Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
A female elephant recently died from electrocution near a tribal colony close to Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala’s Thrissur district. Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1958, covers 125 sq. km in Thrissur. It is located in the catchment area of Peechi and Vazhani Dams and is part of the Palapilli-Nelliampathy forests. The terrain varies in altitude from 100 to 914 meters, with Ponmudi as the highest peak. The sanctuary has tropical forests, 50+ orchid species, rare medicinal plants, and valuable trees like teak.

Notes:
Six years after Cyclone Gaja, farmers in Vedaranyam, Tamil Nadu, are preparing for their first harvest of casuarina (savukku) plantations. Casuarina, native to Australia, was introduced in India in the 19th century and is also known as kattadi. There are four cultivated species: Casuarina equisetifolia, glauca, cunninghamaina, and junghuniana.
Its nitrogen-fixing ability and adaptability to diverse soil and climates make it ideal for commercial and environmental planting. Casuarinas grow well in tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean regions, thriving in temperatures from 10°C-33°C and rainfall of 700-2000 mm.

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:
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.

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:
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.

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 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:
President Droupadi Murmu attended the first Adi Gaurav Samman Samaroh in Mangarh Dham, Rajasthan, on October 4, 2024.
The Rajasthan government established the Adi Gaurav Samman award, which has three categories: Aadiratna, Adi Seva, and Aadi Grammotthan Gaurav Samman. Aadiratna Gaurav Samman awards Scheduled Tribe members excelling in sports, education, and culture. Adi Seva Gaurav Samman recognizes exemplary service for Scheduled Tribes. Aadi Grammotthan Gaurav Samman rewards Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zilla Parishads for socio-economic improvements.