Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
Shiksha Copilot is an AI-driven digital assistant launched by Karnataka’s School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft Research India and Sikshana Foundation, it aims to enhance learning outcomes by helping teachers create personalized lesson plans efficiently. The tool supports subjects like Mathematics and Science for students in Classes 5 to 10, addressing the unique challenges of government school teachers in managing diverse classrooms.

Notes:
Russia is testing the combat readiness of a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile unit northwest of Moscow. The Yars RS-24 is a Russian mobile nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), operational since 2010. It can be mounted on trucks or deployed in silos. The missile is 22.5 meters long, 2 meters in diameter, and weighs 49,000 kg. It has a range of 2,000 to 10,500 km and uses inertial and Glonass guidance systems. The missile can carry up to 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) , each with a 300-kiloton thermonuclear warhead, and can deploy decoys to evade missile defense systems.

Notes:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organized a function and national conference on the rights of older persons for its 31st Foundation Day at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The NHRC was established on 12th October 1993. Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, was the Chief Guest. He stated that India’s human rights record is unmatched, especially for minorities, marginalized, and vulnerable groups. The growing ageing population presents both opportunities and challenges. The Commission has taken steps to protect elderly rights, including forming a core group and issuing guidelines.

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The ‘Exercise SWAVLAMBAN SHAKTI’ is conducted by the Sudarshan Chakra Corps at Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi. This exercise focuses on integrating niche and emerging technologies into the Indian Army’s offensive strategies. It involves approximately 1,800 personnel and showcases over 50 new technology equipment (NTEs) from more than 40 industry partners, including advanced drones and robotic systems. The aim is to enhance combat readiness and foster collaboration between the Indian Army and the defence industry, boosting indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

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Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita represented India at the inauguration of Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka on October 19-20, 2024. India and Indonesia are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024. Prabowo Subianto, the 8th President of Indonesia, succeeded Joko Widodo after winning the presidential election on February 14, 2024. The Indonesian presidency term lasts five years, with a maximum of two terms. Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the new Vice President, is the son of Joko Widodo.

Notes:
The Fraser Institute released the 2024 Economic Freedom of the World Report, ranking 165 countries based on economic choice. The top five most-economically free countries were Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, New Zealand, and the United States. India ranked 84th in the report. The report uses 42 variables, including government size, property rights, monetary policy, and trade freedom.

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The first anniversary of Namo Bharat Trains was celebrated as Namo Bharat Diwas in New Delhi. Namo Bharat Trains are India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The first 17-kilometer section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 20 October 2023. Two more sections became operational, including Duhai to Modinagar North (March 2024) and Meerut South (August 2024). The current 42-kilometer corridor covers nine stations, soon expanding to 54 kilometers with new additions. RRTS offers high-speed, efficient suburban connectivity, promoting sustainable urban transport solutions.

Notes:
Chennai recently witnessed bioluminescent waves, a natural phenomenon caused by marine organisms like dinoflagellates.
These microscopic plankton emit light at night, visible on the ocean surface. Bioluminescence is common among many marine animals such as jellyfish, fish, and algae, used for evading predators, attracting prey, or mating. It occurs when the enzyme luciferase reacts with luciferin in the presence of oxygen. This phenomenon is often visible in warm weather and low light. Other beaches in India like Havelock Island, Mattu Beach, and Bangaram Island have also experienced it.

Notes:
A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Halmahera Sea in Indonesia, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences. The Halmahera Sea is located near Halmahera Island, part of the eastern entry route of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) passages. The ITF connects the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean through two entry passages: Western and Eastern.

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Scientists have discovered a new snake species in the Western Himalayas, named Anguiculus dicaprioi after actor Leonardo DiCaprio. It belongs to the Colubridae family, which includes over 1,800 snake species. The new species has many small teeth, grows about 22 inches long, and features a broad collar with dark brown spots. It has a robust skull and steeply domed snout, living at around 6,000 feet elevation. Commonly known as ‘DiCaprio’s Himalayan snake,’ it is found in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Nepal. These snakes are most active from late May to August and are non-venomous.