Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

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PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI) is an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment aimed at providing financial assistance and educational support to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT). It merged earlier programs like the Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric and Pre/Post-Matric Scholarships for EBCs and DNTs starting in 2021-22. The scheme provides scholarships from Class 9 to post-secondary studies. The objective is to empower disadvantaged groups by removing financial barriers, ensuring they complete their education.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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India ranks 176th in the 2024 Global Nature Conservation Index with a score of 45.5, placing it among the five worst performers. The Nature Conservation Index (NCI), developed by Ben-Gurion University and BioDB.com, assesses land management, biodiversity threats, governance, and future conservation trends. India’s high pesticide use and soil pollution impact soil health, with a nitrogen sustainability index of 0.77. Marine conservation needs improvement, as only 0.2% of national waterways are protected, and no areas in India’s EEZ. Significant biodiversity risks include habitat loss, climate change, deforestation, and illegal wildlife trade. Strong political action and conservation laws are essential for sustainable development.

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India ranks 79 out of 142 in the 2024 Rule of Law Index by the World Justice Project. Top-ranked countries are Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Germany. The index assesses eight indicators: government constraints, corruption absence, open government, fundamental rights, security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice, and criminal justice. India performs moderately in government constraints (60) and open government (44), reflecting its focus on governance. Poor scores in fundamental rights (102), security (98), and criminal justice (82) highlight issues with policing, rights protection, and delayed justice systems.

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The Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched the ‘Digital Memorial of Valour’ to honor RPF and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) martyrs. This website provides details about martyrs who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. It supports the ‘Digital India’ initiative, allowing broader public engagement. Users can pay tribute on the portal and subscribe to a digital copy of the “Compendium of Martyrs in RPF.”

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Prime Minister Modi and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat. It is India’s first private military aircraft production facility. The complex will manufacture C295 aircraft, enhancing India-Spain relations and supporting ‘Make in India, Make for the World.’ The Airbus C295, originally designed by Spanish company CASA, is a medium tactical transport aircraft also suited for medical evacuations, disaster response, and maritime patrol.

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Uttar Pradesh government has recently announced the establishment of Special Education Zones (SEZs) in six districts to boost higher education. The districts are Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Agra, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Bundelkhand. The zones will be based on factors such as literacy rate, infrastructure, per capita income, and youth population. The government aims to improve the education and skills of the youth in the state to achieve its goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy in the next five years.

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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.