Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
Researchers discovered two new fish species in Nagaland: Garra zubzaensis and Psilorhynchus kosygini. These are torrent minnows, small freshwater fish found in fast-flowing streams. Garra zubzaensis was found in the Zubza River, a Brahmaputra tributary in Kohima, with its habitat being fast-flowing, rocky streams. Psilorhynchus kosygini was discovered in the Tepuiki River, a Barak River tributary in Peren, thriving in fast-flowing, shaded waters. Both species are adapted to strong currents, using sucker-like structures to cling to surfaces and forage in rocky habitats

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The Indian government launched the NAMASTE programme to support sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs) and mechanize sewer cleaning. Over 38,000 workers have been profiled, with 68.9% from Scheduled Castes, 14.7% from Other Backward Classes, and 8.3% from Scheduled Tribes. The programme aims to prevent deaths caused by hazardous manual cleaning, with 377 deaths recorded between 2019 and 2023. Profiling has been completed in 12 states and Union Territories, with approximately 100,000 SSWs across India. Rs 2.26 crore in capital subsidies has been disbursed to 191 beneficiaries for self-employment projects.

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The Centre has approved ₹675 crore to support flood-affected states Gujarat, Manipur, and Tripura from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Gujarat will receive ₹600 crore, Manipur ₹50 crore, and Tripura ₹25 crore due to heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides this monsoon. The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized its commitment to assist these states. Other affected states include Assam, Mizoram, Kerala, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar. Inter-Ministerial Central Teams have been deployed to assess damages, and further assistance for remaining states will depend on their reports.

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Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated India’s first supercapacitor manufacturing facility at Keltron, Kannur, Kerala. The plant was developed with ISRO’s collaboration and an initial investment of Rs 42 crore. It will boost Kerala’s electronics industry, supporting sectors like defence and electric vehicles. The facility aims to produce 2,000 supercapacitors daily, meeting global standards. CM Vijayan announced an additional Rs 1,000 crore investment to modernize Keltron and other electronics units, with a Rs 395 crore master plan in place. The goal is to make Kerala a hub for electronics manufacturing.

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NASA cancelled the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission due to delays and high costs. VIPER was fully assembled and partially tested before cancellation. It was a NASA mission to explore the Moon’s south pole for water ice and other resources. VIPER was part of the U.S.-led Artemis Accords, involving India. India missed an opportunity by approving Chandrayaan-4’s sample-return mission after VIPER’s cancellation.

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The bigfin squid (Magnapinna) was recently filmed at a depth of 10,800 feet in the Tonga Trench. Known for its long tentacles that can stretch up to 90% of its body length, sightings of this elusive species are extremely rare, with only 20 documented cases. Scientists believe it uses its long appendages to capture prey. This deep-sea creature highlights the mysteries of ocean life and the importance of deep-sea research.

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A recent herpetofauna survey in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, now called the MTR Masinagudi Division, found rich biodiversity, including species likely new to science. The survey covered habitats at altitudes of 300 to 2,000 meters above sea level. It identified 33 reptile species and 36 amphibian species, many endemic to the Western Ghats. The survey discovered four potential new species: two geckos, a skink, and a frog, which need further taxonomic and molecular studies before formal identification.

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Nagaland signed Wales as a Country Partner for the 25th Hornbill Festival. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, during his visit to Wales, announced the agreement with the Welsh Government, British Council, and Wales Arts International. The partnership concludes the “Wales in India 2024” celebration and aims to strengthen bilateral ties, enhance people-to-people contact, and create opportunities for youth.

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Nine captive-bred pygmy hogs were recently released in Manas National Park, Assam. Pygmy hogs are the smallest and rarest wild pig species globally. They build their own nests, which have a roof, making them unique among mammals. As an indicator species, their presence shows the health of tall, wet grassland habitats. They thrive in undisturbed grasslands with dense grass, herbs, and young trees. The viable wild population is currently in the Manas Tiger Reserve. Pygmy hogs are critically endangered according to the IUCN and are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Manas National Park is located in Assam and is contiguous with Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park.

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The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the rationalization of Centrally Sponsored Schemes into two main umbrella schemes: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY). PM-RKVY aims to promote sustainable agriculture, while Krishonnati Yojana focuses on food security and agricultural self-sufficiency. This restructuring allows state governments to create comprehensive strategic plans tailored to their agricultural needs, addressing challenges like climate resilience and value chain development. The total proposed expenditure for these schemes is Rs. 1,01,321.61 crore, enhancing the efficiency of agricultural programs across India.