Home > Practice > Current Affairs > July - 2024 > July 16, 2024
1. Which institution unveiled a plan to elevate India as a global chess powerhouse?
IIT Madras, through its CESSA (Centre of Excellence in Sports Science and Technology) initiative, presented a strategy at the 'Sports Tech Start Up Conclave' in New Delhi aimed at leveraging technology to advance India's standing in chess. The plan includes employing high-performance computing and AI to enhance fan engagement, detect cheating, and refine grassroots training programs. This initiative underscores IIT Madras's commitment to integrating technological innovations into sports development, particularly in enhancing strategic aspects of competitive gaming like chess.
2. How much aid has the Indian government released as the first tranche to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)?
The Indian government has released $2.5 million as the first tranche of its annual contribution of $5 million for the year 2024-25 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). This financial support aims to assist in providing essential services such as education, healthcare, relief, and social services to Palestinian refugees. India has been a consistent supporter of UNRWA's core programs, underscoring its commitment to the welfare of Palestinian refugees amidst ongoing conflicts.
3. Where will the ICC Annual Conference 2024 be held?
The ICC Annual Conference 2024 will be held in Sri Lanka from July 19th to 22nd. This is a historic event as it marks the first time the International Cricket Council (ICC) is hosting its Annual Conference in the Asian region. The conference will bring together over 220 delegates from 108 ICC member countries, highlighting the global nature of cricket and its growing prominence in Asia. Key discussions will include strategic direction, governance, and cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
4. What is the toll-free number for the national anti-narcotics helpline?
India has launched its first national toll-free anti-narcotics helpline, numbered 1933, under the initiative named MANAS (Madak Padarth Nisedh Asuchna Kendra). This helpline, launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aims to combat drug-related crimes and support the goal of a 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' by 2047. It offers a confidential and user-friendly platform for citizens to report issues related to drug trafficking, illegal sale, storage, manufacturing, and cultivation of narcotics.
5. Which Indian state is set to boost its economic development through the harnessing of the Tizu Zunki River?
Nagaland is set to enhance its economic prospects with the harnessing of the Tizu Zunki River, as announced by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. The development plans include utilizing the river for cargo and passenger transport, along with initiatives to enhance tourism by developing community jetties and introducing Ro Pax ferries on the Doyang River Lake. This initiative is part of National Waterway 101, reflecting ongoing efforts to utilize water resources for economic and tourism development in the region.
6. What was the provisional annual inflation rate based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India for June 2024?
In June 2024, India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI) experienced a year-on-year increase of 3.36%. This rise was primarily driven by higher prices in food articles, manufactured food products, crude petroleum & natural gas, and mineral oils. The overall WPI for all commodities increased to 153.9, based on the 2011-12 base year, marking a 0.39% rise from May 2024. The significant factors contributing to this inflation rate include a noticeable increase in the prices of primary articles and manufactured products.
7. In which city was the 'Saushrutam 2024' seminar hosted by the All-India Institute of Ayurveda?
The 'Saushrutam 2024' seminar, celebrating Sushruta Jayanti, was hosted by the All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. The event took place from July 13 to 15, 2024, and featured live surgical demonstrations and expert discussions. The seminar honoured Sushruta, the father of surgery, and provided a platform for medical professionals to observe complex surgical procedures. This gathering of notable dignitaries and experts underscored the importance of both traditional and modern surgical techniques in contemporary medical practice.
8. Which country is set to host the second Asia Pacific ministerial conference on civil aviation?
India is set to host the second Asia Pacific ministerial conference on civil aviation on September 11 and 12, with representatives from around 40 countries, including China and Pakistan. The conference will be held in the national capital and is a significant event for the Asia Pacific region, which accounts for a large portion of global air traffic. This highlights India's position as the world’s fastest-growing aviation market and its role in advancing civil aviation in the region.
9. Which country hosted the 45th COSPAR Scientific Assembly for the first time?
The 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) was hosted in Busan, South Korea. This marked the first time South Korea hosted this global space research conference, which drew 3,000 participants from 60 nations. The event showcased South Korea's commitment to space exploration, with plans for ambitious projects and fostering international cooperation in space research. Distinguished attendees included leaders from major space agencies, emphasizing the global interest and collaboration in the field.
10. Where did scientists discover the beaked whale believed to be a spade-toothed whale?
New Zealand scientists may have made a breakthrough after discovering a spade-toothed whale washed up on a South Island beach. This species, considered one of the rarest in the world, has never been observed alive, making its population size, diet, and habitat largely mysterious. The discovery, based on the whale's distinctive physical features, including its skull, beak, and teeth, highlights ongoing efforts to understand marine biodiversity in the southern Pacific Ocean.
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