Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
The Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, approved the ‘PM E-DRIVE Scheme’. The scheme, called PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement, is launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme aims to support local manufacturing of electric vehicle (EV) components with a Rs 10,900 crore outlay. It replaces the previous FAME scheme and includes a phased manufacturing programme to encourage domestic production. The new scheme mandates local assembly of parts for subsidy eligibility, addressing past issues of companies misusing subsidies by selling imported vehicles. The initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to enhance electric mobility and reduce reliance on imported components while ensuring quality checks on manufacturers.

Notes:
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, born on November 24, 1968, in Galewela, has transformed Sri Lankan politics by leading the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party to victory in a groundbreaking election, securing 42.31% of the vote. His rise from a rural background to the presidency marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, particularly following the economic crises and public dissatisfaction with the traditional political elite. Anura’s leadership represents a departure from the party’s militant past towards a more democratic and reformist approach, resonating with the electorate’s desire for change.

Notes:
Nearly 97.7% of atrocities against Scheduled Castes in 2022 were reported from 13 states. Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of such cases. The same 13 states reported 98.91% of atrocities against Scheduled Tribes. A total of 51,656 cases were registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in 2022. Uttar Pradesh had 12,287 cases (23.78% of total), Rajasthan had 8,651 cases (16.75%), and Madhya Pradesh had 7,732 cases (14.97%).

Notes:
Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space startup, launched Project 200 at the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024. Project 200 is an innovative satellite designed for Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (180 km-250 km). This mission will demonstrate a new in-house propulsion system that allows satellites to maintain 200 km orbits for years. At this altitude, communication latency is halved, image resolution triples, and costs are lower than higher orbits.

Notes:
The Union Minister of Power inaugurated the CSIRT-POWER facility in New Delhi. It was launched by the Ministry of Power following the National Cyber Security Policy, in collaboration with CERT-In. CSIRT-POWER is equipped with advanced infrastructure and cybersecurity tools to address emerging threats. Its goal is to strengthen cybersecurity resilience in India’s power sector through a coordinated approach. It is set up under the Central Electricity Authority, with CERT-In leading efforts to manage incidents and cybersecurity activities in the power sector.

Notes:
India officially joined the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement on September 25, 2024. The agreement, known as the “High Seas Treaty,” protects marine biodiversity in international waters. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar signed the agreement at the UN General Assembly in New York. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the agreement in July 2024. The Union Ministry of Earth Science will implement the BBNJ agreement in India.

Notes:
World Tourism Day has been celebrated on September 27 since 1980, highlighting tourism’s role in economic development and cultural exchange. The day was established by the United Nations Tourism General Assembly in 1979 to mark the adoption of the UN Tourism Statutes in 1970. The first World Tourism Day was observed in 1980. The 2024 theme is “Tourism and Peace,” focusing on tourism’s ability to foster understanding and reconciliation among cultures and nations.

Notes:
Hurricane Helene hit Florida, US as a powerful Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 130 mph (209 kph). Officials urged residents in the storm’s path to follow mandatory evacuation orders due to life-threatening conditions. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone that forms over warm ocean waters and has sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour. Hurricanes can cause substantial destruction.

Notes:
Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced the theme for the 9th Ayurveda Day as “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health.” Ayurveda Day will be celebrated on October 29. The theme highlights Ayurveda’s potential contributions to global health through innovative practices. Ayurveda Day is observed annually on Dhanwantari Jayanti, also known as Dhanteras. Since 2016, this celebration emphasizes India’s commitment to promoting Ayurveda as part of its holistic healthcare system and traditional medicine culture.

Notes:
The FDA has approved Cobenfy, an oral medication by Bristol Myers Squibb, for treating schizophrenia in adults. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder affecting thoughts, emotions, and social interactions. It primarily impacts young adults, with about 1 in 100 people affected, and men are twice as likely to develop it as women. Symptoms include psychotic (hallucinations, delusions), negative (loss of motivation, social withdrawal), and cognitive (attention and memory problems). While there’s no cure, antipsychotic medications and psychological therapies can effectively reduce symptoms and improve function.