Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
Two people died due to a boundary wall collapse near Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, following heavy rainfall.
The Mahakaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and located on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and dates back to at least the 6th century BC, though it was reconstructed in the 18th century.
The five-storied temple features architecture influenced by Chalukya, Maratha, and Bhumija styles. The temple houses sculptures of Lord Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, and Karttikeya and includes a tank built in sarvatobhadra style.

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

Notes:
A recent study in Current Biology explored the evolutionary adaptations of Sea Robins, a unique fish species known for their “walking” abilities. These bottom-dwelling fish, found in tropical and subtropical oceans, have six leg-like appendages that are extensions of their fins. This adaptation allows them to walk on the seafloor and taste hidden prey. The study reveals that the genes responsible for these appendages are similar to those that form human limbs, offering insights into how ancient fish evolved into four-limbed animals, including humans.

Notes:
Union Minister Sarabanand Sonowal launched the Cruise Bharat Mission on 30 September 2024 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The mission aims to make India a global hub for cruise tourism and top cruise destination. The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways will implement the mission with support from various regulatory agencies. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) for cruise development will be set up under the Indian Ports Association. The mission will run from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2029 in three phases.

Notes:
EURONAVAL 2024, the world’s leading naval defence exhibition, will be held from November 4-7, 2024, in Paris. Around 500 exhibitors are expected, across five continents. Thirteen countries, including Brazil, the US, the UK, and Germany, will organize their own national pavilions. India is among 104 countries invited to attend this major naval defence trade show.

Notes:
According to recent data, China is the country with a growing trade deficit with India, exceeding $100 billion in FY24, making it India’s largest trade deficit partner; this is due to significantly higher imports from China compared to exports to that country. This has raised concerns about market access disparities. Additionally, public sentiment in China is increasingly critical of business relations with India, reflecting a complex interplay of economic and geopolitical factors, including the ongoing border disputes and India’s alignment with the Quad alliance against perceived Chinese aggression.

Notes:
Tsetse flies, genus Glossina, are found in 34 African countries, according to a new atlas by FAO. These blood-sucking insects give birth to larvae that pupate in the soil. Tsetse flies are classified into three groups: fusca (forest), morsitans (savanna), and palpalis (riverine). They inhabit areas along rivers, lakes, and dense forests, including rainforests. They transmit Trypanosoma parasites, causing sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in livestock. Nagana leads to billions of dollars in agricultural losses annually. Tsetse flies range from Northern Senegal to South Africa’s Kwazulu-Natal province.

Notes:
The 34th International Day of Older Persons is observed on 1 October 2024. The day highlights the challenges and opportunities of population ageing and promotes a society for all ages. It recognizes the contributions and wisdom of older persons. The UN defines older persons as 65 years or older; in India, it’s 60 years or older. The day was first observed on 1 October 1991, after a 1990 UN resolution. The 2024 theme is “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.”

Notes:
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the “Jal Hi AMRIT” program under AMRUT 2.0 to enhance the quality of treated wastewater and promote its recycling in urban areas. The program aims to incentivize states and union territories to manage sewage treatment plants (STPs) for producing good quality recyclable water. It introduces a Clean Water Credit System to foster competition among cities and develop their capacities for effective water management. STPs will receive star ratings (3 to 5 stars) as clean water credits, valid for six months, and performance-based incentives will be awarded based on these ratings.

Notes:
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.