Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
India signed a deal with the US to buy 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles. The AGM-114 Hellfire is a laser-guided, short-range air-to-ground missile used by the US military and 30 allies. It was developed by USA in 1972 to counter Soviet tanks and is used against armored vehicles, radar systems, helicopters, and more. Hellfire missiles are used on UAVs like Predator and Reaper drones.

Notes:
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) Standing Committee cleared key road stretches passing through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS). KWS is located in the easternmost part of the Karakoram range, in the Leh district, Ladakh.
It is part of the Northwestern Himalayas. The sanctuary is bordered by the international boundaries of China to the north and Pakistan to the west.

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:
The First ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue was held in Singapore, co-chaired by Amit A. Shukla from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Both sides discussed the cyber threat landscape, national cyber policies, threat assessments, and recent ICT developments at the UN. The Dialogue focused on cooperation in capacity building and training. It aimed to identify specific areas for joint activities in cybersecurity. This Dialogue strengthened the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, supporting the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation from the ASEAN-India Summit on October 10.

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.

Notes:
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud inaugurated the AROHA-2024 conference in New Delhi, focusing on advancements in Ayurveda. The three-day event aims to establish Ayurveda as a key pillar of global health and wellness. CJI emphasized the importance of Ayurveda in medicine, hoping it will gain recognition as a legitimate treatment method. The government plans to open ten new Ayurveda centers to meet rising demand. The conference will cover various topics, including quality control, standardization, and globalization of Ayurveda.

Notes:
The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2024 is published by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI). The report focuses on the theme “Poverty Amid Conflict,” linking poverty data with violent conflict. Countries at war show higher deprivation across all 10 MPI indicators compared to non-conflict countries. 1.1 billion people (~18%) in 112 countries live in acute multidimensional poverty. India has the largest number of people in extreme poverty at 234 million. MPI measures poverty across education, health, and living standards. India introduced its National MPI (NMPI) in 2021, adding Maternal Health and Bank Account as indicators.

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:
India observes Police Commemoration Day on October 21 to honor the policemen who died in a 1959 ambush by Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh. The day recognizes the bravery and sacrifice of police personnel protecting the nation. On October 21, 1959, Indian policemen on a reconnaissance mission were attacked by Chinese forces, resulting in several deaths. The day was officially designated in January 1960 during the Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police. Ceremonies are held across India at police memorials, where leaders pay tribute to the fallen officers and acknowledge their dedication and courage.

Notes:
Egypt was officially declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, spread through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is life-threatening but not contagious and mainly found in tropical regions. Five parasite species cause malaria, with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax being the most dangerous. Symptoms like fever, headache, and chills start 10–15 days after the mosquito bite. Some people in malaria-endemic areas may be infected but show no symptoms. Vector control is the key method for preventing malaria and reducing transmission.