Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024
1. Gardi Sugdub Island, recently seen in the news, is located in which sea?
[A] Caspian Sea
[B] Black Sea
[C] Mediterranean Sea
[D] Caribbean Sea
[B] Black Sea
[C] Mediterranean Sea
[D] Caribbean Sea
Correct Answer: D [Caribbean Sea]
Notes:
In June, approximately 300 families were relocated from Gardi Sugdub island in Panama’s Guna Yala province due to rising sea levels. It is a tiny island in the caribbean sea and part of the San Blas archipelago, inhabited by 1,200 indigenous Guna people facing displacement to the mainland due to climate change. Panama plans further evacuations by 2050, marking the first complete island community relocation in Latin America. Sea levels in the Caribbean, where Panama is situated, rise by an average of 3 to 4 millimeters annually.
In June, approximately 300 families were relocated from Gardi Sugdub island in Panama’s Guna Yala province due to rising sea levels. It is a tiny island in the caribbean sea and part of the San Blas archipelago, inhabited by 1,200 indigenous Guna people facing displacement to the mainland due to climate change. Panama plans further evacuations by 2050, marking the first complete island community relocation in Latin America. Sea levels in the Caribbean, where Panama is situated, rise by an average of 3 to 4 millimeters annually.
2. What is the causative agent of ‘Oropouche fever’, recently seen in news?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Fungus
[C] Virus
[D] Protozoa
[B] Fungus
[C] Virus
[D] Protozoa
Correct Answer: C [Virus]
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.
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.
3. What is Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), recently seen in the news?
[A] A common cold
[B] A rare, usually fatal infection of the central nervous system
[C] A type of cancer
[D] A bacterial infection of the lungs
[B] A rare, usually fatal infection of the central nervous system
[C] A type of cancer
[D] A bacterial infection of the lungs
Correct Answer: B [A rare, usually fatal infection of the central nervous system]
Notes:
Due to continued rain in Kerala, the health department cautioned against amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare, usually fatal brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri. This amoeba thrives in warm, shallow waters and enters the brain through the nose. Early symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting, progressing to stiff neck, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. Symptoms typically appear within five days of infection.
Due to continued rain in Kerala, the health department cautioned against amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare, usually fatal brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri. This amoeba thrives in warm, shallow waters and enters the brain through the nose. Early symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting, progressing to stiff neck, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. Symptoms typically appear within five days of infection.
4. What is ‘Syntrichia caninervis’, recently seen in news?
[A] Malware
[B] A species of spider
[C] Weather monitoring satellite
[D] A species of desert moss
[B] A species of spider
[C] Weather monitoring satellite
[D] A species of desert moss
Correct Answer: D [A species of desert moss ]
Notes:
Scientists identified Syntrichia caninervis, a desert moss with potential for space exploration. This moss is extremely tolerant to drought, cold, and radiation, recovering from over 98% water loss within seconds, withstanding temperatures as low as -196°C, and enduring gamma radiation with a half-lethal dose of 5,000 Gy. Widely distributed globally, it thrives in deserts and mountainous regions. Its unique leaf awn collects water efficiently, making it ideal for harsh environments.
Scientists identified Syntrichia caninervis, a desert moss with potential for space exploration. This moss is extremely tolerant to drought, cold, and radiation, recovering from over 98% water loss within seconds, withstanding temperatures as low as -196°C, and enduring gamma radiation with a half-lethal dose of 5,000 Gy. Widely distributed globally, it thrives in deserts and mountainous regions. Its unique leaf awn collects water efficiently, making it ideal for harsh environments.
5. Which university recently collaborated with the Haryana government for the establishment of a centre of excellence in forensic science training in Panchkula?
[A] National Law University
[B] Indian Institute of Science
[C] Banaras Hindu University
[D] Gujarat Forensic Sciences University
[B] Indian Institute of Science
[C] Banaras Hindu University
[D] Gujarat Forensic Sciences University
Correct Answer: D [Gujarat Forensic Sciences University]
Notes:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Haryana and the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, in Panchkula. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Manohar Lal, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh attended. This collaboration aims to enhance Haryana’s criminal justice system by leveraging NFSU’s expertise. Forensic teams will visit for serious offences, increasing the demand for forensic experts.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Haryana and the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, in Panchkula. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Manohar Lal, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh attended. This collaboration aims to enhance Haryana’s criminal justice system by leveraging NFSU’s expertise. Forensic teams will visit for serious offences, increasing the demand for forensic experts.
6. Recently, which country’s Navy has signed a deal with India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for an 800-tonne ocean-going tug?
