Current Affairs 11 July 2024

Current Affairs 11 July 2024

01. Who broke the women’s high jump world record, surpassing Stefka Kostadinova’s 2.09m set in 1987?
(a) Mariya Lasitskene
(b) Mutaz Essa Barshim
(c) ianmarco Tamberi
(d) Yaroslava Mahuchikh

Ans : D

• Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh broke a longstanding world record in women’s high jump, clearing 2.10 meters.
• The previous record of 2.09 meters was held for nearly 37 years by Bulgarian athlete Stefka Kostadinova.
• Mahuchikh achieved this feat during the Diamond League competition in Paris, surpassing her competitors including Australia’s Nicola McDermott who jumped 2.03 meters.
• She is only the third athlete in history to successfully jump 2.07 meters or higher multiple times in a competition.
• This achievement makes Mahuchikh the fourth world record holder in athletics from Ukraine.
• Despite her success, Mahuchikh aims to win the Olympic gold medal, the only major award she has yet to achieve.

02. Which state recently introduced a bill to regulate the social security and welfare of platform-based gig workers?
(a) Haryana
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Karnataka
(d) Telangana

Ans : C

• Karnataka introduced the draft of the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill on June 29.
• The Bill aims to regulate the social security and welfare of platform-based gig workers in the State.
• Karnataka is the second state in India to initiate such a move.
• The draft Bill was introduced after Rajasthan, which was the first state to pass a similar bill.

03. Which company recently launched India’s first tourism index fund, tracking the Nifty Tourism Index?
(a) Aditya Birla Sun Life
(b) Tata Asset Management
(c) Nippon India 
(d) Motilal Oswal

Ans : B

•  Tata Asset Management has launched India’s first tourism index fund, tracking the Nifty India Tourism Index, which includes companies from the Nifty 500.
• The fund aims to capitalize on the growth of India’s tourism sector, driven by rising disposable incomes and infrastructure improvements like better highways, railways, and airports.
• Anand Vardarajan, Chief Business Officer at Tata Asset Management, highlighted the significant growth in domestic aviation, hotels, restaurants, and overall travel due to increased accessibility and safety.
• The fund targets companies benefiting from higher discretionary spending and changing consumer preferences towards travel and hospitality.
• India’s tourism sector is projected to grow substantially, with expenditures expected to rise from $140 billion in 2019 to approximately $406 billion by 2030, driven by aspirational and experiential travel trends.
• Technology advancements, including online platforms and social media, are further enhancing the tourism and hospitality industries by expanding access and showcasing diverse travel experiences.

04. What is the theme of World Population Day 2024?
(a) Sustainable Future for All
(b) Empowering Population Growth
(c) Global Population and Health
(d) Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone

Ans : D

• The theme of World Population Day 2024 is “Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone.”
• This theme emphasizes the importance of inclusive data collection.
• It ensures that everyone is fairly represented in population counts.
• The focus is on all individuals regardless of background, nationality, geography, or socioeconomic standing.
• World Population Day is celebrated annually on July 11.
• The day raises awareness of global population issues and their impact on society.
• It highlights the importance of addressing concerns such as reproductive health, family planning, and gender equality.
• The UN established this day to address the pressing issues surrounding global population growth.

05. Who has been unanimously elected as the President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA)? (JULY 2024)
(a) Rajat Sharma
(b) Arnab Goswami
(c) Ravish Kumar
(d) Barkha Dutt

Ans : A

•  Veteran TV journalist and India TV chairman Rajat Sharma was elected president of the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA)
• Sharma was unanimously elected during a meeting of the NBDA board.
• The NBDA represents major news networks and digital media in India.
• After his election, Sharma emphasized the need for the NBDA to collectively work to advance the interests of the news genre, which is under tremendous pressure.
• He stated the importance of ensuring a fearless atmosphere to deliver free and fair news.

06. Which among the following CAPFs has launched the “Grow with the Trees” plantation drive?
(a) Border Security Force (BSF)
(b) Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
(c) Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
(d) Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Ans : A

• Border Security Forces (BSF) organized the “Grow with the Trees” plantation drive.
• The drive took place at the BSF Headquarters in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
• The initiative aimed at promoting the importance of tree plantations and creating a green environment.
• Participants included BSF officials, Jawans, officials from SBI Bank, and school children from Kendria Vidyalay.

07. Which district got the first prize in the institutional award on World Population Day for the successful implementation of family planning services in Rajasthan?
(a) Hanumangarh
(b) Pratapgarh
(c) Bundi
(d) Jhalawar

Ans : D

•  On July 11, 2023, on the special day of World Population Day, A special program of State Level Family Welfare Incentive Award Distribution Ceremony was conducted at Rajasthan International Center located in Jhalana Institutional Area, Jaipur.
• On this occasion, Prasadhi Lal Meena, Minister of Medicine and Health of Rajasthan, also released posters and wall paintings on family welfare.
• He awarded certificates and special prescribed money to individuals and institutions, including District, Samitis and Gram Panchayat, for their good work in family planning.
• In this award ceremony, Jhalawar district secured first, Hanumangarh district second, Pratapgarh district third and Bundi district fourth in the category of institutional awards in this ceremony.
• In PPIUCD investment, Jhalawar district is ranked first, Shahpura Panchayat Samiti from Bhilwara district is ranked first, Raksamand Panchayat Samiti is ranked second, Pisangangan Panchayat Samiti from Ajmer district is ranked third, Kotputli Panchayat Samiti Panchayat Samiti Panchayat is third, Kotputli Panchayat Samiti is fourth and most successful.

08. Which organisation gives recognition to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves?
(a) IUCN
(b) WWF
(c) FAO
(d) UNESCO

Ans : D

• UNESCO has approved the designation of 11 new biosphere reserves in 11 countries including 2 transboundary biosphere reserves.
• The new biosphere reserves are located in Colombia, Dominican Republic, Italy, Mongolia, Netherlands, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Spain, Belgium & Gambia.
• UNESCO is responsible for the designation of biosphere reserves worldwide.
• The World Network of Biosphere Reserves now totals 759 sites in 136 countries.
• The new biosphere reserves cover a total area of 37,400 km².
• These designations play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and improving living conditions for local and Indigenous populations.

09. Which anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Austria was marked during PM Modi’s visit?
(a) 50th anniversary
(b) 60th anniversary
(c) 75th anniversary
(d) 80th anniversary

Ans : C

• PM Modi’s visit to Austria marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Austria.
• This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in 41 years.
• PM Modi held talks with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
• They discussed strengthening ties in sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.

10. Which shipbuilding PSU launched the GAINS 2024 scheme?
(a) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
(b) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE)
(c) Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)
(d) Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)

Ans : B

• The scheme launched is the GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024).
• GRSE stands for Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited.
• The initiative aims to promote technology development using start-ups and MSMEs.
• The scheme aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ policies of the Government of India.
• Raksha Rajya Mantri praised GRSE’s contribution to nation-building and technological advancements.
• The scheme will address challenges in ship design and construction by leveraging MSMEs and start-ups.
• GRSE focuses on adopting new technologies to enhance maritime security and air defense.
• GAINS 2024 aims to contribute significantly to the objectives of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance).