Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
Algeria has recently become a new member of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), officially gaining membership status in September 2024. Before Algeria, countries like Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and Egypt also joined the NDB. The New Development Bank is a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).

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:
The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh raised concerns about irregularities in the previous government’s implementation of the School Jatan Yojana. Mukhyamantri School Jatan Yojana is launched by Chhattisgarh government. It is designed to improve infrastructure and facilities in government schools. It focuses on building new classrooms, renovating existing structures, and enhancing amenities like libraries and restrooms. The scheme aims to create a better learning environment through improved seating and upgraded facilities. This initiative is expected to boost student enrollment and satisfaction for both students and teachers.

Notes:
The Prime Minister inaugurated RE-INVEST 2024 in Gujarat, which is the 4th edition of the Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo. This event highlights renewable energy, investment opportunities, and major infrastructure projects worth Rs 9,000 crore. It was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking the first time RE-INVEST was hosted outside Delhi. The event underscores Gujarat’s importance in India’s renewable energy and infrastructure sectors.

Notes:
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department recently fitted a tracking device on a Nilgiri tahr in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve for research purposes. The reserve is located in the Anamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu, south of the Palakkad gap in the Southern Western Ghats. It is bordered by Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Eravikulum National Park.
The area has diverse habitats, including evergreen, deciduous, thorn forests, and grasslands. It has around 2,500 species of plants, including wild relatives of mango, jackfruit, turmeric, and pepper.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
A two-day national symposium, Exercise AIKYA, was held by the National Disaster Management Authority and the Army Southern Command in Chennai. It aimed to improve disaster preparedness and foster collaboration among key stakeholders. The event included simulations, technology discussions, and expert insights on disaster management roles. Participants included representatives from various sectors like railways, transport, health, and environment, along with disaster authorities and the Indian army. Officials from IMD, remote sensing centers, and the Central Water Commission also attended. Contemporary issues like tsunamis, floods, and forest fires were reviewed, focusing on prevention, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.

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:
Seiyhama village in Nagaland celebrated the Naga king chili festival, showcasing community farming. Naga King Chili, also known as Bhoot Jolokia or Ghost Pepper, is one of the world’s hottest chillies. It was certified by Guinness World Records in 2006, with heat exceeding 1 million Scoville Heat Units. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008. The chili is primarily cultivated in Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, and to a lesser extent in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. Peak harvest months are August-September, and it is grown in large bamboo groves.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet recently extended the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) price support scheme in agriculture until 2025-26. PM-AASHA, or Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan, ensures fair prices for farmers’ produce. The scheme has three components, and states can choose which to implement. Under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), central agencies like NAFED and FCI will procure pulses, oilseeds, and copra with state support. The Central Government will cover procurement costs and any losses as per norms.