Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
Squadron Leader Mohana Singh became the first woman fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force’s elite 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ squadron, flying the indigenously made LCA Tejas fighter jet. She participated in the ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise in Jodhpur, where she instructed the vice chiefs of the Army and Navy on the LCA Tejas.

Notes:
Zimbabwe plans to cull 200 elephants to help feed communities facing severe hunger due to the worst drought in 40 years.
The El Niño-induced drought affected 68 million people in southern Africa, causing widespread food shortages. The cull, the first since 1988, will occur in Hwange, Mbire, Tsholotsho, and Chiredzi districts, and follows Namibia’s recent cull of 83 elephants. The culling aims to provide food and reduce the elephant population, which exceeds the parks’ capacity of 55,000. Zimbabwe has over 84,000 elephants and has been advocating for the reopening of ivory trade to manage its $600,000 worth of stockpiles.

Notes:
The 19th Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated in Visakhapatnam by Andhra Pradesh Governor Shri S. Abdul Nazeer. Rs 40 lakh in concessional loans were provided to 10 Divyang beneficiaries under NDFDC schemes. Assistive devices were distributed with support from CSR partners HPCL, GAIL India, and IOCL. The fair showcased products from 100 Divyang artisans across 20 states/UTs, promoting “Vocal for Local” and financial independence. The event runs from September 19 to 29, featuring cultural performances and food stalls. Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar praised the platform for empowering Divyangjan and the Ministry’s commitment to inclusion. Dignitaries took a Swachhata Pledge for hygiene and community responsibility.

Notes:
Nadi Utsav 2024 was inaugurated at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi. The 5th edition of the festival focuses on the theme ‘Rivers in Reverse: Making of a Lifeline’, highlighting river ecosystems and their cultural importance. The first day featured various activities, including a photo exhibition of the Kansabati River, a unique boat display, and paintings by school students centered around rivers. The three-day event runs from 10 AM to 8 PM at IGNCA with free public entry.

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:
The Giant Crystal Cave, discovered in 2000, in the Naica Mines. It contains some of the largest crystals on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 39 feet and weighing up to 55 tons. It is located in Mexico. This cave is off-limits to tourists due to extreme temperatures that can reach 59 degrees Celsius and high humidity. Only scientists with special permits can study this remarkable natural phenomenon, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Notes:
The new COVID variant, XEC, first detected in Germany in August 2024, is a recombinant variant formed by the fusion of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. It has shown a growth advantage over other variants and is spreading rapidly, with cases reported in 27 countries. XEC is expected to become the dominant variant globally due to its genetic similarities and mutations that enhance its ability to bind to human cells.

Notes:
Researchers have discovered that emu wing bones exhibit significant shortening and asymmetrical fusion, driven by differences in embryonic movement. This study sheds light on the evolutionary processes that shape skeletal structures in these unique birds. Emus are flightless running birds from the ratite family, one of the most primitive modern bird families. They are the second-largest living birds, after ostriches. Emus are found only in Australia, inhabiting diverse regions from coastal areas to high mountains.

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.

Notes:
7th edition of ‘Exercise Eastern Bridge VII’ was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) to enhance military cooperation and interoperability. It was held at Masirah (Oman). It involved complex air operations and tactical drills, improving strategic capabilities. The exercise fostered camaraderie through joint briefings and cultural exchanges, highlighting the commitment of both nations to regional peace and security. This collaboration aims to strengthen ties and prepare for emerging security challenges in the region.