Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
Russia and China have launched joint naval exercises, “Ocean-24,” in the Sea of Japan, highlighting their growing military cooperation. The Sea of Japan is a marginal sea in the western Pacific, bordered by Russia, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan. It connects to the East China Sea, Okhotsk Sea, Inland Sea of Japan, and the Pacific Ocean through various straits. The deepest point of the Sea of Japan is the Dohoku Seamount, an underwater volcano. These exercises signal significant geopolitical movements in the region.

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.

Notes:
India has joined the US-led Minerals Security Finance Network. The initiative is part of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) to secure critical mineral supply chains. It promotes cooperation, information exchange, and co-financing among Indo-Pacific and European institutions. The network has 13 member countries and the European Commission, including the US, Australia, Canada, and others. For India, this helps diversify and secure critical minerals from countries like Argentina, Chile, Australia, select African nations, and Kazakhstan. This move strengthens India’s access to vital resources for its growing industries.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
China has restricted the export of antimony citing ‘national security’ concerns. Antimony is a critical mineral, a silvery white, brittle solid that poorly conducts heat and electricity. It is not abundant and occurs in small amounts in over 100 mineral species. China produces 88% of the world’s antimony. Antimony is essential in electronics for semiconductor devices and in plastics as a heat stabilizer. It improves solar panel stability against UV exposure and is used in batteries and flame-retardant materials, paints, and glass.

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:
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the 21st Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Zone III Conference in Aizawl, Mizoram, on September 27-28, 2024. The theme was “Democratic Sanctity, Transparency, Accountability, and Results from Democracy.” It aims to enhance democratic governance and parliamentary systems, providing a platform for collaboration among over 180 legislatures from 54 member countries. It facilitates discussions on legislative issues and best practices, promoting commitments to democracy. The CPA India Region, formed in 2004, focuses on regional conferences, reflecting the importance of democratic institutions, especially in diverse areas like Northeast India, where socio-economic development is a priority.

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:
India and Uzbekistan signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to protect investors from both countries. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Khodjayev Jamshid Abdukhakimovich signed the treaty in Tashkent. The treaty aims to enhance economic cooperation and create a stronger investment environment. It assures investors a minimum standard of treatment and non-discrimination. An independent forum for dispute settlement through arbitration is included. The treaty balances investor protection with the state’s right to regulate, allowing for adequate policy space.

Notes:
The Nanjangud rasabale banana, once scarce due to a fungal disease, is thriving again in Karnataka’s Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2006 for its unique taste and thick pulp.
This banana has a distinct aroma and flavor not found in other varieties. It grows best in black clay alluvial saline soil, contributing to its unique qualities. The fruit has medicinal properties, believed to cure neurological ailments. Farmers face threats from Panama Wilt disease, caused by the Fuserium Wilt pathogen.