Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
The World Trade Organization (WTO) published a report titled “Aid for Trade in Action: Supporting the transition to clean energy,” emphasizing its Aid-for-Trade Initiative. Originating from the 2005 WTO Hong Kong Ministerial Conference, the initiative aims to aid developing economies in joining global trade by addressing supply-side capacity and infrastructure constraints. It mobilizes financial resources to tackle trade-related challenges identified by developing and least developed countries.

Notes:
Italy recently reported its first case of Oropouche fever, caused by the Oropouche Virus (OROV), an emerging mosquito-borne disease. OROV, part of the orthobunyavirus family, has an incubation period of 4 to 8 days and was first identified in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and nausea. Severe cases can lead to meningitis or encephalitis. Transmission occurs through infected midges or mosquitoes, with no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.

Notes:
India has certified SEBEX 2, an explosive 2.01 times more potent than TNT, developed for bombs and warheads. Approved by the Indian Navy, it’s touted as one of the world’s most powerful non-nuclear explosives. SEBEX 2 promises enhanced destructive capability without added weight, aiming to revolutionize military ordnance. Its development signals potential for significant exports in defense technology.

Notes:
Labor Minister Lakhan Lal Devangan launched the Mukhyamantri Nirman Shramikon Ke Bachon Hetu Nihshulk Coaching Sahaayata Yojana in Chhattisgarh. This scheme provides free coaching to economically weaker children of registered construction workers across 10 districts. It covers exams like PSC, CG Professional Examination Board, SSC, and banking and railway recruitments. Children of deceased workers since June 9, 2020, and beneficiaries of Nirman Shramik Mrtyu Evam Divyaang Sahaayata Yojana are eligible. Coaching is available in hybrid mode for flexibility.

Notes:
Indian Naval Ship Tabar recently visited Alexandria, Egypt, highlighting India’s commitment to bilateral relations. INS Tabar, a Talwar-class stealth frigate commissioned in 2004 in Russia, embodies the motto “Guts and Glory.” This visit underscores India’s strategic maritime engagement, emphasizing regional cooperation and naval capabilities.

Notes:
The Indian Army commenced the Maitree exercise with the Royal Thai Army at Fort Vachiraprakan, Thailand, from 1 to 15 July 2024. Initiated in 2006, this bilateral exercise enhances defense cooperation. Seventy-six personnel from both armies, including the Ladakh Scouts, participate. The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in urban and jungle environments, joint planning, tactical drills, and physical fitness.

Notes:
NASA’s Mars Odyssey orbiter captured an epic view of Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system. Launched in 2001, Odyssey’s mission includes mapping Mars’ surface and serving as a communication relay. Olympus Mons, a shield volcano, is 24 kilometers high and 550 kilometers wide, dwarfing Earth’s Mauna Loa. Odyssey holds the record for the longest active mission around another planet, scheduled to last until 2025.

Notes:
With the south-west monsoon setting in, Nouka Baich boat races will soon begin in rural West Bengal. These traditional races occur from September to November, with increasing female participation. Linked to the worship of the Hindu deity Manasa, goddess of snakes, these races use various traditional boats, including the 90 ft long Sorengi. The races celebrate agrarian culture and the swollen rivers of the monsoon season.

Notes:
Several high-street banks have restricted opening accounts for firms less than a year old due to suspicions of money mule activities linked to laundering and digital fraud. A money mule transfers illegally acquired money for criminals, aiding in laundering proceeds from crimes like human trafficking and drug trafficking. Criminals use fake job adverts or social media posts to recruit money mules, who move funds via bank accounts, checks, virtual currency, or prepaid cards.

Notes:
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 “DAICHI-4” (ALOS-4) on July 1, 2024, using the H3 Launch Vehicle from Tanegashima Space Center. ALOS-4 features a Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-3 (PALSAR-3) and Space-based AIS Experiment (SPAISE3), enhancing its capability for high-resolution, all-weather observations. This satellite is pivotal for disaster management, offering extensive monitoring capabilities crucial for mitigating natural disasters and environmental monitoring.