current affairs August, 2024
What is Parkinson’s disease, recently seen in the news?
  • A cardiovascular disorder
  • A progressive neurological disorder
  • A respiratory illness
  • A type of cancer
Explanation:
 

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by the gradual degeneration of nerve cells in the brain's substantia nigra.

This leads to a shortage of dopamine, causing symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and impaired movement. It primarily affects older adults and leads to difficulties with balance and coordination.

Recently, who has become the first woman to be appointed the Director General of Medical Services?
  • Lt Gen Punita Arora
  • Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair
  • Lt Gen Madhuri Kanitkar
  • Lt Gen Kavita Sahai
Explanation: Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair has indeed become the first woman appointed as the Director General Medical Services (Army). She has also achieved notable milestones, including being the first woman to serve as DG Hospital Services (Armed Forces) upon her promotion to Air Marshal.
What is the main objective of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, recently in news?
  • To increase disaster relief funds
  • To eliminate the need for disaster response teams
  • To reduce the number of disaster management agencies
  • To create a comprehensive disaster database and establish Urban Disaster Management Authorities
Explanation: The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to enhance disaster preparedness by creating a comprehensive disaster database and establishing Urban Disaster Management Authorities. These measures are designed to improve response efficiency and coordination in urban areas, ensuring better management and mitigation of disaster impacts.
Chaliyar River, recently seen in news, originates from which hills?
  • Elambalari Hills
  • Nelliyampathy Hills
  • Kalrayan Hills
  • Coonoor Hills
Explanation: The Chaliyar River, originating from the Elambalari Hills in Tamil Nadu, is crucial for Kerala's Wayanad region. Heavy rainfall recently caused landslides and prompted rescue operations along its 169 km course, which flows through Malappuram and Kozhikode districts before draining into the Arabian Sea at Beypore port. Historically important for timber transport and known for goldfields, the river has faced significant pollution from a pulp factory at Mavoor.
Shompen tribes, recently seen in news, belongs to which region of India?
  • Daman & Diu
  • Andaman and Nicobar
  • Ladakh
  • Lakshadweep
Explanation: The Central government's Rs 72,000 crore Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project involves constructing an airport, an international container terminal, and a township. However, it faces legal challenges from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Calcutta High Court due to concerns over insufficient impact assessments on the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes and improper permissions. The Shompens, being hunter-gatherers, and the Nicobarese, whose ancestral lands could be affected, are central to these concerns.
Arun Hydroelectric Project, recently seen in the news, is associated with which country?
  • Bhutan
  • Myanmar
  • Afghanistan
  • Nepal
Explanation: The Arun Hydroelectric Project in Nepal involves harnessing the Arun River's energy to generate electricity. It is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting Nepal’s power supply and supporting economic development. The project includes the construction of a large dam and hydroelectric power station to utilize the river’s flow.
Bluetongue Disease, recently seen in the news, is transmitted by which species?
  • Spider
    • Explanation: Bluetongue Disease is spread by Culicoides midges, tiny biting insects. These midges transmit the bluetongue virus to livestock, particularly affecting sheep, cattle, and goats. The disease causes symptoms like fever, swelling, and lameness, impacting animal health and agriculture significantly. It is not transmissible to humans.