Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 8th & 9th September 2024

Correct Answer:  (c) Uttar Pradesh

Explanation:  Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre in the Bharivaisi, Campierganj Range of the Gorakhpur Forest Division on 6 September 2024. It is the world’s first conservation and breeding centre for the Asian King Vulture or the red-headed vulture. There are other conservation and breeding centres of vultures named Jatayu in the country, but they cater to all breeds of vultures. During the ceremony, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath instructed the state Forest Department to establish a forestry college in Gorakhpur. The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society, has established the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre in Maharajganj.

• The Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre spread over 1.5 hectares of land in the Gorakhpur forest division, was built for Rs 2.8 crore.
• The centre has multiple bird cages, a nursery for juveniles, a hospital and recovery facility for birds needing medical help, and a food processing centre.
• The centre also includes an incubation centre to rear the vulture eggs artificially to ensure 100% results are other features.
• The Asian king vulture makes one partner in life, and the female lays one egg in a year.
• The Jatayu Center will release the captive birds into the wild after the female has laid the egg.
• The egg will be hatched in a controlled environment in the incubation centre.

Correct Answer:  (a) US, UK, EU

Explanation:  The US, UK, and EU signed the world’s first legally binding international treaty on artificial intelligence (AI), known as the Framework Convention on AI. This historic agreement aims to ensure the safe and ethical development and use of AI technologies, aligning with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Key Points of the AI Treaty:

Human Rights Protection:

• Ensures that AI technologies respect individuals’ privacy and data rights.
• Prevents AI from being used in ways that could lead to discrimination or bias.

Democracy Safeguards:

• Protects democratic institutions and processes from being undermined by AI.
• Requires countries to take steps to prevent the misuse of AI in public services.

Rule of Law:

• Mandates that signatory countries regulate AI-specific risks.
• Ensures AI is used safely and responsibly, protecting citizens from potential harms.

Correct Answer:  (b) India

Explanation:  A new study by the University of Leeds, published in the journal Nature, has revealed that India is the biggest contributor to plastic pollution. 57 million tons of plastic pollution are produced each year, spread to every surface on Earth – from the deepest trenches, mountain peaks to the human brain. The researchers gave an example to explain the massive scale of plastic waste production. New research published in the journal Nature has said that India is responsible for around one-fifth of global plastic emissions of around 9.3 million metric tonnes (Mt) per year. The rate places India at the top of the emitters’ list, whereas the study places China, generally considered to be the greatest committer, fourth. It estimated Nigeria produces 3.5 Mt of plastics per year, ahead of Indonesia with 3.4 Mt/year and China with 2.8 Mt/year.

Correct Answer:  (a) 8th September

Explanation:  Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) has been observed annually on September 8th across the globe. This day serves as a crucial reminder to policymakers, practitioners, and the public about the critical importance of literacy in creating a more literate, just, peaceful, and sustainable society. The observance underscores the ongoing global commitment to fostering literacy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of personal and societal development. Theme: “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace”

Correct Answer:  (c) Jannik Sinner

Explanation:  Jannik Sinner, the world’s No. 1 tennis player, clinched his second Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open, defeating Taylor Fritz in a thrilling final. This victory marked a remarkable comeback for Sinner, who faced significant challenges leading up to the tournament. Just weeks before the U.S. Open began, Sinner was unexpectedly exonerated in a doping case that had remained undisclosed until the tournament’s commencement. The revelation of two positive drug tests cast a shadow over his participation and raised questions about his ability to perform at his best. While Fritz’s loss was disappointing, the U.S. Open provided a glimmer of hope for American tennis. For the first time since 2003, two American men and two American women reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament. This success suggests that the future of American tennis may be brighter than it has been in recent years.

Correct Answer:  (b) 29 medals

Explanation: The 17th Paris Paralympics came to an end on 8th September 2024 with a glittering ceremony at the Stade de France stadium in Paris, France. The 17th Paralympics was organised by the International Paralympics Committee in the French capital city of Paris from 28 August -8 September 2024. The 18th Summer Paralympics will be held in Los Angeles, the United States of America in 2028. The Paralympics are held after the Olympic Games. The 33rd Summer Olympics, organised by the International Olympic Committee, was held in Paris from 26 July to 11 August 2024.  India ended the 2024 Paris Paralympics with a record 29 medals, breaking the record of 19 medals set at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.  Navdeep Singh’s silver medal was upgraded to gold after the gold medal winner, Iranian Beit Sayah Sadegh, was disqualified in the javelin throw F41 class. China topped the medal tally with 220 medals, while India was at the 18th position.

