Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
A new species of glyptosternine catfish, Exostoma sentiyonoae, was discovered in the Dzuleke River, Nagaland. The fish has unique features like an adipose fin attached to the upper caudal-fin rays, tubercles on its dorsal-fin spine, a slender head, small eyes, and 41 vertebrae. It also has a long distance between its dorsal and adipose fins. Researchers distinguished it from related species found in Myanmar and Thailand, like E. berdmorei and E. gaoligongense.

Notes:
World Maritime Day, organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is celebrated annually on the last Thursday of September. In 2024, it falls on September 26. The theme for this year is “Navigating the future: safety first!” This day emphasizes the significance of maritime activities and the industry’s contributions to global development, raising awareness about safety measures and innovations in the maritime sector.

Notes:
The Kangan assembly constituency is part of the larger Jammu & Kashmir region, which has been undergoing elections amid significant political interest. The area is known for its high voter turnout, particularly among the Gujjar community. Voter concerns include local governance issues and the impact of central rule since 2019, emphasizing the need for elected representation.

Notes:
Israel is requiring control of the Philadelphi corridor as a condition in ceasefire talks with Hamas. The Philadelphi corridor is a narrow strip of land about nine miles long and 100 meters wide along the Gaza-Egypt border, including the Rafah crossing. It was designated as a demilitarized zone after Israel withdrew its settlements and troops from Gaza in 2005. The corridor stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel. After the Israeli withdrawal, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority were responsible for the area.

Notes:
Assam Chief Minister initiated the implementation of 52 recommendations from the Justice Biplab Sarma Committee related to Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. 15 key recommendations that require Constitutional amendments will not be implemented immediately and will be discussed with the Centre later. In July 2019, the Union Home Ministry formed a 14-member committee, chaired by Justice Biplab Kumar Sarma, to provide recommendations on Clause 6. The committee’s report was finalized in February 2020. A key focus of the committee was defining “the Assamese people” eligible for safeguards under Clause 6.

Notes:
The Kasturirangan Committee Report, published in 2014, aimed to protect ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats from environmental degradation. The recent rejection of its recommendations by the Karnataka government has sparked opposition from local legislators, who argue that implementation would adversely affect village communities in this biodiverse region. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is crucial for biodiversity and water resources in India.

Notes:
Borra Caves, located in the Eastern Ghats in Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh, are among the deepest and largest caves in India. They were discovered by William King George of the Geological Survey of India. Formed millions of years ago by the Gosthani River, the caves are made of karstic limestone and extend to a depth of 80 meters. A naturally formed Shivling inside the caves is worshipped by local tribal communities. Stone tools from the Paleolithic age (30,000-50,000 years ago) were found, indicating early human habitation. The caves will get a facelift under Swadesh Darshan 2.0.

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:
NASA scientists suggest China’s Three Gorges Dam may affect Earth’s rotation due to shifting massive amounts of water.
Located on the Yangtze River in Hubei Province, it’s the world’s largest hydroelectric power station. The dam, completed in 2012, is 2,335 meters long and 185 meters high. Its reservoir holds 40 cubic kilometers of water, generating up to 22,500 megawatts of electricity. It uses water from the Qutangxia, Wuxia, and Xilingxia gorges to spin turbines. The dam also boosts shipping capacity and helps reduce flood risks downstream.

Notes:
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.