Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
Paleontologists discovered a new sauropod dinosaur species, Ardetosaurus viator, in northern Wyoming, USA. It lived during the Late Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago. Ardetosaurus viator belonged to the Diplodocidae family, known for extremely long necks and tails. Sauropods were the largest land animals, existing for 135 million years across various continents except Antarctica. Their success came from unique adaptations like size, an air sac system, specialized feeding, and laying eggs. Diplodocids have been found in North and South America, Europe, and Africa.

Notes:
The Union cabinet, led by PM Modi, approved the continuation of fortified rice distribution under all government schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), from July 2024 to December 2028. The initiative is fully funded by the Centre, providing a unified mechanism for implementation. India faces high malnutrition levels, especially among women and children, with widespread deficiencies in iron, Vitamin B12, and folic acid. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) shows high anaemia rates, with every second woman anaemic and every third child stunted. Rice, a staple food in India, is ideal for fortification to address malnutrition and improve health.

Notes:
The World Bank released the South Asian Development Update report, indicating that output growth in South Asia will exceed that of other emerging market regions. Climate change is exposing South Asia to extreme heat, floods, and other weather-related shocks, with smaller firms in India being particularly vulnerable. Female labor force participation in the region is low at 32%, highlighting the potential for income growth through gender equity. The report mentions a marriage penalty, noting that marriage decreases women’s labor force participation. Bhutan’s economy is projected to grow by 7.2% in FY25, with India close behind at 7%, driven by private consumption, tourism, and hydropower exports.

Notes:
A recent two-day vulture survey in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary recorded 80 vultures across nine locations. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kerala, within the southern part of the Western Ghats. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is bordered by protected areas like Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu. Several adivasi tribes, including Paniyas, Kattunaikkans, Kurumas, Ooralis, Adiyans, and Kurichiyas, live in these forests.

Notes:
The ‘Prerna Sthal’ memorial in Sikkim, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, honors 22 soldiers who lost their lives in the October 2023 glacial lake outburst at South Lhonak Lake. The memorial symbolizes their courage and sacrifice, aiming to inspire national pride. Similar to the National War Memorial in New Delhi, it serves as a tribute to fallen heroes, fostering unity and remembrance across generations.

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:
THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence), a missile defense system developed by United States, is designed to intercept and destroy short to intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The U.S. has deployed THAAD to Israel as part of its commitment to Israel’s defense amid rising tensions with Iran. This deployment enhances Israel’s existing air defense capabilities, providing a deterrent against missile threats. The system employs “hit-to-kill” technology and can cover a broader area than older systems, reflecting strategic military adjustments in the region.

Notes:
India has acquired 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the US for surveillance and reconnaissance. These drones, made by General Atomics, can be used for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. They can fly over 40,000 feet and stay airborne for up to 40 hours, providing real-time information. The deal includes a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility in India, boosting the capabilities of the Indian Navy and Air Force.

Notes:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) inaugurated the 2024 Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum. The Hand-in-Hand Initiative, launched in 2019, focuses on partnerships and investments to improve food security, reduce poverty, and promote economic growth in low- and middle-income countries. The initiative aims to achieve three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): eradicating poverty (SDG 1), ending hunger (SDG 2), and reducing inequalities (SDG 10). India has not joined the Hand-in-Hand Initiative.

Notes:
Researchers discovered living microbes in 2-billion-year-old rock from the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC), offering insights into early Earth life and aiding the Mars life search. Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) is the largest layered igneous intrusion on Earth, located in northern South Africa, spanning over 66,000 sq. km. It holds the world’s largest reserves of platinum-group metals and other minerals like iron, chromium, and titanium. BIC is divided into eastern, western, and northern sections, formed around 2 billion years ago. The complex formed through molten rock intrusions, creating distinct mineral layers, including three platinum-rich layers.