[A] Myanmar
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Bangladesh
[D] China
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Bangladesh
[D] China
Correct Answer: C [Bangladesh]
Notes:
The Bangladesh Navy signed a significant deal with India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for an 800-tonne ocean-going tug, part of a $500-million line of credit from India for defence equipment. The contract was finalized in Dhaka, witnessed by GRSE and Bangladesh Navy officials. Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi’s visit to Bangladesh coincided with the deal, emphasizing bilateral defence ties and exploring new naval cooperation opportunities between the two countries.
The Bangladesh Navy signed a significant deal with India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for an 800-tonne ocean-going tug, part of a $500-million line of credit from India for defence equipment. The contract was finalized in Dhaka, witnessed by GRSE and Bangladesh Navy officials. Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi’s visit to Bangladesh coincided with the deal, emphasizing bilateral defence ties and exploring new naval cooperation opportunities between the two countries.
7. What is the primary objective of the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR), recently seen in news?
[A] To study the Earth’s core
[B] To observe the Universe at low radio frequencies
[C] To monitor climate change
[D] To track asteroid movements
[B] To observe the Universe at low radio frequencies
[C] To monitor climate change
[D] To track asteroid movements
Correct Answer: B [To observe the Universe at low radio frequencies]
Notes:
Astronomers discovered a new radio galaxy using the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR), a pan-European distributed radio interferometer developed by the Dutch Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON). LOFAR observes the Universe at low radio frequencies (90-200 MHz) and can simultaneously observe multiple directions. It aims to explore the early universe, solar activity, and the terrestrial atmosphere. LOFAR’s innovative design includes advanced digital beam-forming for agile, multi-user operations.
Astronomers discovered a new radio galaxy using the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR), a pan-European distributed radio interferometer developed by the Dutch Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON). LOFAR observes the Universe at low radio frequencies (90-200 MHz) and can simultaneously observe multiple directions. It aims to explore the early universe, solar activity, and the terrestrial atmosphere. LOFAR’s innovative design includes advanced digital beam-forming for agile, multi-user operations.
8. What is Down syndrome, recently seen in news?
[A] A genetic disorder caused by missing chromosomes
[B] A condition caused by an extra chromosome or piece of a chromosome
[C] A viral infection affecting the nervous system
[D] A type of muscular dystrophy
[B] A condition caused by an extra chromosome or piece of a chromosome
[C] A viral infection affecting the nervous system
[D] A type of muscular dystrophy
Correct Answer: B [A condition caused by an extra chromosome or piece of a chromosome]
Notes:
A recent study potentially documents the first case of Down syndrome in Neanderthals. Down syndrome occurs when a person has an extra chromosome or a part of a chromosome, specifically an extra copy of chromosome 21, called trisomy 21. This genetic condition impacts mental and physical development, causing various challenges. Although individuals with Down syndrome share similarities, their abilities vary. The condition typically arises randomly during early fetal development and is not inherited.
A recent study potentially documents the first case of Down syndrome in Neanderthals. Down syndrome occurs when a person has an extra chromosome or a part of a chromosome, specifically an extra copy of chromosome 21, called trisomy 21. This genetic condition impacts mental and physical development, causing various challenges. Although individuals with Down syndrome share similarities, their abilities vary. The condition typically arises randomly during early fetal development and is not inherited.
9. Which company has recently introduced a new AI tool that can generate or retexture 3D objects in under a minute?
[A] Apple
[B] Microsoft
[C] Google
[D] Meta
[B] Microsoft
[C] Google
[D] Meta
Correct Answer: D [Meta]
Notes:
Meta has introduced the Meta 3D Gen AI System, an AI tool that generates or retextures 3D objects in under a minute. It uses two sub-systems, Meta 3D AssetGen and Meta 3D TextureGen, to create high-quality 3D assets with high-resolution textures and material maps from user text prompts. Users can also input existing 3D meshes for retexturing. The system employs Physically-Based Rendering (PBR) techniques, producing results in about 30 seconds.
Meta has introduced the Meta 3D Gen AI System, an AI tool that generates or retextures 3D objects in under a minute. It uses two sub-systems, Meta 3D AssetGen and Meta 3D TextureGen, to create high-quality 3D assets with high-resolution textures and material maps from user text prompts. Users can also input existing 3D meshes for retexturing. The system employs Physically-Based Rendering (PBR) techniques, producing results in about 30 seconds.
10. What is a ‘Money Mule’, recently seen in news?
[A] Someone who invests in stocks
[B] Someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money for someone else
[C] A legitimate bank employee
[D] A financial advisor
[B] Someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money for someone else
[C] A legitimate bank employee
[D] A financial advisor
Correct Answer: B [Someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money for someone else]
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.
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.