Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
The Ministry of Rural Development hosted the National Conclave on Gender Mainstreaming in New Delhi. This event was held under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission. It focused on strengthening gender-responsive community institutions and strategies for gender integration.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry approved the Sustainability in spice sector through progressive, innovative and collaborative interventions for export development (SPICED) scheme to boost spice exports. It aims to enhance the export of spices and value-added spice products, improve cardamom productivity, and upgrade spice quality for export. The scheme will be implemented until 2025-26, covering the remaining 15th Finance Commission term. It focuses on value addition, innovation, and sustainability in the spice sector.

Notes:
The National Green Tribunal’s eastern bench in Kolkata has ordered a halt to road construction in the Barak Bhuban wildlife sanctuary in Assam’s Cachar district. The sanctuary is located in Barak Valley, which also includes the Borail Wildlife Sanctuary. Barak Bhuban is situated between the Barak and Sonai rivers. The area is named after the Barak River, the second-largest river in Northeast India. Barak Valley spans three districts: Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj.

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:
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:
Iran unveiled its latest ballistic missile, named “Jihad,” in a military parade in Tehran. The missile was developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Aerospace Force. This marks the introduction of a new liquid-fuel missile platform in Iran’s defense technology. The Jihad missile highlights Iran’s ongoing military advancements despite international sanctions. Iran’s missile development has raised concerns among Western nations about its potential destabilizing effects in the region.

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:
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:
The 200-year-old Paigah Tombs in Hyderabad are currently being restored. Also known as Maqhbara Shams al-Umara, they are the burial sites of the Paigah nobility. The tombs showcase Indo-Saracenic architecture, combining Asaf Jah and Rajputani styles. Made of white marble, the tombs feature intricately designed interiors and stunning stucco work. This stucco represents various styles, including Mughal, Greek, Persian, Asaf Jahi, Rajasthani, and Deccani. The unique ‘Jali’ work adds to their charm, with each tomb having a distinct design.

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.