Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024
1. Svalbard, recently seen in the news, is an archipelago located in which ocean?
[A] Arctic Ocean
[B] Indian Ocean
[C] Atlantic Ocean
[D] Pacific Ocean
[B] Indian Ocean
[C] Atlantic Ocean
[D] Pacific Ocean
Correct Answer: A [Arctic Ocean]
Notes:
Scientists are exploring hydrothermal vents on Svalbard’s Knipovich Ridge, a 500-km-long ridge in the Arctic Ocean. Svalbard, discovered in 1596 by Willem Barentsz, is an Arctic archipelago under Norwegian sovereignty. It lies between the North Pole and Norway, covering 61,022 sq.km with a majority glaciated. Featuring Spitsbergen as its largest island, Svalbard experiences Arctic conditions, including midnight sun and polar night due to its location in the Arctic Circle.
Scientists are exploring hydrothermal vents on Svalbard’s Knipovich Ridge, a 500-km-long ridge in the Arctic Ocean. Svalbard, discovered in 1596 by Willem Barentsz, is an Arctic archipelago under Norwegian sovereignty. It lies between the North Pole and Norway, covering 61,022 sq.km with a majority glaciated. Featuring Spitsbergen as its largest island, Svalbard experiences Arctic conditions, including midnight sun and polar night due to its location in the Arctic Circle.
2. Minamitorishima Island, recently seen in the news, is located in which ocean?
[A] Atlantic Ocean
[B] Indian Ocean
[C] Pacific Ocean
[D] Arctic Ocean
[B] Indian Ocean
[C] Pacific Ocean
[D] Arctic Ocean
Correct Answer: C [Pacific Ocean]
Notes:
Researchers discovered 230 million metric tons of minerals essential for electric car batteries on the seabed off Minami-Torishima Island, also known as Marcus Island. This isolated Japanese atoll in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, southeast of Tokyo, has a triangular shape formed by a raised coral reef. The island has a flat terrain with a maximum altitude of 9 meters and an oceanic climate, with an average annual temperature of 25.6°C.
Researchers discovered 230 million metric tons of minerals essential for electric car batteries on the seabed off Minami-Torishima Island, also known as Marcus Island. This isolated Japanese atoll in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, southeast of Tokyo, has a triangular shape formed by a raised coral reef. The island has a flat terrain with a maximum altitude of 9 meters and an oceanic climate, with an average annual temperature of 25.6°C.
3. What is ‘Snowblind’, recently seen in news?
[A] Exoplanet
[B] Asteroid
[C] Malware
[D] Drugs
[B] Asteroid
[C] Malware
[D] Drugs
Correct Answer: C [Malware]
Notes:
A new Android malware called ‘Snowblind’ targets users to steal banking credentials by bypassing anti-tamper mechanisms using the ‘seccomp’ security feature. Snowblind repacks apps to avoid detection and utilizes accessibility services to remotely view screens, disabling biometric and two-factor authentication. It primarily infects devices via apps from untrusted sources and is most active in Southeast Asia, posing a significant threat to banking app security.
A new Android malware called ‘Snowblind’ targets users to steal banking credentials by bypassing anti-tamper mechanisms using the ‘seccomp’ security feature. Snowblind repacks apps to avoid detection and utilizes accessibility services to remotely view screens, disabling biometric and two-factor authentication. It primarily infects devices via apps from untrusted sources and is most active in Southeast Asia, posing a significant threat to banking app security.
4. Nirman Shramik Mrtyu Evam Divyaang Sahaayata Yojana, recently seen in the news, is associated with which state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Haryana
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Bihar
[B] Haryana
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Bihar
Correct Answer: C [Chhattisgarh]
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.
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.
5. MK Ranjitsinh & ors v. Union of India & ors case, recently seen in the news, is related with which issue?
[A] Poverty and Hunger
[B] Climate change
[C] Triple Talaq
[D] None of the Above
[B] Climate change
[C] Triple Talaq
[D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: B [Climate change]
Notes:
India’s Supreme Court, in M.K. Ranjitsinh and Ors. Vs. Union of India & Ors., has set a precedent in climate change jurisprudence. The landmark judgment establishes the right to ‘be free from the adverse effects of climate change’ as a fundamental right under Articles 21 and 14 of the Constitution. This decision shapes India’s climate policy by influencing governance and legislation, highlighting the judiciary’s role in addressing environmental challenges and protecting citizens’ rights.