• Harvinder Singh and Preethi Pal were the Indian flag bearers at the closing ceremony of the Paris Paralympic Games.
• Sumit Antil and Bhagyashri Jadhav were the Indian flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Paralympics Games,

India finished the Paris Paralympics in 18th Place. China topped the medal tally with 220 medals, followed by Great Britain.

Correct Answer:  (b) 7th September

Explanation:  On September 7, the world observes the International Day of Police Cooperation, recognizing the crucial role of law enforcement in global security. This day highlights the importance of collaboration among police forces worldwide and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive framework to ensure police integrity, accountability, and oversight. The world marked the first International Day of Police Cooperation in 2023, aligning with INTERPOL’s 100th anniversary celebration.

The International Day of Police Cooperation was officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly through a resolution adopted on December 16, 2022. The choice of September 7 as the date for this observance is significant, as it coincides with the centenary of INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization). The International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC), INTERPOL’s predecessor, was established on September 7, 1923.

Correct Answer:  (d) Surat city

Explanation:  In a significant recognition of efforts to combat air pollution, the Union Environment Ministry has presented the “National Clean Air City” Awards during the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024. This event, held as part of a national workshop celebrating the “International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies” in Jaipur on Saturday, showcased the remarkable strides made by various Indian cities in improving their air quality. The awards were categorized based on population size, acknowledging the unique challenges and achievements of cities across different scales.

Major Cities (Population over 10 lakh)

1. Surat, Gujarat: Emerged as the top major city in India for air quality improvements
2. Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh: Secured the second position
3. Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Ranked third among large cities

Medium-sized Cities (Population between 3 lakh and 10 lakh)

1. Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh
2. Amravati, Maharashtra
3. Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

These cities were recognized for their significant efforts in implementing air quality improvement measures.

Smaller Cities (Population under 3 lakh)

1. Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh
2. Nalgonda, Telangana
3. Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh

The inclusion of smaller cities in the awards highlights the importance of air quality management across all urban scales in India. The “Swachh Vayu Survekshan” is a pioneering initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Its primary objectives include: Ranking cities based on the implementation of activities approved under their respective city action plans. Assessing air quality improvements in cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Correct Answer:  (c) Agni-4

Explanation:  India carried out a successful launch of an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-4 from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters. It was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command. The range increased even further with Agni-4, which can hit as far as 4,000 kilometres. The 20-metre-long missile can carry a payload of 1,000 kg and can be fired from a road-mobile launcher. During its test launch in 2012, Agni-4 covered more than 3,000 km in 20 minutes. It was the longest-range mission flown by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the time. The Agni-4 missile was earlier called Agni-2 Prime. The Agni missiles are designed and developed by the DRDO.

Correct Answer:  (b) Second

Explanation:  According to a new report from Counterpoint Research, India has emerged as the world’s second-largest market for 5G smartphones, trailing only behind China. 5G smartphones are becoming increasingly prominent across various price ranges in India. According to a new report from Counterpoint Research, India has emerged as the world’s second-largest market for 5G smartphones, trailing only behind China.

5G smartphones are becoming increasingly prominent across various price ranges in India. “India became the second-biggest 5G handset market during the first half, overtaking the US. The strong shipments from Xiaomi, Vivo, Samsung, and other brands in the budget segment were the main reasons for this trend,” Singh said. China maintains the leading position with a 32 per cent share of the global 5G smartphone market, while India holds 13 per cent.

Correct Answer:  (b) GM Mitraba Guha

Explanation: GM Mitraba Guha won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Rapid Chess Championship. At the Commonwealth Rapid Chess Championship in Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka, Indian players achieved significant success with three podium finishes. Grandmaster Mitraba Guha won the gold medal with 6.5 points, Grandmaster Panneerselvam Iniyan earned the silver with six points, and Grandmaster Laxman Rajaram took the bronze with 5.5 points. Among the 14 Indian participants, all secured positions within the top 30. Notable Indian performances included Shyaam Nikhil P finishing 5th with 4 points, Sayantan Das 8th with 4.5 points, and Hari Madhavan NB 9th with 4 points.

