Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
Jordan has become the first country globally to eliminate leprosy, with the World Health Organisation confirming this milestone. This success is attributed to extensive public health campaigns, early detection initiatives, and free treatment programs. Community education played a crucial role in raising awareness and preventing the spread of this historically significant disease. Despite this achievement, Jordanian health officials emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring to avert potential future outbreaks of leprosy.

Notes:
Gulveer Singh, a 26-year-old Indian athlete, won gold in the 5,000m race at the World Athletics Continental Tour in Japan. He set a new national record of 13 minutes and 11.82 seconds, breaking his earlier record of 13 minutes and 18.92 seconds. Earlier in March, he set the 10,000m national record in California with a time of 27 minutes and 41.81 seconds.
His effort broke Surender Singh’s 16-year-old record. Despite his achievements, Gulveer missed the Paris Olympic qualification time by over 41 seconds.

Notes:
NITI Aayog launched the first State Chapter of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in Telangana. It was done in collaboration with WE Hub and the state government. The platform supports women entrepreneurs by tackling issues like lack of finance and mentorship. It focuses on digital skills, financial services, and market connections. Over 30,000 women entrepreneurs and 400 mentors are part of the platform. WE Hub will lead WEP-related activities in the state.

Notes:
INSV Tarini sailed for the Navika Sagar Parikrama II, flagged off by Chief of Naval Staff Adm Dinesh K Tripathi on October 2, 2024. This is the first global circumnavigation by Indian women in double-handed mode, showcasing India’s maritime strength and commitment to women empowerment. INSV Tarini, inducted in 2017, has covered over 66,000 nautical miles and participated in several key expeditions. The vessel is equipped with advanced navigation, safety, and communication systems. The officers trained for over three years, with guidance from Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd), preparing for this challenging voyage.

Notes:
NATO will set up a new land command in Finland near the Russian border in 2025 to oversee land operations in northern Europe during conflicts. This move follows Finland’s recent NATO membership after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The new command will work alongside Finland’s existing land force command in Mikkeli.

Notes:
Overexploitation of 25 medicinal host plants has impacted swallowtail butterflies in Assam’s “citrus belt.” Swallowtail butterflies belong to the Papilionidae family and are found globally, except in the Arctic. India is home to 77 of the 573 swallowtail species. Some swallowtail species mimic protected butterflies’ coloration and patterns. Threats include illegal cattle farming, agriculture, tea cultivation, tree felling, and pesticide use. Butterflies are important environmental indicators, with their health reflecting ecosystem health and diversity.

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.

Notes:
The Conference on Maritime Decarbonization in India, co-hosted by the Ministry of Ports and the Asian Development Bank, concluded in New Delhi. It emphasized the importance of green shipping and sustainable port operations. It aimed to align India’s maritime sector with global climate goals, discussing initiatives like the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines and the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. This reflects India’s commitment to transforming its maritime industry for a sustainable future.

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:
The 9th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup started in Sharjah, UAE. The tournament runs from October 3rd to 20th, with ten teams participating. India is in Group A with Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Group B includes Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa, and West Indies. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, seeks its first-ever ICC title in this event.