Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024
1. Which African country recently reported an outbreak of the Marburg virus?
[A] Tanzania
[B] Kenya
[C] Somalia
[D] Rwanda
[B] Kenya
[C] Somalia
[D] Rwanda
Correct Answer: D [Rwanda]
Notes:
Recently, six people have died in Rwanda due to a Marburg virus outbreak. Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever affecting humans and primates. MVD is caused by the Marburg virus, similar to the Ebola virus, both from the Filoviridae family. The virus was first identified in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, linked to infected green monkeys. The African fruit bat is the reservoir host, and transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids.
Recently, six people have died in Rwanda due to a Marburg virus outbreak. Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever affecting humans and primates. MVD is caused by the Marburg virus, similar to the Ebola virus, both from the Filoviridae family. The virus was first identified in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, linked to infected green monkeys. The African fruit bat is the reservoir host, and transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids.
2. Exercise KAZIND, recently seen in news, is conducted between India and which country?
[A] Egypt
[B] Australia
[C] Kazakhstan
[D] Tajikistan
[B] Australia
[C] Kazakhstan
[D] Tajikistan
Correct Answer: C [Kazakhstan]
Notes:
The 8th edition of Exercise KAZIND takes place from 30th September to 13th October 2024 in Auli, Uttarakhand. It is an annual joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan. The Indian side will be represented by 120 personnel from the KUMAON Regiment and the Indian Air Force. Kazakhstan’s contingent includes personnel from Land Forces and Airborne Assault Troopers. The exercise aims to enhance joint military capabilities for counterterrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. It focuses on interoperability, tactical drills, and sharing best practices to strengthen defence cooperation and bilateral relations.
The 8th edition of Exercise KAZIND takes place from 30th September to 13th October 2024 in Auli, Uttarakhand. It is an annual joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan. The Indian side will be represented by 120 personnel from the KUMAON Regiment and the Indian Air Force. Kazakhstan’s contingent includes personnel from Land Forces and Airborne Assault Troopers. The exercise aims to enhance joint military capabilities for counterterrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. It focuses on interoperability, tactical drills, and sharing best practices to strengthen defence cooperation and bilateral relations.
3. What is the name of traditional beverage that recently received a GI tag from Assam’s Bodo community?
[A] Bodo Tonba
[B] Bodo Apor
[C] Bodo Jou Gwran
[D] Bodo Aronai
[B] Bodo Apor
[C] Bodo Jou Gwran
[D] Bodo Aronai
Correct Answer: C [Bodo Jou Gwran]
Notes:
The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai granted GI tags to eight products from Assam, including ‘Bodo Jou Gwran’, a rice beer variant with about 16.11% alcohol, and ‘Bodo Napham’, a fermented fish dish. The Bodo community has a rich tradition of brewing and consuming rice beer, believing it originated from Lord Shiva.
The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai granted GI tags to eight products from Assam, including ‘Bodo Jou Gwran’, a rice beer variant with about 16.11% alcohol, and ‘Bodo Napham’, a fermented fish dish. The Bodo community has a rich tradition of brewing and consuming rice beer, believing it originated from Lord Shiva.
4. Lake Prespa, which was seen in the news, is located in which continent?
[A] Antarctica
[B] South America
[C] Europe
[D] Australia
[B] South America
[C] Europe
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: C [Europe]
Notes:
Experts report that 430 of the 450 hectares of Albania’s Little Prespa Lake have become swamps or dried up. It is one of Europe’s oldest and highest tectonic lakes, located at the junction of three geological masses: granite, karstic, and Suva Gora. The area contains rocks from the Paleozoic era to the Neogene era. The lake system includes Great Prespa Lake (shared by Albania, Greece, and Macedonia) and Little Prespa Lake, mostly in Greece. Climate change, rising temperatures, and lack of snowfall and rain have significantly impacted the lake.
Experts report that 430 of the 450 hectares of Albania’s Little Prespa Lake have become swamps or dried up. It is one of Europe’s oldest and highest tectonic lakes, located at the junction of three geological masses: granite, karstic, and Suva Gora. The area contains rocks from the Paleozoic era to the Neogene era. The lake system includes Great Prespa Lake (shared by Albania, Greece, and Macedonia) and Little Prespa Lake, mostly in Greece. Climate change, rising temperatures, and lack of snowfall and rain have significantly impacted the lake.
