Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
An Indian travel vlogger visited Indonesia’s Korowai tribe and shared the experience online. The Korowai tribe lives in the southeastern part of Papua, Indonesia, deeply connected to the forest for survival. They hunt and gather food from the forest and are known for their treehouses, built 8-15 meters high, some reaching up to 45 meters. The tribe had little contact with the outside world until 1975. They value equality and have no hierarchy. While historically linked to cannibalism, this practice has largely faded over time.

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NASA revealed the prototype of six telescopes for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. LISA is a joint mission between National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA), set to launch in the mid-2030s. Its goal is to detect gravitational waves using three spacecraft positioned in a triangular formation, 1.6 million miles apart. It will be the first gravitational wave detector in space, exploring black holes, gravity, and the universe’s expansion. The spacecraft will use lasers to measure subtle distance changes between free-floating cubes, detecting ripples in spacetime.

Notes:
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting announced that Australia will be the “Country of Focus” at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). This segment will feature seven Australian films, highlighting the country’s storytelling traditions and indigenous and contemporary narratives. The announcement comes after the signing of an Audio Visual Co-production Treaty between India and Australia, aimed at encouraging co-productions. This treaty will provide incentives for filmmakers, promoting cultural exchange and collaboration on innovative cinematic projects. The 55th IFFI will take place in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2024.

Notes:
International Snow Leopard Day was observed on October 23. The snow leopard, also known as the “Ghost of the Mountain,” has a beautiful, spotted coat that insulates it from the cold. They are found across 12 countries in Central Asia, including Russia, Mongolia, China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Major threats include loss of prey, conflict with humans, and illegal trade of fur and bones. The snow leopard is classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN and is protected under India’s Wildlife Act, 1972.

Notes:
The Delhi government is establishing special courts for people with disabilities, approved by Chief Minister Atishi. This initiative aims to streamline the judicial process, ensuring fair and swift justice for disabled individuals. This a historic step to reform the judicial system to better serve the interests of people with disabilities. The new courts will reduce challenges in accessing legal services and strengthen trust in the justice system. Designed to accommodate specific needs, these courts will resolve cases promptly in an inclusive environment, prioritizing the right to justice for all.

Notes:
Around 150 to 200 rare Indian Skimmer birds were recently spotted at Lower Manair Dam in Telangana, a first for the region. The Indian Skimmer is native to South Asia and belongs to the genus Rynchops in the family Laridae. Its scientific name is Rynchops albicollis, and it feeds by skimming low over water to catch fish. The bird is mainly found in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, with some populations in Nepal and Myanmar. It prefers larger, sandy rivers, lakes, and estuaries, with an estimated population of 2,450-2,900 individuals. The Indian Skimmer has a black upper body, white underbelly, and a long orange beak. Its conservation status is classified as endangered by the IUCN.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved a Rs. 1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund for the space sector, managed by IN-SPACe Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center). IN-SPACe, launched in 2020, aims to enhance private sector involvement in space. The fund will help grow India’s space economy from $8.4 billion to a target of $44 billion by 2033. It addresses the challenge of limited funding for high-tech startups by supporting around 40 space startups. The fund will be deployed over five years, with Rs. 150-250 crore invested annually based on opportunities.

Notes:
Lahore is currently the world’s most polluted city, with an AQI of 394, according to air quality monitor, IQAir. IQAir measures air quality based on PM2.5 particle concentration, which poses health risks. Lahore’s AQI is 55.6 times above WHO’s safe air quality guideline. An AQI over 100 is unhealthy, while over 150 is deemed ‘very unhealthy.’ WHO air quality guidelines suggest PM2.5 limits of 5 µg/m³ annually and 15 µg/m³ daily, and PM10 limits of 15 µg/m³ annually and 45 µg/m³ daily. These guidelines help governments set air quality standards but are not legally enforceable.

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Scientists at Pune’s Agharkar Research Institute created new non-toxic molecules for Alzheimer’s treatment. They used synthetic, computational, and in vitro methods for developing these molecules. Alzheimer’s, the most common dementia type, affects 60-70% of the 55 million people with dementia globally, stemming from hormone imbalances. Researchers developed a quick one-pot, three-component reaction for high-yield molecule synthesis. These molecules effectively target cholinesterase enzymes, increasing acetylcholine levels, essential for memory and learning.

Notes:
Delhi High Court ordered all city monkeys to be moved to Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located on Delhi’s southern ridge. It spans southern Delhi and parts of Faridabad and Gurugram, Haryana. The sanctuary lies on the northern end of the ancient Aravalli Hill Range and is part of the Sariska-Delhi Wildlife Corridor. It covers 32.71 sq. km and has Northern Tropical Thorn Forest vegetation, with xerophytic adaptations like thorns and waxy leaves.