Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India discovered a forest-dwelling frog, Xenophrys apatani, in Talle Wildlife Sanctuary, named after the Apatani community for their conservation efforts. This species is found in the Eastern Himalayan and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots. The Apatani, residing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro valley, speak Tani, worship the sun and moon, and celebrate festivals like Dree and Myoko. They practice integrated rice-fish farming, using rice varieties Emeo, Pyape, and Mypia.

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:
Kerala’s Chief Minister emphasized the Pachathuruthu initiative’s importance in achieving the state’s Net Zero Carbon target. The project aims to create man-made mini-forests by planting indigenous plants on barren lands, enhancing forest biodiversity. It will aid in carbon sequestration and mitigate urban heat island effects. The initiative relies on mass participation through campaigns and coordination by Local Self-Government Institutions.

Notes:
Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) was sworn in as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister for the third time by Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan. Previously CM from 2013-2014 and 2019-2024, Soren resigned in January 2024 before his arrest in a money laundering case. Granted bail in June 2024, he leads the Mahagathbandhan alliance, which includes JMM, Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and left parties.

Notes:
The Philippine Army confirmed the imminent withdrawal of the “deadly” Typhon Weapons System, used by the US in joint military exercises. Also known as the Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF) System, Typhon includes Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) for ballistic defense and ship targeting up to 370 km. It also deploys Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles and comprises four launchers, a command post, and support vehicles on trailers. Using Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) technology, it integrates various missiles and sources external targeting data.

Notes:
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy issued guidelines for funding under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved by the Union Cabinet on January 4, 2023. The mission aims to make India a global hub for producing, utilizing, and exporting green hydrogen. Key components include financial incentives for domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production, pilot projects, development of Green Hydrogen Hubs, the Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP) for R&D, and a coordinated skill development program.

Notes:
Recently, scientists discovered a rare vampire squid, the second known living species, in the South China Sea. This 12-inch cephalopod inhabits tropical and subtropical oceans at depths of 300-3000m, primarily 1500-2500m, in low-oxygen zones. It features black and reddish-brown chromatophores, large photophores for bioluminescence, and the largest eyes proportionally among animals. Vampire squids are scavengers, feeding on feces and dead animals in the deep sea.

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The Government of India recently mandated that stainless steel and aluminum utensils must adhere to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications. This move aims to improve kitchen safety, quality, and efficiency. Issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on March 14, 2024, the Quality Control Order requires the ISI mark on these utensils, with non-compliance subject to penalties.

Notes:
Recently, Italy’s Mount Etna and Stromboli volcano erupted, spewing ash and lava on Sicily, a Mediterranean island. Mount Etna, Europe’s most active and one of the world’s largest volcanoes, rises 3,326 meters on Sicily’s eastern coast. It’s a stratovolcano, characterized by its conical shape and explosive eruptions from subduction zones. Etna’s volcanic history dates back to 1500 B.C., marking it as a prominent natural feature in the Mediterranean region.

Notes:
In an effort to combat coastal erosion in Kerala’s Poonthura region, the irrigation department plans to construct eight groynes costing Rs 17.5 crore. Groynes, typically made of wood, rock, or concrete, extend from shore into the sea to trap sediment, dissipate wave energy, and counter longshore drift. They reduce erosion, widen beaches, and require minimal maintenance, serving as durable structures crucial for stabilizing coastlines and supporting local activities.