Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
The Supreme Court appointed former Chief Justice Uday Umesh Lalit as chairman of the committee to select vice-chancellors for West Bengal’s state-run universities. The decision, made on July 9, 2024, followed a special leave petition by the West Bengal government challenging a Calcutta High Court ruling. A six-member committee will be formed, agreed upon by both the Governor and the state government, to oversee the appointments.

Notes:
World Population Day is observed annually on July 11 since 1990, focusing on population growth, environmental impact, and development issues. Established by the UNDP in 1989, the date marks the global population surpassing five billion on July 11, 1987. The 2024 theme, “To Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone,” emphasizes the importance of population data for healthcare and rights, addressing the needs of marginalized communities.

Notes:
The High Court of Karnataka took suo motu cognizance of the dengue rise across the state. Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection common in tropical and subtropical areas, is spread by Aedes mosquitoes. While many infections are mild, severe cases can cause dengue hemorrhagic fever, leading to rapid breathing, vomiting, and bleeding gums. With 400 million infections annually, treatment focuses on supportive care, as no specific medicine exists.

Notes:
A high-level Indian delegation, led by Shri T.K. Ramachandaran, participated in the 132nd session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, addressing seafarer abandonment, with 44 active cases involving 292 Indian seafarers. India emphasized effective oversight and secured a position in the Joint Tripartite Working Group on seafarers’ issues. The delegation also discussed disruptions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, highlighted successful Navy interventions, and proposed the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT) to promote eco-friendly maritime practices.

Notes:
India’s Sabeera Haris won the bronze medal in the women’s trap event at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Italy, shooting 29 out of 40 targets. Carey Garrison of the US took gold with 40 out of 50 targets, and Italy’s Sofia Gori earned silver with 39 hits. Indian shooters Bhavya Tripathi and Rajkuwar Ingle finished 26th and 33rd, respectively.

Notes:
A geospatial analysis using satellite images and ground surveys revealed “huge architectural wealth” buried in the Mahabodhi temple complex in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, marks the Buddha’s Enlightenment spot. Built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., the current structure dates to the 5th-6th centuries and is a key example of early brick architecture and sculptural reliefs.

Notes:
The UNEP’s report “Navigating New Horizons” identifies critical global shifts exacerbating the triple planetary crisis of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. It highlights the interconnectedness of today’s global polycrisis, which includes wars, extreme weather, and pandemics, driven by globalization. Key issues addressed include changing human-environment relationships, resource scarcity impacting global security, technological innovations like AI, increased risks from autonomous weapons, mass displacement of 1.5% of the population, and rising eco-anxiety.

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.

Notes:
India’s “e-mobility R&D Roadmap” launched by the Principal Scientific Adviser aims to achieve global leadership in electric vehicles (EVs) within five years. It identifies key areas like Energy Storage Cells, EV Aggregates, Materials and Recycling, and Charging and Refueling for intensive research. India targets a 45% reduction in emission intensity by 2030, energy independence by 2047, and net-zero emissions by 2070, emphasizing EV adoption, indigenous energy storage, and renewable energy for charging infrastructure.

Notes:
The 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) took place in Busan, South Korea, marking the country’s first hosting of this global conference. Attracting 3,000 participants from 60 nations, the event highlighted South Korea’s dedication to space exploration and international collaboration. Distinguished attendees included leaders from major space agencies, underscoring the significance of global interest in advancing space research and ambitious future projects.