Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh has introduced a policy that offers a 100% waiver on the registration fee for strong hybrid vehicles. This initiative encourages the adoption of hybrid technology while alleviating the financial burden on buyers. Manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Honda Cars stand to benefit from this policy. Customers could save up to ₹3.5 lakh on their vehicle purchases, further promoting eco-friendly transportation options.

Notes:
The World Bank approved a $1.5 billion loan to India for developing its low-carbon energy sector, following a similar loan in 2023. The low-carbon energy sector includes fuels like hydrogen and biofuels, which emit less carbon than fossil fuels. India aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, supported by initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which uses renewable energy for hydrogen production.

Notes:
The United States and its allies will deliver five additional air defense systems, including Patriot missile batteries, to Ukraine. The Patriot (MIM-104) is an all-weather, surface-to-air missile defense system against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft. It’s the U.S. Army’s most advanced air defense system, operated by multiple countries. The mobile system includes radar, a control station, and launch stations, with a range of over 150 km and high-altitude interception capabilities.

Notes:
The United Kingdom recently conducted quantum navigation tests on a Royal Navy ship and a small jet plane. Quantum navigation tracks single atoms under cryogenic conditions within each vehicle, making it resistant to jamming and signal drift. Unlike Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) like GPS, quantum navigation is unjammable but requires ultra-cold atoms and sizable equipment, limiting its immediate replacement of GNSS.

Notes:
Argentina won their 16th Copa America title by defeating Colombia 1-0 in the final, held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The tournament, hosted by the USA for the second time, featured 16 teams. Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal in extra time. This victory marked Argentina’s consecutive Copa America win and added to their 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph. Lionel Messi left the field injured.

Notes:
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Barbora Krejcikova of Czech Republic won the men’s and women’s singles titles at the 2024 Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Alcaraz secured his second consecutive Wimbledon title by defeating Novak Djokovic, while Krejcikova won her first Wimbledon title. The tournament, held from 1-14 July 2024, is the third Grand Slam event of the year and the only one played on natural grass.

Notes:
Union Home Minister reviewed the implementation of the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP), approved in 2023 for the development of villages along the northern border in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh. This centrally sponsored scheme, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, focuses on skill development, livelihood generation, tourism, and financial inclusion. The program aims to enhance border security through increased community participation in border management.

Notes:
The IIT Madras Centre of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA) announced plans to leverage technology to enhance India’s chess capabilities. This initiative aims to boost fan engagement, provide anti-cheating solutions, and enhance chess training programs. It includes launching new courses on NPTEL and future sports education programs. The focus is on improving fan engagement, offering federations anti-cheating solutions, and expanding grassroots chess training programs.

Notes:
The Ecosystem Model Intercomparison Project (FishMIP) projects over a 10% decline in exploitable fish biomass by mid-century under high-emissions scenarios. Launched in 2013, FishMIP aids industry and governments in climate change adaptation for seafood sectors. It comprises over 100 marine ecosystem modelers globally. In 2024, FishMIP2.0 was established to enhance modeling reliability and address broader policy questions on food security and marine resource management.

Notes:
The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has approved a bill mandating local reservation in the private sector. The legislation requires 50% of management and 75% of non-management positions to be filled by Kannadigas. The bill aims to ensure 100% Kannadiga recruitment for lower-grade positions in private industries.