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.

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Mount Erebus, Antarctica’s second-largest volcano, is unexpectedly spewing gold dust, surprising scientists. Typically, the volcano releases steam, gases, and rocks, but now tiny crystallized gold particles are also emerging. These particles have been found 621 miles from the volcano, valued at around $6,000 (Rs 5 lakh). NASA scientists suggest molten rock brought the gold particles to the surface, crystallizing in Antarctica’s sub-zero temperatures. While other volcanoes produce gold in gas or liquid form, Mount Erebus uniquely releases solid gold particles carried by the wind.

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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.”

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The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the National Legal Services Authority launched SARTHIE 1.0 to empower disadvantaged communities like Scheduled Castes, Transgenders, and Nomadic Tribes. The initiative aims to raise awareness and provide legal support to promote effective access to social welfare schemes. It facilitates collaboration between the executive and judiciary to advance social justice. NALSA, established under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987, provides free legal services to eligible individuals and organizes Lok Adalats.

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China has begun the second phase of expanding the Five-Hundred Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST). FAST, located in Guizhou Province, is the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope, with a diameter of 500 meters and a receiving area equal to 30 football fields. Its goals include detecting neutral hydrogen, discovering pulsars, participating in gravitational wave detection, and searching for extraterrestrial intelligence. FAST also joins international networks for high-resolution celestial studies. The data system is developed in collaboration with ICRAR in Australia and the European Southern Observatory (ESO).

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Food Corporation of India (FCI) selected Coforge Limited as the system integrator for its digital transformation project, Anna DARPAN. The project aims to streamline and improve supply chain management with an interactive, user-friendly design. It will use data analytics to support strategic and operational decisions. The system will integrate with internal and external systems, prioritizing mobile access.

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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.

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Researchers at IIT Madras have discovered a new method to treat retinal tears and diabetic retinopathy using mild laser-induced convection to improve drug delivery into the retina. They conducted simulations to study different treatment types, focusing on heat and mass transfer. This innovative approach could benefit around 11 million people in India with retinal disorders. Currently, laser-based techniques are employed to treat conditions like retinal tears, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion.

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The Ministry of Heavy Industries launched the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme. The scheme aims to boost the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and create essential charging infrastructure nationwide for cleaner transportation. Key components include subsidies for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ambulances, trucks, and other emerging EVs. It offers e-vouchers for EV buyers and promotes e-ambulances, e-buses, and e-trucks. Public charging stations will be established in cities with high EV use, supported by a financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore over two years.

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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.