Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
The Haryana government launched a registry initiative to address issues related to Lal Dora properties in urban areas under the Chief Minister Urban Body Ownership Scheme. Established in 1908, Lal Dora lands were exempt from building bylaws, complicating ownership proof and transactions. The state aims to free villages from these restrictions, allowing property rights. The Svamitva Scheme will streamline ownership, with the Chief Minister distributing certificates and registries in Gurugram.

Notes:
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system. This phase aims to validate intercept systems for ballistic missiles in the 5000 km range. The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile is an indigenously developed, two-stage, solid-propelled system designed to counter various ballistic missile threats within endo- to low exo-atmospheric regions. In 2022, DRDO tested the AD-1 long-range interceptor missile for both exo- and endo-atmospheric interception.

Notes:
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the discovery of 1,600 tonnes of lithium resources in Karnataka’s Mandya and Yadgiri districts. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), under the Department of Atomic Energy, identified these resources through preliminary surveys and subsurface exploration in the Marlagalla area. Lithium, a highly sought-after element globally, was first discovered in 1817 by Johan August Arfvedson. Derived from the Greek word “lithos” meaning stone, lithium is the metal with the lowest density, reacts vigorously with water, and is toxic in nature.

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.

Notes:
New data from the NOvA experiment has deepened the mystery surrounding neutrino masses. NOvA (NuMI Off-axis νe Appearance) studies neutrino oscillations and properties. Managed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory near Chicago, Fermilab sends a beam of neutrinos 500 miles to a 14,000-ton detector in Ash River, Minnesota. By measuring neutrinos and their antimatter partners, antineutrinos, physicists study how these particles change type during travel, known as neutrino oscillation. NOvA aims to learn more about the ordering of neutrino masses.

Notes:
Launched on May 10, 2023, the ‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ (PBPB) initiative aims to upskill Anganwadi workers to enhance early childhood care, education, and nutrition services for children under six. By June 2024, 11,364 State Level Master Trainers and 1,877 Anganwadi Workers have been trained. The program focuses on transforming Anganwadi centres into learning hubs with quality infrastructure and play equipment. It includes two curriculum frameworks: “Navchetana” for children from birth to three years, emphasizing holistic stimulation, and “Aadharshila” for children aged three to six years, covering all developmental domains. Special attention is given to Divyang children.

Notes:
In Mokokchung district, Nagaland, ‘Cassava villages’ are replacing plastics with compostable bioplastic bags made from Cassava starch, produced by the MSME Ecostarch. Cassava, a tropical crop native to South America, is known for its high starch content, making it ideal for bioplastics and bioethanol production. This plant thrives in warm, humid climates and well-drained soils, requiring over 100 cm of annual rainfall. Its versatility in growing conditions supports food security while providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. Bioplastics, made from plant materials like Cassava, are biodegradable and compostable, reducing environmental impact.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi. The theme is Viksit Bharat@2047, focusing on making India a developed nation. Discussions will include the approach paper for the Vision Document on Viksit Bharat, fostering participative governance and collaboration between the Centre and States to enhance the quality of life. The meeting will address states’ roles in achieving this goal. With aspirations to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047, attendees include Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, and NITI Aayog members.

Notes:
World Hepatitis Day, observed on 28 July, raises awareness about viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can lead to severe liver disease and cancer. Millions die from hepatitis-related illnesses globally, highlighting the need for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Hepatitis is typically caused by viral infections but can also result from autoimmune conditions, medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2024 is “It’s Time for Action,” emphasizing the urgency of addressing hepatitis to improve global health outcomes. This day aims to increase knowledge and inspire positive changes in combating hepatitis worldwide.

Notes:
On July 29, 2024, Delhi unveiled India’s first sunken museum at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Humayun’s Tomb. This innovative museum will offer a unique view of Mughal history and architecture by integrating advanced technology with historical displays. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has spearheaded the project in collaboration with various stakeholders, aiming to enhance the preservation and presentation of India’s rich historical legacy.