Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) and Amazon launched the third phase of the Amazon Future Engineer Program in 50 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). The program was implemented in schools across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Tripura. It focused on training in emerging technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, block programming, and coding. Students in classes 6-9 learned computer science fundamentals, while Class 10 students engaged in project-based virtual sessions. The objective was to prepare tribal students for STEM careers through modern technological literacy.

Notes:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a World Economic Outlook (WEO) report in October 2024. It forecasts global growth to remain stable at 3.2% in 2024 and 2025. The WEO is published biannually by the IMF, providing estimates on global GDP growth, inflation, and more for 190 member countries. India’s GDP growth is expected to be 7% in 2024, slowing to 5% in 2025 due to reduced post-pandemic demand. The U.S. economy is projected to grow at 2.8% in 2024 and 2.2% in 2025. China’s growth is forecasted at 4.8% in 2024 and 4.5% in 2025.

Notes:
Research shows that toxins called microcystin from cyanobacteria can make animals and people sick when exposed to Lake Erie’s infected water. Lake Erie is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes, forming a boundary between Canada and the U.S. Its main tributaries include the Detroit, Huron, and Raisin rivers, and it discharges through the Niagara River. Microcystin, produced by the cyanobacterium Microcystis, forms harmful blooms and releases toxins that impact freshwater ecosystems.

Notes:
Zimbabwe is investigating suspected lion poaching in Hwange National Park. Hwange National Park is located in Zimbabwe.
Hwange National Park houses half of Zimbabwe’s 100,000 elephants and over 100 mammal and 400 bird species. It is home to 19 large herbivores and eight large carnivores. The park is part of the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area. Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa.

Notes:
Severe cyclone ‘Dana’ hit India’s eastern coast, bringing heavy rains and winds of 100-120 km/h. It caused major damage to infrastructure and crops in Odisha and West Bengal. The name ‘Dana,’ meaning ‘generosity’ in Arabic, was suggested by Qatar. In Arabic culture, ‘Dana’ also refers to a valuable and perfectly sized pearl, symbolizing beauty.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Culture plans to revive the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and may create an autonomous National Manuscripts Authority. Currently, NMM operates under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts. NMM was launched in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture with the motto “Conserving the past for the future.” Its goals include documenting, conserving, and sharing India’s vast manuscript heritage, estimated at ten million manuscripts.
NMM maintains a National Electronic Database of four million manuscripts. The mission involves national surveys, conservation training, digitization, public engagement, and has set up over 100 Manuscript Resource and Conservation Centers nationwide.

Notes:
India is set to host its first international Esports championship in March 2025. Organized by Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) and International Esports Federation (IESF), the event aims to attract participants from 150 countries.
Esports is gaining global recognition, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) introducing annual series Esports events. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) included it in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. The host city for the event will depend on state government sponsorship. IESF is also launching a club-based tournament in India to involve Tier 1 and Tier 2 clubs, emphasizing community engagement over profit.

Notes:
Saudi Arabia and Iran recently held joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman, indicating stronger ties between the two nations. The Gulf of Oman, also called the Gulf of Makran, is a western extension of the Arabian Sea in the Middle East.
It serves as the only entry point from the Indian Ocean to the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. Historically, it was a key trade route connecting the Arabian Sea to the Persian Gulf, fostering trade between the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. The Gulf is bordered by Pakistan and Iran to the north, UAE to the west, and Oman to the south.

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:
Indonesia’s Marapi Volcano, one of its most active, recently erupted, sending thick ash clouds and covering nearby villages, though no casualties occurred. It is located in the Padang Highlands of western Sumatra, Indonesia. Marapi is part of the Pacific’s Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone. Marapi is the highest peak in the highlands, reaching 9,485 feet (2,891 meters) and has dense vegetation on its lower slopes.