Current Affairs 22 July 2024

Current Affairs 22 July 2024

01. Which state became the first in India to launch the Gross Environment Product (GEP) index?
(a) Himachal Pradesh
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Uttarakhand
(d) Punjab

• Uttarakhand has become the first Indian state to assign a monetary value to its natural resources—air, water, forest, and soil—through a Gross Environment Product (GEP) index.
• The GEP index reflects data from 2020 to 2022, showing a 0.9% increase in the value of these resources.
• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced this initiative, calling it historic and emphasizing the importance of valuing the state’s abundant natural resources, including forests, glaciers, and freshwater.
• The GEP initiative is intended to provide a measure similar to GDP but focused on environmental resources.
• The announcement aligns with Uttarakhand’s efforts to highlight and improve its environmental sustainability.
• This move is seen as a step toward integrating environmental health into economic planning and development strategies.

02. Which country has unveiled the world’s first carbon fiber high-speed train?
(a) France
(b) Japan
(c) China
(d) Germany

• China has unveiled the world’s first high-speed passenger train made entirely of carbon fiber, marking a significant advancement in eco-friendly rail technology.
• This train is notably lighter than traditional steel trains, which contributes to reduced energy consumption and lower pollution levels.
• The carbon fiber train can reach a top speed of 87 mph and is expected to use 7% less energy compared to standard steel trains.
• Qingdao Sifang, the company responsible for this innovation, has announced that the train will undergo factory testing before being operational in a coastal city later this year.
• High-speed rail technology, including this new carbon fiber train, is already recognized for its environmental benefits, including lower noise pollution, reduced land use, and less air pollution compared to other transportation modes.
• China’s high-speed rail network spans approximately 28,000 miles, providing efficient and affordable travel across the country, with trains currently reaching speeds up to 125 mph.
• The network’s maintenance and operations are now managed by artificial intelligence, enhancing its reliability and efficiency.

03. Which state government has launched the ‘Shramik Basera’ scheme for temporary housing of construction workers?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Gujarat
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Karnataka

•  The Gujarat state government has introduced the Shramik Basera Scheme 2024 to provide temporary housing facilities for financially unstable laborers and construction workers.
• The scheme aims to improve the standard of living for construction workers and laborers in Gujarat by providing affordable temporary housing.
• Housing Facilities:
  • 17 housing structures will be set up in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, and Rajkot.
  • Each worker can stay at these facilities for INR 5 per day.
  • The scheme will accommodate around 15,000 construction workers once fully operational.
  • Funding: The Gujarat state government will allocate INR 1,500 crores for the implementation of this scheme.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be a daily laborer or construction worker.
  • Must be financially unstable.
• Benefits:
  • Provides affordable housing with a nominal fee.
  • Aims to enhance the living standards of construction workers.
  • Online application process available for convenience.
• Important Details
  • Capital of Gujarat: Gandhinagar
  • Former Name of Gujarat: Bombay State
  • Bird of Gujarat: Greater Flamingo
  • Districts in Gujarat: 33
  • Fish of Gujarat: Blackspotted Croaker

04. In which state were two new species of flower flies reported for the first time?
(a) Kerala
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Karnataka
(d) Andhra Pradesh

• Researchers from the Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) at Christ College, Irinjalakuda, have reported the first-ever sighting of two flower fly species, Mesembrius bengalensis and M. quadrivittatus, in Kerala.
• These species were discovered in the Kole wetlands and Vilagan Kunnu hillocks of Thrissur district.
• Flower flies, part of the Syrphidae family, are important for their role in pollination and as biological control agents, and their larvae contribute to nutrient recycling.
• The findings, published in the journal ENTOMON, add to Kerala’s list of flower fly species, which previously included 59 documented species.
• The researchers utilized stereozoom microscopes and digital imaging to capture detailed characteristics of the newly discovered species.
• This discovery is significant for conservation efforts, offering insights into the habitat preferences and distribution of these pollinators.
• The research lays the groundwork for future studies and conservation strategies aimed at protecting these essential insects.

05. The Economic Survey 2023-24 projects India’s FY 2024-25 real GDP growth between ____________.
(a) 6.1%-6.4%
(b) 6.5%-7%
(c) 6.6%-7.1%
(d) 6.9%-7.5%

•  The Economic Survey 2023-24 projects India’s FY 2024-25 real GDP growth between 6.5%-7%.
•  The expenditure on social services has increased from 6.7% of GDP in 2017-18 to 7.8% of GDP in 2023-24.
• The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) nearly halved from 0.117 in 2015-16 to 0.066 in 2019-21.
• The rural-urban divide has also declined considerably, as the difference between rural and urban monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) declined from 83.9% in 2011-12 to 71.2% in 2022-23.