Correct Answer:  (b) Randhir Singh

Explanation:  A landmark moment in Asian sports history unfolded as Randhir Singh, a veteran sports administrator, was elected as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). This momentous event took place during the 44th General Assembly of the continental body in New Delhi, marking the first time an Indian has ascended to this prestigious position. Mr. Singh, at 77 years of age, stood as the lone eligible candidate for the OCA president’s post. His election was unanimous, reflecting the widespread support and confidence in his leadership across the Asian sports community.

Correct Answer:  (c) 8th September

Explanation:  Every year since 1996, September 8 has been observed as World Physical Therapy Day worldwide. The day raises awareness amongst the public and other stakeholders about the role physiotherapists play in keeping people well, mobile, and independent. On 8 September 1951, the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) was founded by 11 national physiotherapy associations in London, United Kingdom. The name WCPT was later changed to World Physiotherapy in 2020.  In 1996, the World Confederation for Physical Therapy decided to observe its foundation day, the 8th of September, as World Physical Therapy Day.

The theme of World Physical Therapy Day 2024  is low back pain (LBP) and the role of physiotherapy in its management and prevention. Low Back pain is one of the main causes of disability amongst humans worldwide.  Low back pain is not age-specific and can affect people of any age, and almost all people suffer back pains in their lifetime. It becomes chronic (back pain of more than three months )in a minority of the population.

Correct Answer:  (b) Paysharp

Explanation:  Paysharp is an existing PA, which received RBI final authorisation on 30th August 2024 Friday followed by the in-principal PA license on December 2022. Paysharp is a 5 years old startup, raised two rounds of funding sum of 23 crores, last funding round was on March 2023 with the valuation of 200 crores. Paysharp holds ISO 27001:2022 and SOC 2 accreditations. With RBI’s final PA authorization, Paysharp is part of Indi’s Payment System, it helps Paysharp to extend to more merchants. Paysharp is one of authorised Payment Aggregator from Tamil Nadu.

• As on date RBI has authorized 36 payment aggregators including Razorpay, Cashfree and Stripe Paysharp is providing flat pricing to merchants alternative to percentage based pricing followed by other PAs. Paysharp is focusing on non-card-based payments like UPI and Virtual account based solution for NEFT / IMPS / RTGS collection. Paysharp also provides products such as Link Payment and Payment Pages powered by UPI.
• Paysharp is focusing on Government sector, B2B, NBFC, SMBs and now extending to e-commerce segment. Paysharp is not dealing with card-based payments working with India based payment methods so flat pricing is possible across all the products. Paysharp recently launched two products Link Payment and Payment Pages powered by UPI.

Correct Answer:  (b) Rajasthan

Explanation: The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board hosted the 5th International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies or Swach Vayu Diwas on 7 September 2024 in the pink city of Jaipur. Along with the 5th International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies or Swach Vayu Diwas, the  4th meeting of the Apex Committee of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was also held in Jaipur on 7 September. It was chaired by Bhupendra Yadav, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Theme of the 2024  International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies or the Swach Vayu Diwas is “Invest in clean air now.”

Bhupender Yadav and Bhajan Lal Sharma conferred the prizes to the winner of the 2024 Swachh Vayu Survekshan Award for cities under NCAP. The Municipal Commissioners of the winning cities were awarded cash prizes, trophies, and a certificate. This award was given to cities participating in the National Clean Air Programme for their performance in reducing air pollution and improving air quality in their cities.

Category 1 Award (for cities with a population of over 10 lakhs)

• Winner Cites-  Surat (Gujarat), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), and Agra (Uttar Pradesh);

Category-2 (population between  3 and 10 Lakhs)

• Winner cities -Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh), Amravati(Maharashtra), and Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh); and

Category-3 (population under 3 Lakhs)

• Winner cities – Raebareli(Uttar Pradesh), Nalgonda (Telangana), and Nalagarh(Himachal Pradesh).