Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
Central Railway has inaugurated India’s first floating solar plant, a 10 MWp installation on Igatpuri lake in the Western Ghats. This initiative marks a milestone in Indian Railways’ clean energy efforts, aimed at achieving zero carbon emissions by 2030. Additional rooftop solar plants totaling 12.05 MWp have saved Rs. 4.62 crores and reduced carbon footprints by 6594.81 MT in 2023-24. Plans include installing 7 MWp more this year, reinforcing the commitment to renewable energy transition.

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Karnataka’s Tourism Department is set to elevate the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Somanathapur, especially the Keshava Temple, as a key attraction in Mysuru’s tourism circuit before Dasara this year. Located in Somanathapura town along the River Kaveri, the temple, completed in 1268 AD under Hoysala King Narasimha III, features a unique star-shaped platform with three sanctums. Recognized alongside Halebidu and Belur temples, it holds cultural significance as part of the Hoysala heritage.

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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.

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Goods and Services Tax (GST) Day, observed annually on July 1, commemorates the implementation of India’s transformative tax system. The 2024 celebration marks the seventh anniversary of GST, introduced to simplify the complex tax structure previously managed by central and state governments. GST revolutionized India’s fiscal landscape, significantly impacting the economy by streamlining indirect taxes and fostering economic efficiency.

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A massive avalanche struck Gandhi Sarovar, also known as Chorabari Tal, near Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. Gandhi Sarovar, originating from the Chorabari Bamak Glacier, is where Lord Shiva is believed to have taught yoga to the Saptrishis. Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva, is part of the Char Dham circuit, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath.

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NITI Aayog launched the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ on July 4, 2024, targeting 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators across 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks. Running until September 30, the campaign saw enthusiastic participation from officials, frontline workers, and citizens nationwide. Events included health camps, cultural programs, and awareness yatras, emphasizing community involvement and commitment to the campaign’s goals from Jammu and Kashmir to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Notes:
In Bengaluru, the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) has developed an innovative anti-insecticide fabric. This fabric utilizes nucleophilic small molecules that covalently bond to neutralize organophosphate-based pesticides upon contact, even after 150 washes. It aims to protect farmers from chronic pesticide toxicity by detoxifying pesticides through nucleophile-mediated hydrolysis. Nucleophiles are attracted to electron-deficient areas in molecules, enabling effective pesticide neutralization and enhancing agricultural safety.

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The ‘Jaiva Gramam’ campaign launched in Karumalloor, Kerala, aims to promote organic farming. Supported by the local panchayat and Lions Club, it encourages households to grow vegetables for Onam. Participants receive subsidies for saplings, fertilizers, and tools, and learn from experienced farmers. The initiative aims for sustainable agricultural growth, self-sufficiency in vegetable production, and preserving Kerala’s farming heritage to boost farmers’ economic prospects.

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The 1st International Conference on Steel Slag Road was held in New Delhi by CSIR, where NITI Aayog released guidelines for using steel slag in road construction. This technology repurposes steel production waste, creating strong, durable, and eco-friendly roads. Processed steel slag offers high strength, hardness, abrasion resistance, and drainage capacity. It can partially meet India’s annual demand for 1.8 billion tonnes of natural aggregates. India’s first steel slag road was built in Surat.

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The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) declared Jharkhand’s mica mines child labor-free on July 5, 2024. This milestone marks the first successful effort to cleanse a supply chain of child labor. The initiative began 20 years ago, involving state and central governments, civil society, and local authorities. Around 20,000 children were previously employed in mica mining but have since been rehabilitated and enrolled in schools.