5. Which ministry recently launched the People’s Plan Campaign (Jan Yojana Abhiyan)?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Agriculture
[C] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Agriculture
[C] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Panchayati Raj]
Notes:
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the People’s Plan Campaign, also known as Jan Yojana Abhiyan. The campaign is themed ‘Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas’ and focuses on preparing Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) for 2025–26. Special Gram Sabhas are being organized in over 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats. The aim is to strengthen grassroots democracy and promote inclusive development in rural India. This initiative empowers rural citizens to actively participate in shaping the future of their villages.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the People’s Plan Campaign, also known as Jan Yojana Abhiyan. The campaign is themed ‘Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas’ and focuses on preparing Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) for 2025–26. Special Gram Sabhas are being organized in over 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats. The aim is to strengthen grassroots democracy and promote inclusive development in rural India. This initiative empowers rural citizens to actively participate in shaping the future of their villages.
6. What are the two umbrella schemes created by the rationalization of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) under the Ministry of Agriculture?
[A] Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY)
[B] National Mission on Oil Seeds and Digital Agriculture
[C] Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
[D] Soil Health Management and National Horticulture Mission
[B] National Mission on Oil Seeds and Digital Agriculture
[C] Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
[D] Soil Health Management and National Horticulture Mission
Correct Answer: A [Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY)]
Notes:
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.
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.
7. Which organization successfully delivered the first ‘Akashteer Air Defence System’ to the Indian Army?
[A] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[B] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[C] Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
[D] Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
[B] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[C] Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
[D] Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
Correct Answer: C [Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)]
Notes:
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has delivered 100 Control Centres for the Air Defence Control and Reporting system (Akashteer) to the Indian Army. These control centres will play a crucial role in protecting the country from aerial threats like missile and rocket attacks. The successful delivery highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its military self-reliance. It also emphasizes the modernization of India’s defense infrastructure, enhancing overall security capabilities.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has delivered 100 Control Centres for the Air Defence Control and Reporting system (Akashteer) to the Indian Army. These control centres will play a crucial role in protecting the country from aerial threats like missile and rocket attacks. The successful delivery highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its military self-reliance. It also emphasizes the modernization of India’s defense infrastructure, enhancing overall security capabilities.
8. Which ministry released the 7th consecutive issue of the publication “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts”?
[A] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[B] Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation]
Notes:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the 7th issue of “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts.” EnviStats covers information on natural resources, environmental degradation, and government efforts for management. It follows the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework for compiling environmental accounts. Coverage of mangroves increased by about 8% from 2013 to 2021. There has been a 72% increase in the number and a 16% increase in the area of protected lands from 2000 to 2023. This edition introduces Ocean Accounts for environmental reporting. The report also updates the Soil Nutrient Index using Soil Health Card data for 2023-24.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the 7th issue of “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts.” EnviStats covers information on natural resources, environmental degradation, and government efforts for management. It follows the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework for compiling environmental accounts. Coverage of mangroves increased by about 8% from 2013 to 2021. There has been a 72% increase in the number and a 16% increase in the area of protected lands from 2000 to 2023. This edition introduces Ocean Accounts for environmental reporting. The report also updates the Soil Nutrient Index using Soil Health Card data for 2023-24.
9. Recently, the third 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Ashva was launched in which city?
[A] Visakhapatnam
[B] Mumbai
[C] Kolkata
[D] Chennai
[B] Mumbai
[C] Kolkata
[D] Chennai
Correct Answer: C [Kolkata]
Notes:
The Third 25T Bollard Pull Tug, named Ashva, was launched on October 3, 2024, in Kolkata. Ashva is part of the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative. It was built following the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules.
The tug will boost the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities, aiding in critical tasks and enhancing maritime support infrastructure.
The Third 25T Bollard Pull Tug, named Ashva, was launched on October 3, 2024, in Kolkata. Ashva is part of the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative. It was built following the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules.
The tug will boost the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities, aiding in critical tasks and enhancing maritime support infrastructure.
10. ‘Indian Air Force Day 2024’ is celebrated on which day?
[A] October 6
[B] October 7
[C] October 8
[D] October 9
[B] October 7
[C] October 8
[D] October 9
Correct Answer: C [October 8]
Notes:
Every year on October 8, India observes Indian Air Force Day to honor servicemen and pilots who sacrificed their lives for the nation. This year, the celebration marks the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force. The event takes place at Marina Beach in Chennai. Indian Air Force Day 2024 falls on a Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The theme for this year is “Bharatiya Vayusena: Saksham, Sashakt aur Aatmnirbhar,” which translates to “Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant.”
Every year on October 8, India observes Indian Air Force Day to honor servicemen and pilots who sacrificed their lives for the nation. This year, the celebration marks the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force. The event takes place at Marina Beach in Chennai. Indian Air Force Day 2024 falls on a Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The theme for this year is “Bharatiya Vayusena: Saksham, Sashakt aur Aatmnirbhar,” which translates to “Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant.”