Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
The World Bank released the “Pathways out of the Polycrisis: Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet Report 2024”. The report highlights challenges in economic development. Global poverty reduction has nearly stalled over the past 5 years due to the “polycrisis.” Polycrisis refers to multiple overlapping crises like slow growth, fragility, climate risks, and uncertainty. Extreme poverty is projected at 7.3% in 2030, far from the UN SDG target of eliminating it. The global prosperity gap has widened, with income growth slowing since the pandemic. In India, extreme poverty has dropped from 431 million in 1990 to 129 million in 2024.

Notes:
SpaceX achieved a milestone by landing its Starship rocket using the “Mechazilla” structure. Mechazilla is a 400-ft rocket-catching structure at SpaceX’s Starbase. It has two large mechanical arms, called “chopsticks,” to catch the returning Super Heavy booster midair. After launch, the booster separates, descends with controlled thrusters, and is caught by Mechazilla’s arms. This method enables reusable and efficient rocket recovery. It reduces launch costs and boosts sustainability by allowing quick refurbishment and reuse of the booster.

Notes:
The West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus first identified in Uganda’s West Nile region in 1937. It spreads to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes, which often acquire the virus from migratory birds. Ukraine has reported a significant outbreak, with health officials warning of a critical situation as cases and fatalities rise. Symptoms can include fever and muscle aches, and while many infections go undetected, severe cases can occur. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for WNV.

Notes:
Manipur celebrated the annual Mera-Hou-Chongba festival, a cultural event symbolizing the state’s commitment to unity between its hill and valley communities. It is observed annually on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month in the Meitei calendar. The event began with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by titular king and MP Leishemba Sanajaoba at Sana Konung. Traditional rituals, Men Tongba and Yenkhong Tamba, were performed at Kangla Uttra. Participants from remote hill areas joined in, exchanging gifts and showcasing cultural dances.

Notes:
Meta launched the ‘Scam se Bacho’ campaign in collaboration with the Indian government to educate citizens on online safety. This initiative addresses the rising threat of cyber frauds, which reached 1.1 million cases in 2023. With over 900 million Internet users, India’s digital growth under the Digital India initiative has been remarkable but comes with increased risks. The campaign seeks to empower citizens with knowledge and tools to protect themselves, reflecting a whole-of-government approach to enhancing digital security.

Notes:
On Valmiki Jayanti, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that all Scheduled Tribe residential schools and Raichur University will be named after Maharishi Valmiki. Siddaramaiah praised Maharshi Valmiki’s journey from being a hunter to becoming a scholar and authoring the Ramayana. He highlighted Valmiki’s emphasis on equality, justice, and equal opportunities for all.

Notes:
Russian “Izdeliye 305” or Light Multipurpose Guided Rocket (LMUR) has shown strong resistance to jamming in Ukraine. It is a helicopter-launched air-to-surface missile targeting armored vehicles, structures, and vessels. The missile is 1.94 meters long, 200mm in diameter, and weighs 105 kg. Its aerodynamic design and foldable wings enhance maneuverability. It uses inertial navigation, active radar, and an infrared sensor for precise targeting in various weather conditions. It typically carries a high-explosive warhead.

Notes:
Copper plate inscriptions from the 16th century were found at Sri Singeeswarar temple in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in Mappedu Village. It was originally built by Aditya Karikalan II in 976 AD, father of Chola emperor Rajaraja Cholan. Krishnadevaraya’s viceroy, Dalavai Ariyanadha Mudaliar, added the Rajagopuram, compound wall, and 16-pillar Mandap in 1501. The temple features Dravidian architecture with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. The main deity, Singeeswarar, is worshipped in the form of a large Shiva Lingam.

Notes:
The 14th biennial lake conference took place in Moodbidri, Karnataka from October 17 to 20, 2024, focusing on the theme “Lake 2024 – wetlands for human wellbeing.” It called for the government to notify ecologically sensitive panchayats under Section 5(1) of the Environment Protection Act 1986 for better ecosystem health. The conference highlighted the ineffectiveness of most Gram Panchayat Biodiversity Management Committees since the Biodiversity Act 2002. It recommended that zilla panchayats supervise these committees through a phased program by State Biodiversity Boards to improve ecosystem health and resource management.

Notes:
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report states that one person died and 49 others got sick from an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Hamburgers. E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a rod-shaped bacterium found in the intestines of humans and animals. Most E. coli strains are harmless, but some can cause illnesses like diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. E. coli spreads through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal matter from infected individuals or animals. The harmful strains produce a toxin called Shiga, which damages the small intestine lining and causes diarrhea.