Daily Current Affairs Quiz: October 20-21, 2024

Notes:
Russia is testing the combat readiness of a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile unit northwest of Moscow. The Yars RS-24 is a Russian mobile nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), operational since 2010. It can be mounted on trucks or deployed in silos. The missile is 22.5 meters long, 2 meters in diameter, and weighs 49,000 kg. It has a range of 2,000 to 10,500 km and uses inertial and Glonass guidance systems. The missile can carry up to 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) , each with a 300-kiloton thermonuclear warhead, and can deploy decoys to evade missile defense systems.

Notes:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organized a function and national conference on the rights of older persons for its 31st Foundation Day at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The NHRC was established on 12th October 1993. Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, was the Chief Guest. He stated that India’s human rights record is unmatched, especially for minorities, marginalized, and vulnerable groups. The growing ageing population presents both opportunities and challenges. The Commission has taken steps to protect elderly rights, including forming a core group and issuing guidelines.

Notes:
The Indian Coast Guard conducted the coastal security exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ on October 16-17 in Gujarat and Daman & Diu. This was the second edition of the exercise this year, coordinated by the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters in Gandhinagar. The exercise aimed to enhance maritime and coastal security and validate existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Various stakeholders participated, including the Indian Navy, State Police, Marine Police, BSF, NSG, Gujarat Maritime Board, IB, and port authorities. Key assets included ships and boats from the Coast Guard and Navy, with aerial surveillance from aircraft and drones. Operational scenarios were simulated to test coordination and effectiveness in maintaining maritime security.

Notes:
The 2nd National Lighthouse Festival began with the Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024 in Puri, hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW). Over 100 participants, including government officials, tourism experts, and conservationists, attended. The event focused on promoting lighthouse tourism and preserving maritime heritage. The aim is to transform 75 historic lighthouses into tourist sites with modern amenities like museums and parks. The initiative also aims to conserve these lighthouses, generate local employment, and boost the economy. Around ₹65 crore has been invested in 75 lighthouses across 9 coastal states and 1 Union Territory.

Notes:
The carcass of a nearly nine-year-old tigress, RVTR-2, was found in the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Bundi, Rajasthan. The reserve is located in southeastern Rajasthan and covers 1,501.89 sq. km, including a core area of 481.91 sq. km and a buffer area of 1,019.98 sq. km. It connects to Ranthambore and Mukundara Hills tiger reserves. Ramgarh Vishdhari was designated as a tiger reserve on May 16, 2022. The Mez River, a tributary of the Chambal, flows through it. The vegetation mainly consists of dry deciduous forests, with dominant flora including Dhok and Khair trees. The reserve is home to leopards, sloth bears, jungle cats, and various other wildlife.