This is the current affairs of 1 to 3 September 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Which country decided to kill 723 wild animals including elephants to provide meat to its people for food due to the devastating drought?
a. France
b. Australia
c. Ethiopia
d. Namibia
Answer: d. Namibia
– African countries like Namibia and its neighboring countries (Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe) are battling the worst drought of this century.
– Namibia’s situation is particularly dire, with agriculture production being the most severely affected.
– The country’s population is 3 million, out of which 1.4 million people are facing a severe food crisis.
– As a result, Namibia has decided to make animal meat available to its citizens.
For this, 723 wild animals have been listed to be culled.
Plan to Cull 723 Animals:
– 30 hippos
– 60 buffaloes
– 50 impalas
– 100 blue wildebeests
– 300 zebras
– 83 elephants
– 100 elands (a type of antelope)
Animals have already been killed
– More than 150 animals have already been killed and about 63 tonnes of meat has been recovered from the carcasses.
24,000 Elephants in Namibia:
– Namibia is one of the countries with a large elephant population, with 24,000 elephants.
– However, the highest number of elephants, around 130,000, are in the African country of Botswana, which is a neighbor of Namibia.
What Did the Namibian Government Say?
– Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism said in a press statement, “It is necessary and in line with our constitutional mandate, where our natural resources are utilized for the benefit of Namibian citizens.”
What is the Cause of the Drought in Namibia?
– Julian Zedler, Country Director of the World Wildlife Fund in Namibia, told The New York Times that Namibia is located in drought-stricken southern Africa.
– This region often witnesses such events. National emergencies were declared in 2013, 2016, and 2019 due to severe drought. – However, the ongoing drought this time is particularly widespread and devastating.
– According to a report by the European Commission, the drought began in Botswana in October 2023, spread to Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, and intensified, now affecting most of southern Africa.
– The situation is primarily severe due to El Niño, a weather pattern associated with extreme heat and drought in many parts of the world and oceans.
– In 2023, the El Niño phenomenon returned after seven years, causing above-average temperatures and minimal rainfall across the region. This led to severe soil moisture depletion and vegetation stress, resulting in drought.
– Additionally, several studies have shown that extreme weather events like droughts and floods have become more frequent and intense due to rising temperatures caused by climate change.
What Impact Has the Drought Had on Namibia?
– A United Nations spokesperson said on August 23, 2024, that staple crops like maize have dried up, large numbers of livestock have died, and around 84% of the country’s food reserves have been depleted.
– As reserves dwindled, prices skyrocketed, reducing access to food for a large number of people.
– The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that severe malnutrition among children under the age of five has increased, with reports of deaths in some areas.
How Will Culling Wild Animals Help?
– Namibia does not intend to cull wild animals solely for meat.
– The government fears that due to the drought, animals will be forced to migrate in search of food and water, leading to potential conflicts with human populations.
– The country has a very large wildlife population, including 24,000 elephants, making it one of the countries with the largest elephant populations in the world.
– The government hopes that culling some animals will reduce the impact of the drought on wildlife. This will help manage “the current grazing pressure and water availability…in some parks and community areas where we believe the numbers exceed the available pasture and water.”
Is Culling Wild Animals for Meat Unusual?
– No. Across the world, various species of wild animals are hunted for food, sport, or trophies.
– According to a New York Times report, animals like zebras, blue wildebeests, and impalas, which are on Namibia’s culling list, are commonly consumed by people in the southern African region.
Note:
– In India, cheetahs have been brought from Namibia and South Africa.
– The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) signed an MoU with the Central Bank of Namibia in May 2024 to create a payment system similar to UPI for the first time outside India.
Namibia:
– President: Nangolo Mbumba
– Prime Minister: Saara Kuugongelwa
– Capital: Windhoek
– Currency: Namibian Dollar and South African Rand
– Population: 27.77 Lakh
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2. The President unveiled the new flag and emblem to mark the 75th year of the Supreme Court, what is inscribed in it?
a. Ashok Chakra, Supreme Court building and Constitution book
b. Constitution book, lotus flower, and tiger
c. Supreme Court building and tiger
d. Ashok Chakra and Lord Buddha
Answer: a. Ashok Chakra, Supreme Court building and Constitution book
– President Draupadi Murmu unveiled the flag and emblem in New Delhi on September 1, 2024.
