Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2024

Notes:
Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri, with Albano Olivetti of France, won the 2024 Swiss Open Gstaad Men’s Doubles title, held from July 15-21 in Gstaad, Switzerland. This ATP 250 event marked the 56th edition of the tournament. This victory is Bhambri’s third ATP title. The pair defeated Fabrice Martin and Ugo Humbert in the final. Bhambri previously won titles at the 2023 Mallorca Open and 2024 BMW Open.

Notes:
The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) has achieved a significant milestone by developing homegrown fused silica radomes for missiles. Radomes are protective enclosures that shield radar or antenna systems from environmental elements without affecting signal transmission. Made from rigid or flexible materials, radomes maintain antenna performance by reducing environmental impact, concealing electronic equipment, and preventing collisions with nearby objects. They ensure the antenna’s durability and efficiency.

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NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. is setting up two waste-to-charcoal plants in Haryana, located in Gurugram and Faridabad. Each plant, costing ₹500 crore, will use indigenous technology to convert 1,500 tonnes of daily waste into charcoal. This initiative supports the Swachh Bharat campaign, enhances urban cleanliness, and promotes environmental sustainability. The new plants will be the largest in India, exceeding the size of the current facility in Varanasi, and are expected to be completed in approximately 30 months.

Notes:
Bolivia recently became a full-time member of MERCOSUR to enhance trade with member countries. MERCOSUR, the Southern Common Market, is an economic and political bloc in Latin America, originally comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Bolivia and Venezuela later joined, though Venezuela was suspended in 2016. Established in 1991 by the Treaty of Asunción, MERCOSUR promotes economic integration, free trade, and movement of goods, services, and people. The Common Market Council is its highest decision-making body. Spanish and Portuguese are its official languages. India and MERCOSUR signed a Preferential Trade Agreement in 2004.

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:
The central government plans to promote Nalanda and the Nalanda-Rajgir corridor in Bihar as a key tourist destination. Rajgir, known as ‘Grivraja,’ is significant in Buddhist and Jain scriptures and is mentioned in the Mahabharata. Located 60 miles southeast of Patna, it is surrounded by the Barabar hills, which host India’s oldest rock-cut caves from the Mauryan empire. Rajgir was a key location for Gautam Buddha’s sermons, Lord Mahavira’s residence, and the first Buddhist Council in the Saptaparni Cave. It was also the capital of the Magadh empire from Mahabharata times until the 5th century BC.

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:
The host Sri Lankan women’s cricket team won their maiden Women’s Cricket Asia Cup, upsetting the defending champion Indian team. In the final of the 9th Women’s Cricket Asia Cup, held on 28 July 2024 at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, the hosts defeated India by 8 wickets with 8 balls to spare. Sri Lanka became the third team to win the Women’s Cricket Asia Cup, after India (seven times) and Bangladesh (once). All matches were played in Dambulla. In the semi-finals, India defeated Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka beat Pakistan to reach the finals.

Notes:
The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare recently announced that the agriculture sector is now part of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023. This scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Power, involves issuing carbon credit certificates by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to entities that exceed their emission reduction targets. Entities failing to meet targets must buy these certificates. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change sets emission intensity targets, while a National Steering Committee chaired by the Power Secretary oversees the scheme. This inclusion aims to enhance carbon management in agriculture.

Notes:
India has successfully prevented Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) from being included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Review of Significant Trade. Agarwood, or gaharu, is resinous heartwood from fast-growing subtropical trees found in West Bengal and North-Eastern India. It thrives in high rainfall areas with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C and requires sandy loam or slightly acidic soils. Valued for incense, perfumes, and medicine, agarwood also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Despite its critical endangered status on the IUCN Red List and listing in CITES Appendix II, India’s efforts have impacted its trade regulation.