Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
Exploring the Chandravalli cave complex in Karnataka, also known as Ankali Math, reveals a historical site with multiple chambers including a puja area with a shivlinga. Excavations uncovered artifacts from the Hoysala, Satavahana, and Vijayanagara dynasties, and a rock inscription from the Kadamba dynasty. The site shows connections to Rome and China through discovered coins and features paintings done in organic paint.

Notes:
The Karnataka government is launching the ‘Naavu Manujaru’ programme in all primary and high schools this academic year. The programme involves weekly two-hour sessions focusing on social harmony, festivals, folk games, and sports. It also includes discussions on social reformers, local landmarks, and constitutional values. District-level nodal officers will oversee implementation. The initiative aims to transform schools into centers of social harmony, tolerance and scientific temper.

Notes:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concerns over the Teesta River’s water scarcity in summer and overflow during monsoons, and emphasized the need to renew the Farakka Treaty. Originating from the Pahunri Glacier in the Sikkim Himalayas, the Teesta River flows through Sikkim, West Bengal, and into Bangladesh, joining the Brahmaputra. Known for its turbulent flow, the Teesta has a 414 km length and a drainage area of 12,540 sq. km.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) signed an MoU with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) to launch “Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs through Electric Bicycles” (STREE) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). STREE aims to empower rural women by providing green mobility via electric bicycles, enhancing livelihood opportunities and socio-economic status. CESL focuses on renewable energy and electric mobility solutions. DAY-NRLM promotes SHG women-led enterprises in diverse sectors.

Notes:
Four-time Olympian and 2012 bronze medallist Gagan Narang replaced Mary Kom as India’s chef-de-mission for the 2024 Olympics, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced. Mary Kom stepped down due to health issues. IOA President P.T. Usha expressed confidence in the athletes’ preparedness. P.V. Sindhu will be the female flagbearer. The Paris Olympics will run from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

Notes:
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad has upgraded its Regional Analysis of Indian Ocean (RAIN) system to include Sea Surface Height Anomaly (SSHA) alongside salinity and sea surface temperature. Developed since 2023 and implemented recently, the system aids in monitoring the Indian Ocean’s health. Additionally, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is currently neutral but is expected to turn positive, potentially increasing monsoon rainfall in India from August onwards.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank’s Financial Inclusion (FI) Index rose to 64.2 in March 2024, up from 60.1 in March 2023, indicating growth in financial inclusion across India. The index ranges from 0 (complete exclusion) to 100 (full inclusion) and comprises three parameters: access (35%), usage (45%), and quality (20%). The improvement was mainly driven by the usage dimension. The quality parameter uniquely captures aspects like financial literacy and consumer protection.

Notes:
The Maharashtra government has announced a new policy making higher education free for girls from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Effective from the 2024-25 academic year, this initiative aims to increase female participation in professional courses and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP). Additionally, tuition and exam fees for orphaned students will be waived, with a budget of Rs. 906 crore allocated.

Notes:
The 2024 summer census by Uttar Pradesh’s Forest Department revealed an increase in the state’s Sarus Crane population to 19,918, up by 396 from the previous year. Conducted with 10,000 citizens, this census highlights a consistent population rise, from 17,329 in 2021 to 19,522 in 2023. The Etawah Forest Division recorded the highest number at 3,289. Notably, the Mau division sighted six cranes for the first time in a decade. Uttar Pradesh, with the largest Sarus Crane population in India, declared it the state bird in 2014. The world’s tallest flying bird nests in wetlands and is protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.