Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
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 Sudasari Great Indian Bustard Breeding Centre in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, successfully bred a great Indian bustard using artificial insemination. This breeding center is part of the Bustard Recovery Program, initiated in 2016, aimed at captive breeding and reintroducing the GIB into the wild. The great Indian bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds and the state bird of Rajasthan, found mainly in arid grasslands. They are critically endangered, facing threats from hunting, agricultural intensification, and power lines. Indian initiatives include habitat improvement and conservation breeding programs to protect the species.

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 17th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition organized at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. It was organized by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The three-day event attracted more than 3,000 dignitaries, including officials and urban transport experts. The conference focused on standardizing urban mobility solutions and integrating various transport modes. The conference will also recognize cities for excellence in urban management across eight categories.

Notes:
The UN Emissions Gap Report is released annually by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The UN Emissions Gap Report tracks the gap between current emissions and the 1.5°C target. It highlights the urgent need for a 42% reduction in emissions by 2030 and 57% by 2035 to stay on target. The report links rising emissions to increased climate disasters, stressing the need for immediate action, especially from G20 nations, to support developing countries in transitioning to clean energy and addressing the impacts of climate change. The upcoming COP29 conference is crucial for setting new national climate action plans and increasing financial support.

Notes:
Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice D Y Chandrachud. He will take his oath of office on November 11, 2024, after Justice Chandrachud retires on November 10, 2024, upon reaching the age of 65. Justice Khanna’s term as CJI will last until May 13, 2025.

Notes:
The 8th Uttarakhand Bird Festival was held at Benog Wildlife Sanctuary near Mussoorie from October 18 to 20, featuring 95 bird species and 22 butterfly species. Notable birds spotted include the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-tailed Broadbill, Immaculate Cupwing, Black-faced Warbler, and Green-winged Teal. The Yellow-rumped Honeyguide sighting is unusual, as it typically lives at higher elevations. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1993, is located 11 km from Mussoorie in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region. It is part of Rajaji National Park, situated on pine-clad slopes and surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Notes:
The 9th Ayurveda Day is observed on October 29, 2024 (Dhanteras), in over 150 countries. Prime Minister Modi launched health projects worth ₹12,850 crore to mark the occasion. Ayurveda Day, started in 2016, is celebrated on Dhanvantari Jayanti, honoring Dhanvantari, the mythological physician of the gods. Ayurveda, meaning ‘Knowledge of Life,’ aims for holistic balance in body, mind, and spirit. The 2024 theme, “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health,” focuses on promoting Ayurveda’s role in tackling global health issues.

Notes:
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, first published in 2004.
The bulletin analyzes greenhouse gas concentrations from the WMO Global Atmosphere Watch Programme. Global average CO2 reached 420 ppm, methane at 1934 ppb, and nitrous oxide at 336.9 ppb, significantly above pre-industrial levels. Methane and nitrous oxide levels increased, contributing to global warming. Drivers of the rise include high CO2 emissions from fossil fuels, vegetation fires, and reduced carbon absorption. The report urges immediate action to meet Paris Agreement goals and curb rising greenhouse gas levels.