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3. The President unveiled the new flag and emblem on 1 September 2024 to mark the 75th year of the Supreme Court, which shloka is written in it?
a. Survey Bhavantu Sukhinah
b. Appa Deepo Bhava:
c. Yato Dharmastato Jayah
d. Sarve Santu Niramaya
Answer: c. Yato Dharmastato Jayah
– Meaning of “Yato Dharmastato Jaya”: Where there is righteousness, there is victory.
– President Droupadi Murmu attended the closing session of the two-day National District Judiciary Conference organized by the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi on September 1, 2024.
– On this occasion, she also unveiled the Supreme Court’s flag and emblem.
– The Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, was also present at the event.
What is Depicted on the Supreme Court Flag?
– The flag features the Ashoka Chakra, the Supreme Court building, and the Constitution book.
– Additionally, it includes a shloka: “Yato Dharmastato Jaya” (Where there is righteousness, there is victory).
About the Supreme Court:
– The Supreme Court of India is the highest court of the country, which, according to the Constitution, performs judicial review, interprets the Constitution, and protects the rights of citizens.
– Established: January 28, 1950
– Headquarters: New Delhi
– Total Judges: Maximum of 34 judges (including the Chief Justice)
– Current Chief Justice (CJI): D.Y. Chandrachud
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4. Who became the new Director General (DG) of BSF?
a. Nitin Agarwal
b. Sameer Singh
c. Neeraj Agarwal
d. Daljit Singh Chaudhary
Answer: d. Daljit Singh Chaudhary
– The central government appointed him on August 28, 2024. He succeeded Nitin Agarwal.
– He is also the Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
– He will remain in this position until his retirement on November 30, 2025.
Daljit Singh Chaudhary:
– He is a 1990-batch IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
– He is currently the Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
– He has previously served as the Special Director of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
– He has also held several significant positions in Uttar Pradesh.
Border Security Force (BSF):
– It is a major paramilitary force of India, responsible for guarding the country’s borders and preventing infiltration.
– The BSF is tasked with securing the international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
– Established: 1965
– Headquarters: New Delhi
– First Director General: K.F. Rustamji
– Current Director General: Daljit Singh Chaudhary
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5. Who has become the new Director General (DG) of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)?
a. Rajvinder Singh Bhatti
b. Sameer Kumar Aggarwal
c. Neeraj Kumar Sharma
d. Daljit Singh Chaudhary
Answer: a. Rajvinder Singh Bhatti
– On August 28, 2024, the central government appointed Rajvinder Singh Bhatti as the Director General (DG) of the CISF.
– He is the 31st Director General of the CISF, succeeding Neena Singh.
– Neena Singh was the first female chief of the CISF.
Rajvinder Singh Bhatti:
– He is a 1990-batch IPS officer from the Bihar cadre.
– He holds an M.Phil. degree and is a Chartered Accountant.
– In his 34-year career, he has held numerous important and sensitive positions in Bihar and on central deputation with the Government of India.
– He was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2006.
– He was also honored with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2014.
About CISF:
– CISF is a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).
– It is an organization responsible for industrial security.
– Established: March 10, 1969
– Director General (DG): Rajvinder Singh Bhatti
– Under which Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
– Established on the recommendation of which Commission: The Justice Mukherjee Commission (formed in 1964)
– It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) – (BSF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, NSG, CRPF, and CISF)
– Of the seven CAPFs, only CISF has a Special Fire Wing.
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6. Who became the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Bihar state?
a. Anand Shrivastava
b. Rajesh Sharma
c. Alok Raj
d. Kapil Garg
Answer: c. Alok Raj
– The Bihar government appointed him as DGP on August 30, 2024. He will succeed Rajvinder Singh Bhatti.
– The government appointed him before the Bihar Assembly elections.
– He will remain in this position until December 31, 2025.
– The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in October-November 2025.
Alok Raj:
– He is a 1989-batch IPS officer.
– Currently, he is serving as the Director of the Vigilance Investigation Bureau in the Bihar Police.
– He is a traditional folk singer, mainly performing devotional songs.
– He received his education in Patna.
– He is the son-in-law of former IPS officer and Governor of Chhattisgarh, D.N. Sahay.
– He hails from Gopalpur Neura village in the Saraiya block of Muzaffarpur district, Bihar.
What is the Director General of Police (DGP)?
– The DGP is the highest-ranking officer in the police department, leading the state police force.
– The main responsibilities include maintaining law and order in the state, preventing crime, and managing the police force.
– It is the most responsible position for ensuring the security and peace of the state.