06. Who became the first Indian driver to win a Formula 2 race at the Hungarian Grand Prix?
(a) Jehan Daruvala
(b) Arjun Maini
(c) Kush Maini
(d) Narain Karthikeyan

• Kush Maini became the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race at the Hungarian Grand Prix, inheriting the victory after initial winner Richard Verschoor was disqualified.
• Verschoor’s disqualification was due to a technical infringement; the plank on his car was found to be below the minimum thickness required by the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Technical Regulations.
• The FIA Technical Delegate’s report confirmed that Verschoor’s car did not meet the specifications, leading to his removal from the results.
• As a result, Maini, driving for Invicta Racing, was awarded the top position, with Campos Racing’s Isack Hadjar promoted to the final podium spot and Juan Manuel Correa taking the eighth position.
• Before the disqualification, Verschoor had claimed victory with a strong performance, initially holding off Maini and finishing ahead of ART Grand Prix’s Victor Martins.
• Maini had started from the front row and finished second in the race before being declared the winner following Verschoor’s disqualification.
• The race saw several changes in position, including Andrea Kimi Antonelli briefly leading before Verschoor took over and Maini closing in on the leaders by the end of the race.

07. Which country will host the inaugural Olympic eSports Games in 2025?
(a) Saudi Arabia
(b) Qatar
(c) United Arab Emirates
(d) Bahrain

• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025, marking a significant development in integrating esports into the Olympic movement.
• The partnership between the IOC and the Saudi National Olympic Committee (NOC) will span 12 years, with the games being held regularly during this period.
• IOC President Thomas Bach praised Saudi Arabia’s expertise in esports and its commitment to upholding Olympic values such as gender equality and youth engagement.
• Saudi Arabia’s sports sector, under Vision 2030, has been rapidly growing, hosting over 100 international sports events since 2018, and has seen a significant increase in sports participation.
• The country has a strong gaming community, with 23 million gamers, and has invested in developing a global hub for esports.
• Women’s sports in Saudi Arabia have seen notable growth, with nearly half of the gamers being female and over 330,000 registered female athletes.
• The new Olympic Esports Games will serve as a platform to further elevate the profile of esports and inspire athletes worldwide.

08. Who has been appointed as the new head coach of India’s Senior Men’s Football Team? (July 2024)
(a) Carlos Queiroz
(b) Igor Stimac
(c) Stephen Constantine
(d) Manolo Marquez

• Manolo Marquez, currently the head coach of FC Goa, has been appointed as the new head coach of India’s men’s football team, replacing Igor Stimac.
• The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed Marquez’s appointment, with him starting the role immediately. He will manage both FC Goa and the Indian national team during the 2024-25 season before transitioning to the national team role full-time.
• Marquez, aged 55, will balance his responsibilities between FC Goa and the Indian national team initially. His tenure’s length has not been specified by the AIFF.
• Stimac was dismissed on June 17, 2024, after India’s failure to advance to the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
• Marquez has been coaching in India since 2020, first with Hyderabad FC and now with FC Goa, where he led Hyderabad FC to an ISL Cup title in the 2021-22 season.
• His previous coaching experience includes managing La Liga side Las Palmas and various Spanish lower division clubs.
• Marquez expressed his honor at being appointed and his commitment to achieving success with the Indian national team while continuing his work with FC Goa. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey acknowledged the cooperation between FC Goa and Marquez to ensure smooth management of both roles.

09. Which two of the following Indian tennis players were inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame?
(a) Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna
(b) Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza
(c) Rohan Bopanna and Somdev Devvarman
(d) Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj

• Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj are the first Asian players to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
• Paes had a peak ranking of number one in doubles and has won 54 doubles titles, including all four Grand Slam events.
• Vijay Amritraj peaked at 18 in singles and 23 in doubles, winning 13 doubles and 15 singles titles.

• Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna: Both are well-known Indian tennis players but have not been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
• Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi: Sania Mirza is a prominent Indian female tennis player, and Mahesh Bhupathi is known for his doubles achievements, but neither has been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
• Rohan Bopanna and Somdev Devvarman: Both are accomplished Indian tennis players, but they have not received the Hall of Fame honor.

10. What is the name of the scheme launched by Telangana CM to provide financial assistance to Civil Services aspirants?
(a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Civils Abhayahastam
(b) Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam
(c) Indira Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam
(d) Jawaharlal Nehru Civils Abhayahastam

• The scheme, named “Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam”, was launched by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
• It aims to provide financial assistance of ₹1 lakh to Civil Services aspirants from Telangana who qualify for the Mains exams.
• This scheme will benefit approximately 400 candidates from the Telangana region every year.
• The financial assistance is provided by Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) as a part of its ‘Nirmaan’ program.
• The scheme is targeted at candidates from the SC, ST, OBC, Women, and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) categories.
• Applicants must have a family annual income below ₹8 lakhs and must be permanent residents of Telangana.
• Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment among the youth.
• Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka noted that this initiative is the first of its kind by any government to support Telangana’s Civil Services aspirants.