Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
The government will observe June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ to commemorate the 1975 Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This period saw widespread suspension of fundamental rights, detention of opposition leaders, and press censorship. The 38th Amendment Act made emergency declarations immune to judicial review, a provision later revoked by the 44th Amendment in 1978. The day honors those who suffered during this tumultuous time in Indian history.

Notes:
NITI Aayog has launched the ‘NITI GearShift Challenge’ under the e-FAST India initiative, aimed at decarbonizing road-based freight transportation in India to meet 2070 net zero commitments. Launched in September 2022, e-FAST promotes cleaner freight solutions through national and international collaborations, supporting pilot programs and technology integration. The initiative fosters discussions among stakeholders, including government bodies and logistics providers, to enhance the adoption of electric technologies in the freight sector, backed by 12 knowledge partners.

Notes:
The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) issued an advisory warning of a high risk of late blight disease in potatoes due to weather changes. Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is a serious fungal disease affecting tomatoes and potatoes. It spreads via infected transplants, volunteer plants, and certain weeds, with spores traveling long distances in storms. The disease thrives in cool, wet weather, causing repeated infection cycles.

Notes:
The Gevra and Kusmunda blocks of South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) in Chhattisgarh rank second and fourth globally in coal production, as per WorldAtlas.com. These open-cast mines produce over 100 million tonnes annually, about 10% of India’s total coal output. Gevra produced 59 MT in 2023-24, while Kusmunda produced over 50 MT. SECL’s Chairman, Prem Sagar Mishra, highlighted this achievement. US and China mines also feature in the top five.

Notes:
Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India discovered a new plant species, Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii, in Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh. This species, part of the Acanthaceae family and Phlogacanthus genus, honors Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Dash for his contributions to plant research. The Phlogacanthus genus has 13 species in India, primarily in northeastern and eastern Himalayan states.

Notes:
The NFDC and Netflix India launched “The Voicebox,” an upskilling program for voice-over artists, focusing on eight languages. Open to experienced professionals, preferably women, it offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training. Sponsored by Netflix’s $100 million Fund for Creative Equity, the program includes workshops in seven Indian cities, with Pearl Academy as a training partner. Top participants will contribute to Netflix’s “Azaadi ki Amrit Kahaniya” project.

Notes:
The World Economic Forum (WEF) released “The Future of Financial Advice” report, highlighting the importance of traditional financial advisors despite the rise of finfluencers. Finfluencers, who provide financial advice via social media, influence many individuals’ financial decisions. Key reasons for their popularity include social media accessibility (used by 60% of the global population), diverse and inclusive content, and engaging educational formats like short videos and memes.

Notes:
Scientists from ISRO successfully mapped the submerged structure of Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu), a 48 km limestone chain connecting Rameswaram Island (India) to Mannar Island (Sri Lanka). The bridge separates the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait, with shallow waters of 1-10 meters. Geological evidence indicates it was a former land connection, referenced in the Ramayana and Islamic legend, but submerged since 1480 due to natural calamities.

Notes:
The Madhya Pradesh State Wildlife Board approved Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as the state’s eighth tiger reserve. Located near Bhopal, it spans 823 sq. km across Raisen and Sehore districts. Established in 1976, expanded in 1983, and declared a tiger reserve in 2008, Ratapani features a rocky forest, aquatic environment, and the UNESCO World Heritage site Bhimbetika. It lies on the Vindhya Hills, parallel to the Narmada River.

Notes:
The Maharashtra government announced a pension scheme for Warkaris, participants in the annual pilgrimage to Lord Vitthal temple in Pandharpur. The Warkari sect, part of Hindu culture since the 13th century, worships Lord Vitthal, a form of Vishnu or Krishna. They chant, sing holy songs, and read sacred texts during their pilgrimage on Ashadi Ekadashi. Warkaris, strict vegetarians, wear Tulasi bead malas and practice Brahmacharya.