Daily Current Affairs Quiz: October 17, 2024

Notes:
Islamabad hosted the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government on October 16, 2024. Pakistan chaired the meeting, focusing on trade and economic cooperation. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar led the Indian delegation. It marks a crucial diplomatic event with leaders from India, China, Russia, and Central Asian nations. The summit aims to address ongoing tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan, while promoting multilateral dialogue. Established in 2001, the SCO has evolved into a major platform for addressing security and economic issues across Eurasia, making this summit particularly significant for participating nations.

Notes:
Dr. S. Somanath, ISRO Chairman, was honored with the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) World Space Award for the success of Chandrayaan-3. The award was presented in Milan, Italy, recognizing India’s achievements in space exploration. Chandrayaan-3 made a historic landing near the Moon’s South Pole on August 23, 2023. India became the first nation to land near the Moon’s South Pole and joined an elite group capable of lunar landings. This award highlighted India’s growing role in the global space community.

Notes:
NASA launched the Europa Clipper spacecraft to explore Jupiter’s moon, Europa, and its potential to sustain life. The spacecraft will travel 3 billion kilometers in a nearly 10-year mission. Europa is believed to have a deep ocean, possibly 120 km beneath its icy surface. In 2013, Hubble detected geysers on Europa, suggesting thermal vents that could support life. The mission aims to study these vents for signs of life. Europa Clipper is NASA’s largest spacecraft, powered by solar panels, with a budget of $5.2 billion.

Notes:
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud discussed nemaline myopathy, a genetic condition affecting his foster daughters. Nemaline myopathy, or rod myopathy, is a rare congenital disorder that weakens skeletal muscles. The condition is named after “nemaline,” referring to thread-like structures found in the muscle cells of affected individuals. It is a rare disorder, occurring in approximately 1 in 50,000 births. Symptoms include muscle weakness in the face, neck, and trunk, and difficulties in feeding and breathing. Diagnosis often involves painful procedures like muscle biopsies. While there is no cure, treatments such as physical therapy and respiratory support can help manage symptoms, underscoring the need for better awareness and medical resources in India.

Notes:
India has acquired 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the US for surveillance and reconnaissance. These drones, made by General Atomics, can be used for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. They can fly over 40,000 feet and stay airborne for up to 40 hours, providing real-time information. The deal includes a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility in India, boosting the capabilities of the Indian Navy and Air Force.