Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched two initiatives: Virtual NQAS Assessment for Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) and Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHL), ensuring compliance with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS). The Spot Food License Initiative uses the Food safety and compliance system (FoSCoS) platform for instant licensing and registration across India, aiming to streamline processes. These initiatives support “Healthcare for All” by enhancing real-time monitoring of health facilities and simplifying food safety compliance.

Notes:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the eSankhyiki portal to provide real-time data for planners, policy-makers, and researchers. It aims to streamline data management and sharing, offering access to key datasets like National Accounts Statistics and Consumer Price Index. The portal’s Data Catalogue Module houses over 2291 datasets with detailed metadata and visualizations, enhancing data accessibility and re-usability for informed decision-making and public use.

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:
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.

Notes:
The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Gallery was inaugurated at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. DMFs are non-profit trusts established in 2015 by state governments in mining-affected districts. They aim to benefit people and areas impacted by mining activities. Funded by royalties, state budgets, and private donations, DMFs are governed by a Board of Trustees, including government, local, and expert representatives, who oversee project implementation under PMKKKY and other schemes.

Notes:
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $170 million loan to enhance India’s health system for future pandemics. Key signatories were Ms. Juhi Mukherjee and Ms. Mio Oka. The “Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems Programme” aims to improve disease surveillance, human resources for health, and climate-resilient public health infrastructure, supporting initiatives like the National Health Policy 2017 and PM-ABHIM.

Notes:
Sir Keir Starmer has been appointed as the UK’s 58th Prime Minister by King Charles III on 5 July 2024. His Labour Party won a landslide victory, securing 412 out of 650 House of Commons seats. He replaces Conservative leader Rishi Sunak, whose party won only 119 seats. Starmer will reside at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the UK Prime Minister.

Notes:
Recent volatility in the Stablecoin market, including the collapse of TerraUSD, has raised concerns about their stability and reliability. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to assets like fiat currency or commodities (e.g., gold) to maintain a stable price. They offer an alternative to the high volatility of popular cryptocurrencies, making them potentially more suitable for everyday transactions.

Notes:
IIT Bombay and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) have partnered to develop a ship trajectory prediction tool to improve maritime safety. This tool focuses on disabled ships, offering early warnings and facilitating rescue operations. Integrated with IRS’s Emergency Response System, it aims to enhance response times by locating drifting vessels and rerouting nearby ships. Professors Behera and Srineash emphasize its alignment with national safety goals and industry-academia collaboration.

Notes:
Kalamkari art, a once-flourishing hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile tradition, now struggles due to power looms and rising raw material costs. Practiced in Andhra Pradesh, Kalamkari originated in the Tilang region (now Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) during the 16-17th century under the Qutb Shahis of Golconda. The term “Kalamkari” combines “Kalam” (pen) and “Kari” (craftsmanship). It features two distinct styles: Srikalahasti and Pedana.