India’s Supreme Court, in M.K. Ranjitsinh and Ors. Vs. Union of India & Ors., has set a precedent in climate change jurisprudence. The landmark judgment establishes the right to ‘be free from the adverse effects of climate change’ as a fundamental right under Articles 21 and 14 of the Constitution. This decision shapes India’s climate policy by influencing governance and legislation, highlighting the judiciary’s role in addressing environmental challenges and protecting citizens’ rights.
6. Indian army recently conducted joint military exercise ‘Maitree’ with which country’s army?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Egypt
[C] Thailand
[D] Vietnam
[B] Egypt
[C] Thailand
[D] Vietnam
Correct Answer: C [Thailand]
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.
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.
7. What is the primary objective of ‘Project Nexus’, recently seen in news?
[A] To improve domestic banking systems
[B] To enable instant cross-border retail payments
[C] To create a new cryptocurrency
[D] To monitor international financial transactions
[B] To enable instant cross-border retail payments
[C] To create a new cryptocurrency
[D] To monitor international financial transactions
Correct Answer: B [To enable instant cross-border retail payments]
Notes:
The RBI joined Project Nexus, an initiative to enable instant cross-border retail payments by linking domestic Fast Payment Systems (FPSs). Conceptualized by the BIS Innovation Hub, Nexus provides a single-connection solution for seamless international transactions. It aims to connect FPSs of India and four ASEAN countries by 2026. Nexus will automatically link new member countries, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving international payment accessibility.
The RBI joined Project Nexus, an initiative to enable instant cross-border retail payments by linking domestic Fast Payment Systems (FPSs). Conceptualized by the BIS Innovation Hub, Nexus provides a single-connection solution for seamless international transactions. It aims to connect FPSs of India and four ASEAN countries by 2026. Nexus will automatically link new member countries, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving international payment accessibility.
8. Recently, archaeologists have uncovered a 41,000-year-old ostrich nest in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest known ostrich nest, dating back 41,000 years in Andhra Pradesh. This find could offer insights into the extinction of megafauna in the Indian subcontinent. Megafauna, animals over 50 kg, include megaherbivores, megacarnivores, and megaomnivores. Anthropogenic pressures since the Late Pleistocene led to significant losses among megafauna like woolly mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers.
Archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest known ostrich nest, dating back 41,000 years in Andhra Pradesh. This find could offer insights into the extinction of megafauna in the Indian subcontinent. Megafauna, animals over 50 kg, include megaherbivores, megacarnivores, and megaomnivores. Anthropogenic pressures since the Late Pleistocene led to significant losses among megafauna like woolly mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers.
9. Where was the 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ held?
[A] Kolkata, West Bengal
[B] Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
[C] Umroi, Meghalaya
[D] Guwahati, Assam
[B] Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
[C] Umroi, Meghalaya
[D] Guwahati, Assam
Correct Answer: C [Umroi, Meghalaya]
Notes:
The 16th India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant started at Umroi, Meghalaya, running from July 3 to 16, 2024. It involves 45 Indian personnel and Mongolian Army’s 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion. The annual event, alternating between the countries, focuses on counter-insurgency in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. Key attendees include Mongolian Ambassador Dambajavyn Ganbold and Major General Prasanna Joshi. The exercise enhances interoperability and defense cooperation.
The 16th India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant started at Umroi, Meghalaya, running from July 3 to 16, 2024. It involves 45 Indian personnel and Mongolian Army’s 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion. The annual event, alternating between the countries, focuses on counter-insurgency in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. Key attendees include Mongolian Ambassador Dambajavyn Ganbold and Major General Prasanna Joshi. The exercise enhances interoperability and defense cooperation.
10. What is ‘Senna spectabilis’, recently seen in news?
[A] Invasive plant
[B] Species of Fish
[C] Traditional irrigation method
[D] Communication satellite
[B] Species of Fish
[C] Traditional irrigation method
[D] Communication satellite
Correct Answer: A [Invasive plant]
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.
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.