Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
The Quad countries—India, the US, Australia, and Japan—launched the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative to tackle cancer. It aims to combat cervical cancer through expanded screenings and HPV vaccinations. This collaborative effort among India, the United States, Australia, and Japan addresses a significant health crisis in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing initially on cervical cancer, a largely preventable disease. India will contribute $10 million to the WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health and provide $7.5 million in HPV tools and vaccines. An AI-based treatment protocol is being developed, along with support for radiotherapy and capacity building in the Indo-Pacific region.

Notes:
India signed agreements on clean and fair economy under the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) during PM Modi’s US visit. These agreements focus on clean energy development, climate-friendly technologies, anti-corruption measures, and tax transparency. IPEF was introduced by US President Biden in October 2021 and officially launched in May 2023 in Tokyo. It aims to boost economic growth, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region without lowering tariff barriers. IPEF includes four pillars: trade facilitation, digital economy standards, supply chain resilience, and decarbonization.

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Azerbaijan has proposed a new climate fund to be financed through voluntary contributions from fossil-fuel producing countries and companies. This initiative was introduced during the climate change conference COP29, aimed at addressing the financial needs of developing nations in combating climate change. While the proposal is well-intentioned, there are concerns about its potential effectiveness, given the challenges in securing adequate funding. The fund’s establishment reflects ongoing struggles in climate finance negotiations, especially regarding the commitment of developed countries to mobilize sufficient resources for climate action.

Notes:
The Indian Parliament hosted the 10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference in New Delhi for two days. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired the conference, attended by 46 Presiding Officers, 25 Speakers, and other legislative officials from States and Union Territories. The theme is ‘The Role of Legislative Bodies in the Attainment of Sustainable and Inclusive Development.’ The CPA India Region was established in 2004 and includes 31 Member Branches, including the Indian Parliament and 30 State and Union Territory Legislatures.

Notes:
The Maharashtra government approved renaming Pune airport as Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Pune International Airport.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj was a 17th-century Marathi poet and Hindu saint. He is widely known as Tuka, Tukobaraya, or Tukoba in Maharashtra.

Notes:
The Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition features the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini, which will navigate 21,600 nautical miles around the globe. This mission, led by Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, emphasizes India’s maritime heritage and commitment to empowerment and innovation. The expedition will challenge the crew with treacherous waters, including passages around Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope, showcasing their resilience and spirit.

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The Global Aerospace Summit, held in Abu Dhabi, focuses on sustainability, youth engagement, and innovation in the aerospace, space, and defense sectors. Key themes include advancements in aerospace technology, investment strategies, and the integration of emerging technologies like AI and hydrogen-powered aircraft. Industry leaders and government officials discuss the future of air travel and the space economy, which is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. The event emphasizes Abu Dhabi’s role as a leading aerospace hub and its contribution to economic growth through the aviation industry

Notes:
World Environmental Health Day is observed on September 26 each year to highlight the link between a healthy environment and human well-being. Initiated by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) in 2011, the day emphasizes the need for environmental protection. The 2024 theme is “Environmental Health: Creating Resilient Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.” This theme focuses on addressing pollution, waste management, and sanitation to create safe communities. The goal is to promote resilience against climate impacts to enhance public health and environmental sustainability.

Notes:
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and IIT Delhi have developed lightweight bulletproof jackets called ABHED. These jackets are made from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material. The design is based on high strain rate material characterization, modeling, and simulation with DRDO’s collaboration. The armour plates have successfully passed all necessary R&D trials. The jackets offer high threat level protection and are lighter than the Indian Army’s weight limits, weighing 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg for different BIS levels. They feature a modular design with front and rear armours for 360-degree protection.

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President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 8 day long Bhartiya Kala Mahotsav on 28 September 2024 in Secunderabad, Telangana, focusing on the North-Eastern states. The festival runs from 29 September to 6 October 2024, showcasing the art, culture, crafts, and culinary diversity of the North-East. Over 300 artists and artisans from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura are participating. The event promotes the region’s contribution to India’s cultural heritage, fostering social harmony and inclusive development. It is organized by the Ministry for Development of the North Eastern Region and the Ministry of Culture.