Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
The Central government’s Project Cheetah, aimed at reintroducing African cheetahs to India, has reached a significant milestone two years after the species was declared extinct in 1952. Launched in 2022, this ambitious project marks the first intercontinental translocation of big cats. So far, 20 cheetahs have been relocated to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh—eight from Namibia in September 2022 and twelve from South Africa in February 2023. Since their arrival, eight adult cheetahs have died, but 17 cubs were born, with 12 surviving, bringing the total number of cheetahs in Kuno to 24. The project aims to conserve the species, restore ecosystems, and boost eco-tourism and local communities.

Notes:
A 59-year-old British man nearly died after a minor spider bite led to necrotising fasciitis. Necrotising fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease, is a rare and life-threatening bacterial infection. It affects the tissue under the skin, known as fascia, causing tissue death and severe inflammation. There are two types: Type I, caused by multiple bacteria (polymicrobial), and Type II, caused by a single bacteria (monomicrobial). Type II is typically caused by group A streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The infection progresses rapidly and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Notes:
Women-owned micro and small enterprises will now receive 90% credit guarantee coverage under the CGTMSE scheme. The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) was launched by the Ministry of MSME in 2000. Its goal is to increase institutional credit flow to MSEs, particularly for new-generation entrepreneurs and underserved sectors. The scheme allows credit access without collateral or third-party guarantees. CGTMSE was set up by the Ministry of MSME and SIDBI to implement the scheme. The funding comes from the Government of India and SIDBI, with a 4:1 contribution ratio.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) on 18 September 2024. This scheme aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts. Proposed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2024-25 Union Budget. The scheme will last five years with a total allocation of Rs. 79,156 crore. The central government will contribute Rs. 56,333 crore, and states will contribute Rs. 22,823 crore. It will cover 549 districts, 2,740 blocks, and 63,000 villages, benefiting over 5 crore tribal people. India’s tribal population was 10.45 crore in 2011.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) Scheme.
It aims to leverage bio-innovation to address challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
The scheme is managed by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology. It seeks to make India a global leader in biomanufacturing and achieve a US$300 billion Bioeconomy by 2030. Bio-RIDE has three components: Biotechnology R&D, Industrial and Entrepreneurship Development, and a new Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry component for promoting a Circular Bioeconomy. The scheme has a funding of Rs. 9,197 crore for 2021-26.

Notes:
India hosts the second Global Food Regulators Summit from September 19-21, 2024, in New Delhi. It is organized by FSSAI under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Delegates from over 70 countries are expected, with 5,000 attending in person and 1.5 lakh joining virtually. The summit aims to enhance global collaboration on food safety, risk assessment, and regulatory strategies. FSSAI will launch new initiatives like the Food Import Rejection Alert Portal, Food Import Clearance System 2.0, and update the State Food Safety Index 2024.

Notes:
Santosh Kashyap has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian senior women’s football team by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Priya PV is the assistant coach, and Raghuvir Pravin Khanolkar is the goalkeeper coach. Kashyap’s first task will be the SAFF Women’s Championships in Kathmandu, Nepal, from October 17 to 30. A 29-member squad will train in Goa starting from September 20 to prepare for the championships.

Notes:
India will host the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) from February 5-9, 2025. The summit aims to boost India’s media and entertainment sector and enhance its global presence. WAVES is the first global summit covering all areas of the media and entertainment industry. It seeks to promote dialogue, trade partnerships, and innovation among industry leaders.

Notes:
The Shinku La Tunnel is a strategic infrastructure project aimed at enhancing year-round connectivity between Manali (Himachal Pradesh) and Leh (Ladakh), reducing travel distance significantly. Expected to open soon, this 4.1-km long tunnel will facilitate the transportation of essential supplies to Indian Army troops stationed in Ladakh, especially during harsh winter months when passes are closed due to heavy snowfall. This development is crucial for ensuring the logistical support necessary for troop sustenance and operational readiness in the region, particularly following increased military deployments since the Galwan clash in 2020.

Notes:
Researchers from JNCASR and ICAR-NBAIR have created a sustainable pheromone dispenser that ensures a controlled release rate of pheromones, significantly reducing pest control costs. This innovation utilizes a mesoporous silica matrix, allowing for stable pheromone release and improved efficiency in pest management. The technology aims to benefit farmers by transitioning from laboratory research to large-scale industrial production, thus enhancing agricultural practices while promoting environmentally friendly methods in pest control.