Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
Farmers in Rajasthan have been uprooting fig plants after a company, Krishi Marketing Company, failed to honor contracts promising support and purchase of figs. Initially, the company encouraged farmers to cultivate figs with lucrative prospects, but after a few years, it ceased communication and stopped buying the produce. Many farmers are now pursuing legal action against the company for breach of contract, leading to significant financial losses and frustration among the agricultural community.

Notes:
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 Nagar Van Yojana aimed to approve 100 urban forests (Nagar Vans) in the first 100 days of the government but exceeded expectations by sanctioning 111. These Nagar Vans are located across six states and one union territory. It was launched in 2020. The scheme enhances urban greenery to improve life quality and social cohesion. Each Nagar Van receives ₹4 lakh per hectare for creation and maintenance, involving citizens and stakeholders in green space management. The initiative focuses on biodiversity, planting native species, and fostering community engagement through various programs. The goal is to develop 1,000 Nagar Vans by 2027 to combat environmental issues like pollution and habitat loss.

Notes:
Karnataka inaugurated its first gas-based power plant, Yelahanka Combined Cycle Power Plant (YCCPP), built for ₹2,500 crore. It generates 370.05 MW of power using both gas and steam turbine generators. Developed in partnership with GAIL, the plant aims to enhance the state’s energy reliability and sustainability. The plant boosts Karnataka’s energy production, targeting 10,000 MW capacity alongside other plants.

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:
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.

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:
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:
The Sigur Elephant Corridor, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, facilitates the movement of Asian elephants across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. It is located in Tamil Nadu, specifically in the Nilgiri district on the Sigur Plateau. Recently, a Madras High Court petition challenged the demolition of illegal resorts obstructing this vital corridor. The Supreme Court had previously appointed a committee to restore the corridor, which is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and preventing habitat fragmentation for elephants and other wildlife. The corridor’s degradation is a result of unchecked tourism and illegal constructions.

Notes:
The National Health Accounts Estimates for India 2021-22 report indicates that Maharashtra recorded the highest total health expenditure among Indian states. The total health expenditure per capita rose significantly from Rs 3,638 in 2013-14 to Rs 6,602 in 2021-22, reflecting increased investment in healthcare. The report also highlighted a notable shift in government health expenditure as a share of total health expenditure, which rose from 28.6% to 48% during the same period, indicating improved financial protection for households.