Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
Central Electronics Limited (CEL), recently granted “Mini Ratna” (Category-1) status, is a Govt. of India Enterprise under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology. Established in 1974, CEL aims to commercialize indigenous technologies from National Laboratories and R&D Institutions. CEL excels in solar energy systems, strategic electronics, and various high-tech areas, producing solar cells, railway signaling equipment, and components for defense applications.

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:
The World Bank approved $1.5 billion to support India’s low-carbon energy development. The funding will boost green hydrogen, electrolysers, and renewable energy. This aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and energy goals: achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070.

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:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Dick Schoof on becoming the new Prime Minister of the Netherlands and expressed eagerness to strengthen India-Netherlands relations. Schoof, 67, a former head of the Dutch Secret Service, was sworn in by King Willem-Alexander. He succeeds Mark Rutte, who will become NATO’s next secretary-general. The new government formation followed seven months of negotiations after far-right leader Geert Wilders’ electoral victory.

Notes:
Environmental organizations recently urged the Forest department to maintain transparency in a project to extract Senna spectabilis from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Senna spectabilis, a legume family tree native to South and Central America, is invasive in India. Known for its bright yellow flowers and resilience, it was introduced for shade and fuelwood but now threatens native species due to its dense foliage. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
NITI Aayog’s report on R&D in Indian state universities highlights a doubling of Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) to Rs. 127,381 crore in 2020-21 from Rs. 60,197 crore in 2010-11. Government sectors, including central and state governments, and higher education institutions drive GERD. R&D fosters innovation, aligns education with industry needs, and addresses societal challenges. However, challenges include low GDP spending on R&D compared to global peers, emphasis on teaching over research, and limited enrollment in advanced programs like Ph.D.

Notes:
Air India is establishing South Asia’s largest flight training school in Maharashtra’s Amravati district with an investment of over ₹200 crore. Opening in the next financial year’s first quarter, it will address the airline’s need for 500-700 pilots annually, following a large aircraft order. In partnership with Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), the 10-acre facility will train 180 commercial pilots yearly using 31 single-engine Piper aircraft and three twin-engine Diamond aircraft.

Notes:
The 133rd Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest club-based football tournament, starts on 27 July 2024 and ends on 31 August 2024. Matches will be held in Kolkata, Kokrajhar, Jamshedpur, and Shillong, with Jamshedpur hosting for the first time. The tournament features 24 teams from the Indian Super League, I-League, and Armed Forces. The opening match, semi-finals, and final will be in Kolkata. Mohun Bagan Super Giant is the reigning champion.

Notes:
World Zoonoses Day, observed on 6 July each year, commemorates Louis Pasteur’s first rabies vaccine administered in 1885. It raises awareness about diseases transmissible between animals and humans, known as zoonoses. These diseases, caused by pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can spread through direct contact, contaminated food or water, or vectors like mosquitoes. The 2024 theme, “One World, One Health: Prevent Zoonoses,” underscores the global effort needed to break transmission cycles and prevent future pandemics.