Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
The union government approved transferring 256 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), drawing criticism from opposition leaders. Salt pans are low-lying lands where seawater leaves behind salt and minerals, vital for flood protection. According to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 2011, salt pans are ecologically sensitive and fall under CRZ-1B, allowing only salt extraction and gas exploration. Nationally, 60,000 acres of salt pan land exist, with Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra having the largest areas. Salt pans also host various bird and insect species, contributing to ecological balance.

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Scientists have discovered the first fossilized tardigrades, using 3D images to study when these creatures evolved their near-indestructibility. Tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, are tiny, eight-legged invertebrates in the phylum Tardigrada. About 1,300 species are found worldwide, mostly in aquatic environments or mosses. They are extremophiles, capable of surviving extreme heat, cold, radiation, and even outer space. In harsh conditions, they enter a suspended state called “tun,” where they dry out and survive for years. Tardigrades are less than 1 mm in size, with a tough cuticle and hydrostatic skeleton.

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Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) completed four years since its launch in 2020. It is the flagship scheme of the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. The scheme aims to boost the fisheries sector through a combination of initiatives and schemes. PMMSY has two components: Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). India is the 3rd largest fish producer and 2nd in aquaculture globally, with Andhra Pradesh leading. The fisheries sector supports over 30 million livelihoods in India. PMMSY aims for sustainable growth of the fisheries sector through a Blue Revolution.

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The 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) in Goa concluded with key outcomes for India’s maritime sector. Over 80 critical issues were resolved between the Central Government, States, and Union Territories. Discussions focused on port modernization, connectivity, compliance, maritime tourism, navigation, sustainability, and port security. New challenges were addressed, such as creating Places of Refuge for distressed ships and installing Radioactive Detection Equipment at ports. Seafarers were recognized as essential workers with improved working conditions. A State and Port Ranking System was discussed to drive competition. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the MSDC’s role in policy alignment and the growth of non-major ports.

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A new study reveals a trilobite species with an extra set of legs under its head, based on fossils from New York. Trilobites are extinct marine arthropods, meaning “three-part-body” in Latin. They appeared 521 million years ago during the Cambrian period and lived for 300 million years. Trilobites became extinct 251 million years ago due to the Permian mass extinction. Recognized by their three-lobed bodies, they had exoskeletons made of chitin. They molted to grow, and most fossils are their molts. Trilobites were the first animals to develop complex eyes and multiple limbs for movement. Fossils range from 1 cm to over 70 cm.

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The 4th South Asian Junior Athletics Championships took place in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from September 11-13, 2024. India dominated middle-distance races and throwing events, while Sri Lanka excelled in sprint events. Sri Lanka won the men’s 4x100m relay, while India secured silver. The Indian women won the 4x100m relay, with Sri Lanka second. Seven South Asian countries participated, with India sending the largest team of 62 athletes. India topped the medal tally with 48 medals (21 gold), followed by Sri Lanka with 35 medals, and Bangladesh secured third place with three bronze. Pakistan and Bhutan did not win any medals.

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The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has launched the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas. This atlas identifies areas with high potential for generating energy from marine sources. It includes data on various types of marine energy such as solar, wind, wave, tide, currents, ocean thermal, and salinity gradients. The atlas is intended to help policymakers, industries, and researchers utilize energy resources in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). INCOIS, established in 1999 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, provides ocean data and advisory services to various sectors.

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Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) are more efficient in handling rape cases and those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. FTSCs were launched in 2019 under a centrally sponsored scheme, extended until 2026.
The Centre funds FTSCs through the Nirbhaya Fund, and the Department of Justice implements the scheme. The goal is swift disposal of rape and POCSO cases. Currently, 755 FTSCs, including 410 exclusive POCSO courts, are operational across 30 states/UTs. In 2022, FTSCs resolved 83% of cases, compared to 10% in conventional courts.

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India performed impressively at the WorldSkills 2024 competition in Lyon, France. The Indian team won 4 Bronze medals and 12 Medallions of Excellence, showing its growing skills on the global stage. Bronze medals were earned by: Ashwitha Police (Telangana) in Patisserie and Confectionery, Dhrumilkumar Gandhi and Sathyajith Balakrishnan (Gujarat) in Industry 4.0, Joethir Adithya Ravikumar (Delhi) in Hotel Reception and Amaresh Kumar Sahu (Odisha) in Renewable Energy. Ashwitha Police also received the Best of Nation Award for her outstanding performance. India secured 12 Medallions of Excellence in various trades.

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The 2nd NADA India Inclusion Conclave took place in New Delhi on September 18, 2024, following the first conclave held in December 2022. It was held alongside international meetings under the UNESCO anti-doping convention on September 17-18. Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Raksha Nikhil Khadse attended the inauguration. Organised by NADA under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the conclave aims to raise anti-doping awareness among para-athletes. India had the highest doping cases in 2022, and a WADA report from January 2024 ranked India second in doping cases by minors, after Russia.