Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
Hurricane Milton has intensified into a Category 5 storm, posing an extreme risk to Florida, USA, particularly the Tampa Bay area. With a central pressure of 897 mb, it ranks as the fifth most intense hurricane in Atlantic history. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of life-threatening winds and destructive storm surges as Milton approaches the Gulf coast. Evacuations are underway, and residents are urged to take precautions due to potential flooding and hazardous conditions.

Notes:
India’s National Space Commission approved the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Lupex), India’s fifth lunar mission. Lupex follows the success of Chandrayaan-3’s Moon landing in August 2023, making India the fourth nation to land on the Moon. It is a joint mission between India’s ISRO and Japan’s JAXA, focusing on lunar resource exploration. The main objective is to study the presence and distribution of water on the Moon’s surface and beneath its regolith. Lupex aims to provide crucial data for future lunar exploration and potential human habitation.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has designated Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) as a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The group seeks to establish a global Islamic state and Caliphate through terrorism, posing a significant threat to India’s national security. HuT has been involved in radicalizing youth and promoting terrorism via social media, making it a serious concern for the Indian government.

Notes:
World Arthritis Day (WAD) is observed on October 12 to raise awareness about arthritis and rheumatic diseases. It aims to improve understanding of these conditions and their impact on daily life. The focus is on early diagnosis, self-management, and access to proper treatment. The theme for 2024 is “Informed Choices, Better Outcomes,” emphasizing improved access to information for people with rheumatic diseases in today’s digital age.

Notes:
The Telangana government has started a comprehensive household caste survey to ensure fair resource distribution among all communities. This makes Telangana the third state to conduct a caste-based headcount, following Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. The survey aims to plan and implement various opportunities for the socio-economic and educational improvement of OBCs, SCs, STs, and other weaker sections. It focuses on enhancing employment and political opportunities for these communities in the state.

Notes:
The recently released ‘EnviStats India-2024’ report ranked the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) first among India’s 55 tiger reserves for its leopard population, estimating around 360 leopards. The report states that 270 leopards inhabit the reserve, while another 90 move through the area. India’s overall leopard population is estimated at 13,874, with 569 leopards in Andhra Pradesh. NSTR also hosts more than 80 tigers across 1,401 square kilometers. Conservation efforts, including ensuring food and water sources and fire prevention measures, have boosted the leopard population.

Notes:
The Indian Navy recently launched Samarthak, the first vessel of the Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) project at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. This initiative is part of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India programs, promoting indigenous shipbuilding. Samarthak, meaning “Supporter,” is designed for various roles including towing ships, launching targets, and testing weapons. The vessel is 106 meters long, 16.8 meters wide, and can reach speeds of 15 knots. The project strengthens the Navy’s focus on self-reliance in maritime defense.

Notes:
The SARAS Ajeevika Mela is being organized by the Ministry of Rural Development and NIRDPR from 13th to 29th October 2024 in Gurugram. Over 900 rural women artisans from around 30 states are participating. The fair showcases diverse products, including Tussar sarees, Bagh prints, Patola sarees, Katha sarees, and Rajasthani prints. Products include wooden crafts from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, dry fruits and handloom items from Jammu and Kashmir, and Palash and natural food from Jharkhand, representing rural culture across India.

Notes:
Maharashtra launched India’s first integrated Cyber Command and Control Center in Navi Mumbai. It was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The center uses cutting-edge global technologies and skilled experts to combat cybercrimes. It handles grievances through a helpline, web portal, and mobile app, supporting 50 district cyber police stations. The center integrates over 50 forensic technologies, 17 threat intelligence tools, and 13 cybersecurity tools, including AI and blockchain. More than 150 experts in cybercrime forensics and investigation work at the center.

Notes:
An Indian delegation led by Union Minister Nityanand Rai attended the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 in Manila. The conference was inaugurated by Philippine President Bongbong Marcos. The theme was “Surge to 2030: Enhancing ambition in Asia Pacific to accelerate disaster risk reduction.” APMCDRR is the key platform for the Asia-Pacific region to monitor and enhance cooperation on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. It involves governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to speed up disaster risk reduction efforts.