Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
A study published in Nature reveals India is the world’s largest plastic polluter, releasing 9.3 million tonnes annually.
Plastic emissions are defined as materials moving from a controlled to an uncontrolled state in the environment. India’s plastic pollution accounts for about 20% of global emissions. India generates around 0.12 kilograms of plastic waste per capita per day. Global plastic waste emissions were 52.1 million tonnes in 2020. Nigeria and Indonesia are the second and third largest polluters, with 3.5 and 3.4 million tonnes, respectively. High-income countries have higher waste rates but better collection and disposal systems.

Notes:
In the 2024 Algerian presidential election, 78-year-old President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was re-elected with a huge win. He secured 94.65% of the valid votes, as per Mohamed Charfi, head of the election authority. The election was held on 7 September 2024, with 5.6 million voters out of 25 million eligible participants. President Tebboune was re-elected for a second five-year term. He was first elected in 2019, but the opposition boycotted that election. Tebboune, seen as military-backed, defeated rivals Abdelaali Hassani Cherif and Youcef Aouchiche, who gained 3% and 2.1% of votes, respectively.

Notes:
Uttarakhand Chief Minister recently inaugurated the Maa Nanda-Sunanda Mahotsav, 2024, in Nainital through a virtual event, emphasizing the festival’s role in connecting people with their cultural roots. The Maa Nanda-Sunanda Mahotsav honors the goddesses Nanda and Sunanda during the Nandashtami festival in the Kumaon region, celebrated every September in places like Almora, Nainital, Kot Along, Bhowali, and Johar. Additionally, the CM declared September 2nd as Bugyal Conservation Day to protect alpine meadows, calling them the Himalayas’ ‘precious heritage.’

Notes:
Nepal has become the 101st country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member. Nepal handed over its Instrument of Ratification to the ISA in New Delhi. This was done during a meeting between Nepal’s Dr. Surendra Thapa and India’s Joint Secretary Abhishek Singh. The ISA is a collaborative platform focused on increasing the use of solar energy technologies. Its main goals are improving energy access, ensuring energy security, and supporting energy transitions. ISA was initiated by India and France to combat climate change through solar energy deployment.

Notes:
The Coonoor railway station, part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR), is being transformed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, drawing criticism from heritage enthusiasts. The NMR line, known as the Ooty toy train, runs 45.88 km from Mettupalaiyam to Ooty, located in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore and Nilgiri districts. The train first ran on June 15, 1899, after plans were initiated in 1854. The railway was operated by Madras Railway under a government agreement. In 2005, the NMR was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its cultural and historical significance.

Notes:
The United Kingdom has allowed Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles against Russian targets. Storm Shadow is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile with low observability. It was jointly developed by the UK and France, known as SCALP-EG in France. The missile is designed to hit high-value stationary targets like airbases, radar stations, communications hubs, and ports. It is used by the air forces of countries including Egypt, India, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

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:
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:
The Indian men’s hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, won the Men’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy for a record fifth time on 17 September 2024. India defeated China 1-0 in the final held at Moqi Hockey Training Base, China, with Jugraj Singh scoring the winning goal in the 51st minute. India had won the trophy previously in 2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023. India remained unbeaten in the tournament, defeating China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Pakistan. China reached their first-ever final, while Pakistan secured 3rd place after defeating South Korea. Craig Fulton is the Indian team’s coach.

Notes:
The population of nesting birds has slightly increased in Bhitarkanika National Park. Bhitarkanika National Park is in Odisha’s Kendrapara district. It is located in the delta formed by the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamara rivers.
The park covers 672 sq. km, making it India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem. It consists of mangrove forests, rivers, creeks, and tidal deltas, enriched by its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. The park’s species and vegetation are typical of tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. Bhitarkanika is Odisha’s second Ramsar site, after Chilika Lake.