Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
Indian team won seven medals at the Junior World Wushu Championship in Brunei. India secured two golds, one silver, and four bronze medals. Aryan won gold in the Boys’ Junior 48 kg category, defeating China’s Gong Huanran. Shaurya won another gold in the Boys’ 48kg (children) category, beating Iran’s Alireza Zamani. Nang Mingbi Borphukan earned a silver in Taolu Jian Shu C Group. Tanish Nagar won bronze in the 56kg category. Abhijeet (60kg), Divyanshi (60kg women), and Yuvraj (42kg) also secured bronze medals. A 24-member Indian team participated.

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:
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:
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.

Notes:
Two critically endangered amphibian species, Micrixalus spelunca (cave dancing frog) and Nyctibatrachus indraneili (Indraneil’s night frog), were discovered in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This biosphere reserve includes Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, Bandipur National Park in Karnataka, Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley, making it a vital area for biodiversity conservation.

Notes:
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans Tracker shows that only 10% of countries meet their biodiversity commitments before COP16. This tool, created by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), helps monitor progress on National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Its goal is to make biodiversity policies clear and accessible, promoting transparency and accountability. NBSAPs serve as essential guides for countries to address biodiversity loss, mobilize action, and secure funding for ecosystem restoration and wildlife protection.

Notes:
The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup will be held in India in 2025, announced by the Kho Kho Federation of India and the International Kho Kho Federation. The event will feature 24 countries from 6 continents, with 16 teams for both men and women. To promote the sport, the KKFI plans to introduce Kho Kho in 200 schools across 10 cities and aims to register at least 50 lakh players. The tournament will include a week of matches with top athletes worldwide, aiming to elevate Kho Kho to an international level. Kho Kho, rooted in India, has a global presence, with 54 countries participating in the sport.

Notes:
Scientists found carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Pluto’s largest moon, Charon. Charon is half the size of Pluto, measuring 1,214 km across, discovered in 1978. It’s named after the ferryman of dead souls in Greek mythology. Charon’s mass is over one-tenth of Pluto’s, and the two form a double dwarf planet system. The distance between Pluto and Charon is 19,640 km. Both bodies are tidally locked, always facing each other in same side. Charon completes one orbit of Pluto in 6.4 Earth days.

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:
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin became the first woman to serve as Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). The DGAFMS oversees medical policy matters for the Armed Forces and reports to the Ministry of Defence.
Before this role, she held key positions, including DG Medical Services for the Navy and Air Force, and Director of Armed Forces Medical College, Pune. Over her 38-year career, she served in all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. She has received several awards, including the Ati Vishist Seva Medal in 2024.