Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
Kerala has achieved the top rank in the Urban Governance Index (UGI), a study by the Praja Foundation assessing cities in India. Scoring 59.31 out of 100, it excelled in fiscal empowerment and local governance. The state’s commitment to decentralized planning has been acknowledged, despite challenges in city administration empowerment. Odisha followed in second place with a score of 55.10, highlighting the competitive nature of urban governance across India.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Prime Minister launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in Jharkhand with an outlay of about Rs 80,000 crore. It aims to develop 63,843 tribal villages, benefiting over 5 crore people across 30 states/UTs. The scheme addresses gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood through 25 interventions by 17 ministries. The total outlay is Rs. 79,156 crore, with Rs. 56,333 crore from the central government. It builds on the success of PM-JANMAN, launched in 2023, which focuses on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG).

Notes:
India rejected a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on religious minority abuses.
USCIRF is an independent U.S. federal agency created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act. It monitors global religious freedom violations and provides policy recommendations to the U.S. President, Secretary of State, and Congress.
USCIRF’s nine commissioners are appointed by the President or Congressional leaders, with support from a nonpartisan staff. It issues an annual report on religious freedom, highlighting “Countries of Particular Concern.” The report uses international standards, including Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to assess violations.

Notes:
Switzerland and Italy have redrawn their national boundary due to melting Alpine glaciers. Many parts of the Swiss-Italian border are determined by glacier ridgelines, which are shifting as glaciers melt. The redrawn section lies beneath the Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest peaks. Switzerland’s glaciers lost 10% of their ice volume in 2022-2023, a record high. More than half of Switzerland’s electricity comes from hydroelectric facilities, which are also at risk due to accelerated glacier melting.

Notes:
Assam has launched the “co-district” initiative, a new governance model that replaces the traditional civil sub-division system. Co-district commissioners will have the same powers as district commissioners for more localized control. It is the first initiative of its kind in India, aiming to decentralize administration and improve accessibility to governance.
The initiative was launched in 39 Assembly constituencies on October 4, 2024, with a second phase expanding to 35 more constituencies. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that it will make governance more responsive and citizen-friendly.

Notes:
The Oakhurst rock shelter, located near George, South Africa, has yielded ancient genomes dating back to approximately 10,000 years ago. This archaeological site is significant for its record of human occupation spanning 12,000 years and the discovery of multiple ancient genomes, which show remarkable genetic continuity among the region’s inhabitants. The findings highlight the importance of understanding Africa’s rich genetic diversity and its implications for human history.

Notes:
India hosts the joint naval exercise of Quad nations from October 8 to 18 in Visakhapatnam. The exercise, named Malabar 2024, includes sea and harbor phases focusing on cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. It features various Indian naval platforms, such as guided missile destroyers, submarines, and fighter aircraft. The Malabar exercise started in 1992 as a US-India drill and evolved into a multilateral event to enhance interoperability and address maritime challenges. Recent Quad meetings emphasized maritime security cooperation and announced joint coast guard operations and a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training (MAITRI).

Notes:
Union Health Minister JP Nadda was elected Chairperson of the 77th session of WHO’s Regional Committee for Southeast Asia. The committee shapes WHO’s health policies in the region. The three-day session began in New Delhi and includes health ministers from Southeast Asian nations like Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and others. The focus is on improving public health systems and addressing key epidemiological and demographic challenges.

Notes:
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) suspended the membership of the National Zoological Park, or Delhi Zoo. The decision was due to concerns over the poor conditions of the lone African elephant at the zoo. WAZA is the global umbrella organization for zoos and aquariums, established in 1935. It represents the zoo and aquarium community worldwide. The organization’s mission focuses on animal care, environmental education, and global conservation. WAZA’s members include prominent zoos, aquariums, and regional associations, along with affiliate organizations like zoo veterinarians and educators.