Bihar:
– Capital: Patna
– Chief Minister (CM): Nitish Kumar
– Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
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7. The central government has approved the development of a new civil enclave in Bihar’s Bihta with an estimated cost of how many rupees, which will address the capacity constraints of Patna airport?
a. ₹1,810 crore
b. ₹1,623 crore
c. ₹1,115 crore
d. ₹1,413 crore
Answer: d. ₹1,413 crore
– On August 16, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved this decision.
– The approval of ₹1,413 crore was given to address capacity constraints at Patna Airport.
– According to The Hindu newspaper, the passenger terminal at the Bihta Indian Air Force base will cover an area of 66,000 square meters.
– It will be able to handle 3,000 passengers during peak times.
– It will be capable of serving 5 million passengers annually.
– The capacity can be expanded to accommodate a total of 10 million passengers per year.
What Will Be Included:
– The civil enclave will have 10 parking bays.
The apron is the area where aircraft are parked.
– These bays will be capable of accommodating A320 family aircraft and Boeing 737 aircraft.
– There will be two link taxiways.
– Bihta is a town and block in Patna district of Bihar.
– It is located approximately 30 km west of Patna.
Proposal for Developing This Project:
– According to Times of India news, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) approved the development of this civil enclave in 2016.
Number of Operational Airports in India:
– According to The Print news, there are currently 157 operational airports in the country.
– These include international, domestic, and regional airports, connecting various parts of the country and providing services for both domestic and international flights.
Bihar:
– Capital: Patna
– Chief Minister (CM): Nitish Kumar
– Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
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8. The Centre approved the development of a new civil enclave in Bagdogra, West Bengal at an estimated cost of how many rupees?
a. ₹1,810 crore
b. ₹1,549 crore
c. ₹1,115 crore
d. ₹1,413 crore
Answer: b. ₹1,549 crore
– On August 16, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the development of a new civil enclave in Bagdogra.
– This development will significantly improve the operational capacity and passenger experience at Bagdogra Airport, making it a crucial airport in the region.
Bagdogra:
– Bagdogra is a settlement in the Naxalbari CD block of the Siliguri sub-division in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
– It is part of the Greater Siliguri metropolitan area.
Project Details:
– Estimated Cost: ₹1,549 crore
– Terminal Building Area: 70,390 square meters
– Capacity: 3,000 passengers per hour, 10 million passengers per year
– Apron and Parking: Construction of an apron with space for 10 aircraft (A-321 type)
– Link Taxiways: Construction of two link taxiways
– Car Parking: Multi-level car parking facility
– Environmentally Friendly Green Building: Utilization of renewable energy sources, design for maximum natural light to reduce environmental impact
– This project will enhance the airport’s operational capacity and improve the passenger experience.
West Bengal:
– Chief Minister (CM): Mamata Banerjee
– Capital: Kolkata
– Governor: C.V. Anand Bose
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9. Which medal did Nishad Kumar win in the Men’s T47 High Jump event at Paris Paralympics 2024?
a. Gold
b. Silver
c. Bronze
d. Gold & Bronze
Answer: b. Silver
– At the Paris Paralympics 2024, he secured the seventh medal for the country.
– The USA won the gold medal at this event.
– He made a jump of 2.04 meters in the Men’s T47 High Jump event.
– He won the gold medal at the Fourth Asian Para Games 2023.
Nishad Kumar:
– He is an Indian Paralympian and high jumper.
– He hails from Una district, Himachal Pradesh.
– His father is a farmer.
– When Nishad was eight years old, his right hand was severed by a grass-cutting machine in the field.
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10. When is World Coconut Day celebrated?
a. 30 August
b. 31 August
c. 1 September
d. 2 September
Answer: d. 2 September
Theme 2024
– “Coconut for a Circular Economy: Building Partnership for Maximum Value”
– This day has been declared by the intergovernmental organization of coconut-producing countries, the International Coconut Community (ICC).
– The day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the economic, nutritional, and cultural significance of coconuts in various parts of the world.
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11. When is the National Nutrition Week celebrated?
a. 1st to 7th August
b. 1st to 7th September
c. 1st to 7th October
d. 1st to 7th November
Answer: b. 1st to 7th September
Theme – Nutritious Diets for Everyone
– National Nutrition Week in India is celebrated every year during the first week of September.
– The main objective of celebrating Nutrition Week in the country is to raise awareness about the benefits of nutrition and to promote healthy and clean eating habits.
– National Nutrition Week was first recognized in India in 1982.
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