develop standards for police equipment and coordinates the National Police Mission. It has five Central Detective Training Institutes across India.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated a state-of-the-art sports academy, sports complex, and sports university in Rajgir on National Sports Day. The Rajgir Sports Complex is equipped with a 24-bed hospital for modern sports injury treatment. This facility is the first in India to combine a sports complex and sports university in one location. The complex supports 24 types of indoor and outdoor games. Three centres of excellence for wrestling, weightlifting, and athletics have been established to promote new talent. The sports university offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in sports management, nutrition, and science, with a large sports library.

Notes:
Distribution of green manure, Dhaincha, has started in Tamil Nadu. Dhaincha is a tall annual herb, often grown in wet areas and heavy soils in India. It is used to feed livestock and improve soil quality. Green manuring involves growing leguminous plants and incorporating them into the soil. This practice enhances soil structure, increases water retention, reduces erosion, controls weeds, and helps reclaim alkaline soils. It also adds organic matter to the soil and boosts microbial activity.