Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
The government has designated the Ministry of Minority Affairs as the nodal ministry for the Haj Committee, replacing the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). New rules, named the Haj Committee (Amendment) Rules, 2024, have been introduced. Officers from the ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs, Finance, and Civil Aviation will be nominated as ex-officio committee members. Previously, the MEA managed Haj pilgrimage administration under the Haj Committee Act, 2002.

Notes:
The Border Security Forces (BSF) and SBI Bank conducted a “Grow with the Trees” plantation event at BSF Headquarters in Srinagar to boost green cover and raise awareness about tree planting. BSF officials, jawans, SBI representatives, and Kendriya Vidyalaya schoolchildren participated. The initiative promotes sustainability and camaraderie, aiming to make the campus greener and mitigate the effects of global warming.

Notes:
Researchers at IIT-BHU Varanasi have developed a groundbreaking ‘lab-on-chip’ device capable of early-stage disease detection with unprecedented accuracy. This innovation, utilizing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology, can detect minute concentrations of neurotransmitters like dopamine, aiding in the early diagnosis of neurological illnesses such as Parkinson’s, depression, and schizophrenia. This non-invasive device promises real-time monitoring and significant advancements in personalized treatment plans, potentially saving countless lives.

Notes:
NATO recently signed a nearly $700 million contract to produce more Stinger missiles. The FIM-92 Stinger is a man-portable surface-to-air missile system (MANPADS) designed by the American Defense Industry and entered U.S. Army service in 1981. Used by U.S. forces and 29 other countries, it’s manufactured by Raytheon and EADS. The lightweight missile, with a passive infrared seeker and “fire-and-forget” capability, provides air defense for troops. It can hit targets up to 11,500 feet and has a range of 5 miles. The launcher, which weighs about 15 kilograms, is reusable and can be carried or vehicle-mounted for short-range defense.

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:
James Anderson, one of cricket’s greats, retired from international cricket on July 12, 2024, after England defeated the West Indies by an innings and 114 runs at Lord’s. Anderson, a right-arm fast bowler, debuted in 2002-03 and retired as the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers with 704 wickets in 188 Test matches. He played 21 years, becoming the second-most capped Test player after Sachin Tendulkar.

Notes:
The Himalayan mountains are ecologically sensitive and culturally rich, yet often politically overlooked. In Ladakh, irresponsible tourism and rash development threaten unique wildlife adapted to extreme conditions. The Hanle valley, near the Indo-China border and part of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, is home to threatened species like the Pallas’s cat, Tibetan sand fox, snow leopard, and black-necked crane. Conservation efforts are vital to protect this fragile ecosystem.

Notes:
World Youth Skills Day, observed on July 15th, was established by the UN in 2014. It emphasizes the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. The 2024 theme, “Youth Skills for Peace and Development,” highlights the vital role of youth in promoting peace and driving sustainable development. This day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about youth skill development.

Notes:
Poland, Germany, France, and Italy signed a memorandum of understanding to develop ground-launched cruise missiles with a range of over 500 kilometers at the NATO summit in Washington. This agreement, aimed at addressing European defense gaps due to the Ukraine war, was signed by their respective defense ministers.

Notes:
A 2400 MW Hydro Power Complex is under construction in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, on the Bhagirathi River. It includes the Tehri Hydro Power Plant, Koteshwar Hydro Electric Project, and Tehri Pumped Storage Plant. The Bhagirathi River originates from the Gangotri Glacier and becomes the Ganga at Devprayag. Key tributaries include Kedar Ganga and Jadh Ganga. Operational dams on Bhagirathi include Maneri, Joshiyara, Koteshwar, and Tehri Dams.