31st July 2024 Daily Current Affairs
1. Which day is observed as ‘International Tiger Day’ every year?
[B] 28 July
[C] 29 July
[D] 30 July
Correct Answer: C [29 July]
Notes:
International Tiger Day, observed on 29 July since 2010, raises public awareness about threats faced by tigers due to illegal hunting and habitat destruction. The day originated from an international summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2010, attended by 13 countries with significant tiger populations, including India. The summit aimed to address the dwindling tiger population caused by human encroachment and launched the TX2 goal to double the number of wild tigers by 2022. The 2024 theme, “Call for Action,” emphasizes the need for global efforts to save endangered tigers. The first Tiger Day was observed on 29 July 2010.
2. Which Southeast Asian country has recently released a special stamp set that includes a stamp on Lord Rama of Ayodhya?
[A] Laos[B] Cambodia
[C] Thailand
[D] Singapore
Correct Answer: A [Laos]
Notes:
During his visit to Vientiane, Laos, from 25 to 27 July 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the first postage stamp of Ram Lalla of Ayodhya. The event took place during ASEAN-related foreign minister meetings. Jaishankar, alongside Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, released two sets of stamps themed “Celebrating the shared cultural heritage of Lao PDR and India.” One stamp depicted Ram Lalla’s idol from Ayodhya, while the other commemorated Lord Buddha from Luang Prabang, Laos’s ancient capital. Although predominantly Buddhist, Laos’s culture is deeply influenced by Hinduism, including the Ramayana, known locally as Ramakien.
3. Recently, who became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting with a bronze at Paris?
[B] Manu Bhaker
[C] Anjali Bhagwat
[D] Manisha Keer
Correct Answer: B [Manu Bhaker ]
Notes:
Manu Bhaker of Haryana opened India’s medal account at the 33rd Summer Olympics in Paris, winning a bronze in the 10-meter air pistol event on 28 July 2024. She became the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal in shooting. The Paris Olympics, held from 26 July to 11 August 2024, features 32 sports, with India competing in 16 disciplines. Bhaker, 22, scored 221.7 points to finish third in the eight-woman final. South Korean Oh Ye Jin won gold with an Olympic record of 243.2 points, and silver went to South Korean Yeji Kim with 241.3 points.
4. Recently, which country secured their first Women’s Asia Cup title?
[A] China[B] India
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Bangladesh
Correct Answer: C [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
The host Sri Lankan women’s cricket team won their maiden Women’s Cricket Asia Cup, upsetting the defending champion Indian team. In the final of the 9th Women’s Cricket Asia Cup, held on 28 July 2024 at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, the hosts defeated India by 8 wickets with 8 balls to spare. Sri Lanka became the third team to win the Women’s Cricket Asia Cup, after India (seven times) and Bangladesh (once). All matches were played in Dambulla. In the semi-finals, India defeated Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka beat Pakistan to reach the finals.
5. What is the main objective of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), recently seen in news?
[A] To provide free healthcare services[B] To strengthen and maintain a decentralized laboratory-based IT-enabled disease surveillance system
[C] To promote vaccination programs
[D] To conduct medical research on rare diseases
Correct Answer: B [To strengthen and maintain a decentralized laboratory-based IT-enabled disease surveillance system]
Notes:
In the past year, 1,862 disease outbreaks were reported to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), with Kerala recording the highest number. The IDSP, launched in November 2004 with World Bank assistance, is a decentralized, state-based program by India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Its objectives include monitoring disease trends and responding to outbreaks through trained Rapid Response Teams (RRTs). The program integrates surveillance activities at central, state, and district levels, utilizes ICT for data management, and strengthens public health laboratories. Weekly data collection on epidemic-prone diseases helps identify trends, with RRTs investigating and controlling outbreaks as needed.
