Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
The 10th World Free Zones Organisation Congress organized in Dubai, from September 23-25, 2024. It gathers experts and stakeholders from the free zones, logistics, and multilateral sectors. The theme is “Zones and the Shifting Global Economic Structures – Unlocking New Investment Avenues.” The congress focuses on trends, technologies, and innovations in the free zones sector. Over 35 speakers participated in sessions and workshops. Indian companies and free zones are actively involved, with Srikanth Badiga representing India. It offers Indian businesses opportunities to explore new investments and global economic impacts on free trade zones.

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World Rivers Day is observed annually on the fourth Sunday of September to promote river conservation, this year on September 22. It highlights the importance of rivers in ecosystems and communities and encourages protection efforts. The 2024 theme, ‘Waterways of Life,’ focuses on safeguarding rivers for wildlife, agriculture, and communities. World Rivers Day began in 2005, inspired by river advocate Mark Angelo’s success with BC Rivers Day. Rivers face threats like pollution, deforestation, and overuse, making the event crucial for raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices.

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Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha recently launched Chief Minister’s Scholarship for Achievers Towards Higher Learning (CM-SATH) scheme for students from low-income families. It aims to provide financial support to deserving students in Tripura. This initiative targets students whose family income is up to Rs 2,50,000 and who do not receive any other government scholarships. The program is part of a broader effort to enhance educational opportunities for children from low-income families, similar to initiatives in other states.

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The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, Girish Chandra Murmu, has taken over as the chair of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) for the period 2024-2027. ASOSAI consists of 48 Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) from various countries and focuses on enhancing transparency, accountability, and good governance in public auditing. The recent assembly included significant discussions on strategic plans and the establishment of new working groups aimed at improving auditing practices across the region.

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Recently, an infant in Chennai was diagnosed with ‘black nose disease,’ a rare symptom of chikungunya. This condition, also referred to as ‘chik sign’ or ‘brownie nose,’ is characterized by macular pigmentation affecting the nose, appearing weeks after chikungunya fever. Chikungunya, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, causes fever and severe joint pain. While the pigmentation is benign and temporary, it highlights the evolving nature of chikungunya symptoms, which can include severe cases like paralysis and low platelet counts.

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Researchers recently studied the diversity of the Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia) across different regions using proteomic and biochemical methods. This venomous species is found widely in South and Southeast Asia and includes populations known as the “Indian spitting cobra” due to their ability to spit venom. Monocled cobras prefer wet habitats like paddy fields and mangroves but can also live in grasslands and human settlements. They are found in eastern and northeastern India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and other countries. They help maintain ecological balance by controlling pests like rats and mice. Their conservation status is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

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World Rabies Day is observed on 28 September. The theme for 2024 is “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” emphasizing that One Health is for everyone. Rabies is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system and is preventable through vaccination. In 99% of human rabies cases, transmission occurs through dog bites. Rabies is caused by an RNA virus from the rhabdovirus family. The virus can enter the nervous system directly or replicate in muscle tissue before moving to the brain. Once it reaches the nervous system, it causes acute brain inflammation.

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Andro Village in Manipur won the Best Tourism Village award in the Heritage category at the 2024 Best Tourism Villages Competition. The award was given by the Ministry of Tourism during World Tourism Day celebrations in New Delhi. The village’s rich cultural heritage and unique traditions, including centuries-old fire worship, contributed to its selection. Andro Village’s cultural heritage and historical temple attract tourists from around the world. Tourism has boosted income and job opportunities for locals, with the community actively involved in promoting and sustaining their heritage.

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The Indian government designated 1.84 lakh hectares around the Gir Protected Area as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). This area aims to protect Asiatic lions and promote sustainable development. The ESZ covers 196 villages across three districts and includes 17 rivers. It features a 10 km buffer zone from the Gir Protected Area’s boundary. Gir National Park, located in Gujarat, is famous for its conservation efforts and has a thriving population of Asiatic lions.

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Ratapani Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is aiming to gain the status of a tiger reserve, with government support. It is located in Raisen and Sehore districts, covering 825.90 sq km. The sanctuary features rocky forests and an aquatic environment in the Vindhya Hills, parallel to the Narmada River. Kolar River forms its western boundary. It includes Bhimbetika, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for rock shelters and paintings. The sanctuary also has historical and religious sites like Ginnourgarh Fort, POW camp, and Ratapani Dam.