Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
The “Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman” campaign’s second regional event, organized under the DISHA scheme by the Department of Justice, held on 16th July 2024 in Prayagraj. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, the event includes prize distributions for MyGov competition winners and recognition of pro bono advocates. The “Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman” portal, promoting constitutional awareness, also launched.

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:
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda was sworn in for a second five-year term, taking the presidential oath at the Lithuanian parliament, Seimas. The 60-year-old economist proposed increasing Lithuania’s defense budget to 4% of GDP to fund long-range air defense, a missile shield for the Baltic Sea coast, and border fortifications.

Notes:
The Haryana government announced a 10% horizontal reservation for Agniveers in constable and forest guard recruitment. Agniveers will get 5% reservation in Group-C and 1% in Group-B civil posts. Private firms paying Agniveers ₹30,000+ monthly will receive a ₹60,000 annual subsidy. Agniveers starting businesses will get interest benefits on loans up to ₹5 lakh. They will also be prioritized for arms licenses and employment in government sectors.

Notes:
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) signed a contract with a Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) to construct an Indigenous Ocean Research Vessel for deep ocean exploration. Established in 1998 in Goa, NCPOR is an autonomous R&D institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Its 13-member Governing Body is chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry. NCPOR facilitates scientific research in Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Indian Ocean, managing bases like “Maitri,” “Bharati,” and “Himadri.”

Notes:
Armenia’s interest in India’s Pralay missile presents a significant opportunity for India. The Pralay missile is a 350-500 km short-range, quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile with a 500-1,000 kg payload, developed by DRDO for defense needs. It features solid-fuel propulsion, inertial guidance, and a DSMAC seeker for terminal guidance. Capable of evasive maneuvers, it has various warhead options and a reduced radar signature.

Notes:
India plans to enhance defense capabilities by constructing military airfields in the Lakshadweep islands, including a new airbase on Minicoy island and expanding Agatti island’s airfield. These dual-purpose airfields will support all fighter and transport aircraft, long-range drones, and commercial airlines. Aimed at countering Chinese activities and extending surveillance in the Arabian Sea, this Indian Air Force-led project will boost defense and tourism.

Notes:
The European Space Agency’s Ramses spacecraft will accompany the asteroid Apophis during its close pass of Earth in 2029. The Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES) aims to intercept Apophis, which will pass within 32,000 km of Earth on April 13, 2029. Visible to 2 billion people, this rare event allows researchers to study Apophis’s altered characteristics due to Earth’s gravity, enhancing planetary defense capabilities.

Notes:
The Romanian parliament approved the culling of nearly 500 brown bears to control overpopulation, shocking animal lovers worldwide. Brown bears, Europe’s largest carnivores, are omnivorous and fast, running at 30 mph. Found in diverse habitats, they play key roles as predators and seed dispersers. Romania hosts over 60% of Europe’s brown bears. Despite this, their conservation status is “Least Concern” by IUCN, and they’re listed in CITES Appendix I.

Notes:
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia announced that Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This historic partnership will last for 12 years, ensuring that the Olympic Esports Games are held regularly, marking a significant milestone in the integration of esports into the Olympic movement.