Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
Uttarakhand became the first state in India to introduce the Gross Environment Product (GEP) index, which measures the impact of developmental activities on the environment. Launched by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the GEP equation is based on air, water, soil, and forest quality indices. This initiative follows Uttarakhand’s top rank in Sustainable Development Goals and aims to balance economy and ecology by assessing environmental conditions directly affected by development.

Notes:
National Broadcasting Day is celebrated in India every July 23, marking the start of radio broadcasting on this day in 1927 by the Indian Broadcasting Company from Bombay. Renamed All India Radio (AIR) in 1936, it grew into one of the world’s largest networks. Radio has been vital in connecting India, offering news, music, and stories, and playing a key role in historical events like the freedom struggle.

Notes:
Scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in India discovered a new strain of lactic acid bacteria while studying S. thermophilus. This gram-positive, non-motile bacterium, found in the digestive tract, produces lactic acid, aiding in food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and fighting harmful organisms. It improves lactose digestion, reduces inflammation, and lowers the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. S. thermophilus is used in yogurt production and probiotic supplements.

Notes:
The FAO’s “State of the World’s Forests 2024” report, themed “Accelerating forest solutions through innovation,” highlights a decline in deforestation rates to 10.2 million ha per year in 2015–2020 from 15.8 million ha in 1990–2000. India ranks 3rd for average annual net forest area gain (2010-2020). Non-Timber Forest Products support 275 million Indian livelihoods. Innovation is crucial for climate resilience, bioeconomy shifts, and leveraging non-wood forest products’ nutritional benefits.

Notes:
Coal India Limited has acquired its first critical-mineral asset, a graphite block, in Madhya Pradesh. Graphite, a crystalline form of carbon, comes in amorphous, flake, and crystalline vein varieties. Despite being a non-metal, graphite exhibits metallic properties such as high electrical conductivity, strength, and corrosion resistance. It also has high natural lubricity and is among the lightest reinforcing agents.

Notes:
Since 2010, India observes National Income Tax Day on July 24, commemorating the first imposition of income tax by Sir James Wilson in 1860. The day highlights the importance of timely tax payments for national development. The first observance marked the 150th anniversary in 2010. The Income Tax Act of 1922 established the framework for direct tax administration, later consolidated by the 1961 Act after Independence.

Notes:
Panchamasali Lingayats, a sub-caste of Karnataka’s Lingayat community, seek inclusion in Category 2A of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) for better reservations in jobs and education. Karnataka’s OBC categories are 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, with 2A being the most backward. The Lingayats follow 12th-century reformer Basavanna, who advocated for a casteless, non-discriminatory society, and are considered Shaivites.

Notes:
Housing & Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) Ltd recently signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan government to provide financial assistance for housing and urban infrastructure projects. The MoU outlines a potential investment of up to Rs 1,00,000 crore over the next five years, subject to agreed terms. HUDCO, a public sector entity under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aims to build national assets while promoting “Profitability with Social Justice.” The corporation focuses on addressing housing needs for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG).

Notes:
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) recently unveiled the “Wind Demon,” an advanced air-to-surface cruise missile designed for precise, long-range attacks at low cost. Developed by IAI, it can be launched from helicopters or aircraft to strike mobile and stationary targets without operator intervention. The missile has a range of over 200 kilometers, weighs 140 kg, and boasts a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 1 meter. It flies at low altitudes to avoid detection and features an advanced electro-optical seeker with thermal and laser spot tracking capabilities. The missile includes a Man-in-the-Loop control system for human supervision during critical mission phases.

Notes:
Scientists have discovered “dark oxygen,” a phenomenon where oxygen is produced in complete darkness thousands of feet below the ocean surface. This challenges the belief that oxygen is only created through photosynthesis, which requires sunlight. Traditionally, oceanic plankton, drifting plants, algae, and some bacteria produce oxygen via photosynthesis. However, at these depths, oxygen is generated by polymetallic nodules resembling lumps of coal. Composed of metals like manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium, these nodules produce oxygen through electrochemical activity, splitting H2O molecules into hydrogen and oxygen without light.