Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
The IUCN report “Planet on the Move: Reimagining Conservation” emphasizes the need for a new conservation approach amidst migration, environmental change, and conflict. It highlights the nexus between these factors, urging integrated policies for human and wildlife migration. Recommendations include addressing migration and development needs while preserving biodiversity, creating legal mechanisms to protect environmental migrants, and enhancing synergies between laws for intersecting migrations.

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The Khandwa forest department, Madhya Pradesh reclaimed 100 hectares of encroached jungle used for farming, destroying illegal soybean and corn crops. Despite heavy rains, earthmoving machines and tractors were employed. The operation included digging contour trenches and sent a strong message to encroachers. Efforts will continue to clear remaining areas, followed by reforestation with seed balls and wire fencing. A detailed afforestation plan will be prepared after reclaiming a total of 2000 hectares this year.

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The Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) has agreed to provide a $2.5 million line of credit to Guyana for installing a solar photovoltaic power plant at Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The deal, dated February 29, 2024, became effective on June 24, 2024. Disbursements under this credit line will be allowed until 48 months after the project’s completion, according to the Reserve Bank of India.

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The National Commission for Minorities held a video conference to discuss the implementation of the Anand Marriage Act, which recognizes Sikh marriage rituals. States like Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Meghalaya reported its implementation, while others assured to do so within two months. Originating in 1909 and amended in 2012, the Act allows Sikhs to register marriages outside the Hindu Marriage Act. Recently, Jammu and Kashmir framed rules for Anand marriage registration.

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Researchers at IIT Madras have discovered a method to create mineral nanoparticles using microdroplets of water, which are about 10 micrometers in size. This breakthrough has potential implications for the origin of life and agricultural soil replenishment. Microdroplets can break down minerals into nanoparticles faster than bulk water. Silica nanoparticles, for example, can enhance plant growth, potentially converting unproductive soils into fertile lands and improving food production and security.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched MeDevIS (Medical Devices Information System), an online platform providing global access to information on 2,301 types of medical devices. This resource aids decision-making for the selection, procurement, and use of medical devices for diagnostics and treatment of various diseases. The platform covers over 10,000 medical technologies, from simple tools like thermometers to complex equipment like defibrillators and radiotherapy devices, enhancing access and navigation for healthcare providers.

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Bangladesh joined the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) as the fifth Member State, welcomed by India, Mauritius, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Previously an Observer State, Bangladesh’s inclusion was formalized at the 8th Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA) meeting, hosted virtually by Mauritius. The CSC, led by India’s NSA Ajit Doval, focuses on maritime security in the Indian Ocean. The 7th NSA-level meeting will be held in India later this year.

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The Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL) in Karad, Maharashtra, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, leads India’s deep-drilling programme. It aims to reach 6 km into the earth’s crust to study reservoir-triggered earthquakes in Maharashtra’s Koyna-Warna region, prone to seismic activity since the 1962 impoundment of the Koyna Dam. BGRL’s pilot borehole in Koyna is at 3 km depth, with plans to deepen it. Using a hybrid drilling approach, BGRL conducts unique in situ experiments, monitors fault lines, and studies crustal composition. This effort advances seismology and technological innovation, vital for understanding geohazards and developing geo-resources.

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The UN Trade and Development recently released the Digital Economy Report 2024. It emphasizes the need for sustainable digitalization strategies. Internet users grew from 1 billion in 2005 to 5.4 billion in 2023. The ICT sector’s global GHG emissions were 1.5-3.2% in 2020. Digital-related waste surged 30% from 2010 to 2022, reaching 10.5 million tonnes. Data centers consumed 460 terawatts hours in 2022, expected to double by 2026. Critical mineral demand may surge by 500% by 2050. Recommendations include adopting circular economy models, enforcing environmental standards, investing in renewable energy, and promoting sustainable business models.

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Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh is at risk of being delisted from the Ramsar Convention’s list of Wetlands of International Importance due to potential ecological damage. Concerns have been raised about proposed road construction impacting the wetland’s catchment area. The Ramsar Convention Secretariat has requested clarification from India, marking the first step in the delisting process. India’s Environment Ministry, the nodal authority for wetlands, will assess whether the construction will alter the wetland’s ecological character.