Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
The recent NATO summit in Washington, D.C., extensively discussed Ukraine’s potential membership. The alliance also considered providing at least €40 billion ($43.28 billion) in military aid to Ukraine over the next year. NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance comprising 32 member states.

Notes:
Experts from the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Allahabad, in collaboration with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany, developed a tool for blind and visually impaired individuals to create and access chart images. This AI-based software generates alternative text (Alt-text) for images, enhancing accessibility. The research, titled “Alt4 Blind: A User Interface to Simplify Charts Alt-Text Creation,” was presented at an international conference in Linz, Austria.

Notes:
India will host the first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Goa from 20-24 November 2024. The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw, with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Minister Dr. L. Murugan present. Vaishnaw emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the media and entertainment sector and aims to make India a global content creation hub through supportive policies and strong intellectual property rights.

Notes:
Project 2025, a set of conservative policy proposals, has become a focal point for opponents of Donald Trump, who warn of its potential authoritarian implications. Despite Trump distancing himself, many of his advisers are involved. The roughly 900-page document includes plans for staffing government positions with conservatives and drafting executive orders. Democrats, including President Biden’s campaign, argue it shows Trump would implement hard-right policies if re-elected.

Notes:
The Philippines has been selected to host the board of the “Loss and Damage” fund, a significant step in aiding communities affected by climate change. This decision arose during UN talks focused on financial support for nations impacted by global warming. The World Bank will temporarily oversee the fund for four years, though concerns exist regarding its influence, particularly from powerful funding nations like the US. The Philippines aims to enhance global climate policy discussions, given its vulnerability to natural disasters.

Notes:
The anti-encroachment drive at Vishalgad Fort turned violent as miscreants attacked local shopkeepers and pelted stones at police. Vishalgad Fort, located in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, is an ancient fort built in 1058 by Shilahara king Marsinh. It was later captured by various dynasties, including the Yadavas, Khiljis, Vijayanagar, and Adil Shahi. In 1659, Shivaji seized it and renamed it Vishalgad, meaning “grand fort.”

Notes:
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has won his fourth term with 99% of the votes, according to the National Electoral Commission, with 79% of votes counted. Kagame, in power since 2000, previously won the 2017 election with a similar margin. Approximately 9.5 million Rwandans voted, with 65% of the population under 35. Opponents Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana received 0.53% and 0.32%, respectively.

Notes:
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the North East Region Agri Commodity E-Connect (NERACE) web portal and app in Shillong to benefit Northeastern farmers and buyers. NERACE supports products like spices, fruits, and vegetables, providing farmers with larger markets and better pricing. The platform supports seven languages and aims to connect producers, buyers, and service providers globally. It emphasizes the region’s potential as a hub for high-value horticultural products.

Notes:
India’s drug regulator has approved tirzepatide, a ‘game-changing’ weight-loss drug. Both tirzepatide and semaglutide, FDA-approved, are polypeptides that boost GLP-1 and, in tirzepatide’s case, GIP, regulating weight and glucose levels. They target neurons and brain mechanisms to induce satiety, suitable for those with a BMI over 27 and related health conditions. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

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.