Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
Authorities discharged 1.19 lakh cusecs of water from Ukai Dam after rainfall, bringing its water level close to the danger mark of 345 feet. The Ukai Dam, built on the Tapti River, is the second-largest reservoir in Gujarat after the Sardar Sarovar. Also called Vallabh Sagar, it was constructed in 1972 for irrigation, power generation, and flood control. It holds 46% of the combined capacity of all other Gujarat dams. The dam has a 62,255 km² catchment area, similar to the Bhakra Nangal Dam. Its embankment wall is 4,927 meters long with a height of 80.77 meters.

Notes:
NASA recently shared an amazing image of the Red Spider Nebula, exciting space fans. A nebula is a large cloud of dust and gas in space, where new stars can form or where gas and dust from dying stars collect. Nebulae, often called “star nurseries,” consist mainly of hydrogen and helium. Gravity causes clumps of dust and gas in a nebula to come together, eventually collapsing to form a hot core that becomes a new star. Nebulae are found in interstellar space, with the closest known one being the Helix Nebula, about 700 light-years from Earth. Nebulae vary in shape and size and include types like planetary nebulas, supernova remnants, and emission nebulae.

Notes:
The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) recently launched a website offering technical terms in all 22 official Indian languages. Established in December 1960, CSTT’s goal is to develop and define scientific and technical terms in Hindi and other Indian languages. It operates under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, with its headquarters in New Delhi. The CSTT’s main functions are to create standardized terminology, promote its use, and ensure widespread distribution.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurates the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen on 11 September 2024. The conference takes place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 11-13 September 2024. The aim is to position India as a global leader in the green hydrogen ecosystem. It focuses on technological advancements and strategic investments in the green hydrogen value chain. The event is organized by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office.

Notes:
The Union Minister for Commerce launched the Trade Connect e-platform to boost international trade for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs. This digital platform links Indian exporters, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs with stakeholders like Indian Missions Abroad and Export Promotion Councils. It provides information on global trade events, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and other trade data. Developed in collaboration with key partners like EXIM Bank, Ministry of MSME, and Ministry of External Affairs. The platform aligns with Digital India’s vision, reducing trade costs and complexities, helping Indian businesses succeed globally.

Notes:
WHO released its first-ever guidance to address antibiotic pollution from manufacturing processes, a major factor in the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) crisis. Wastewater from antibiotic manufacturing contains residues that pollute water bodies and land, contributing to AMR. Currently, antibiotic pollution from manufacturing is mostly unregulated, and quality standards do not address environmental emissions. AMR occurs when pathogens no longer respond to medicines, a natural process accelerated by overuse of antimicrobials. The rise of “superbugs” worsens healthcare, particularly for patients with multiple diseases.

Notes:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change held a dialogue ahead of the 30th World Ozone Day. The theme was “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action.” The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement to protect the ozone layer by reducing ozone-depleting substances. Environment Secretary Leena Nandan highlighted India’s success in meeting its Montreal Protocol commitments due to collaborative efforts. United Nations Development Programme India Resident Representative Angela Lusigi praised India’s leadership in reducing Hydrofluorocarbons. World Ozone Day will be observed on September 16.

Notes:
The National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI) launched YouTube channels for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students. NIMI was established in 1986 as the Central Instructional Media Institute (CIMI) and is now an autonomous body under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. It develops Instructional Media Packages (IMP), digital content, and assessment tools for vocational courses. The YouTube channels provide high-quality training videos in nine languages, including English, Hindi, and Tamil. The content includes tutorials, skill demonstrations, and theoretical lessons. This initiative supports the National Skill Development Mission and the New Education Policy (NEP).

Notes:
India’s first Vande Metro train was renamed as ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail.’ The train was launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Gujarat. It was equipped with modern facilities and advanced safety systems like KAVACH to prevent collisions. The train also had an automatic smoke/fire detection mechanism and a seating capacity of 1,150 passengers. Additional features included cushioned sofas, Divyangjan-friendly toilets, and meal services. The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail distinguished itself from the Vande Bharat Express with its advanced amenities and comfort provisions for passengers.

Notes:
Cellulitis disease, once rare, is now common in the erstwhile Karimnagar district, Telangana. It is a serious skin infection caused by bacteria, mainly affecting legs, feet, and toes, but can appear on any part of the body. It usually occurs after an injury or break in the skin, allowing bacteria like streptococcus or staphylococcus to enter. Symptoms include swollen, painful, warm skin, and possibly blisters, spots, or skin dimpling. Other signs include fever, chills, and nausea. If untreated, it can spread to the bloodstream and become life-threatening.