Daily Current Affairs Quiz: October 19, 2024

Notes:
Researchers discovered living microbes in 2-billion-year-old rock from the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC), offering insights into early Earth life and aiding the Mars life search. Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) is the largest layered igneous intrusion on Earth, located in northern South Africa, spanning over 66,000 sq. km. It holds the world’s largest reserves of platinum-group metals and other minerals like iron, chromium, and titanium. BIC is divided into eastern, western, and northern sections, formed around 2 billion years ago. The complex formed through molten rock intrusions, creating distinct mineral layers, including three platinum-rich layers.

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The Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) was launched in Hyderabad on October 16, 2024, to strengthen India-Turkiye relations. ITFA aims to enhance cooperation in economy, trade, culture, tourism, science, technology, and education. A key objective is promoting Hyderabad as a major destination for Turkish tourists. The launch coincides with notable historical milestones: 300 years of the Nizams of Hyderabad and 100 years since the Ottoman Sultanate’s abolition. The initiative is expected to boost bilateral ties across multiple sectors between the two countries.

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India is expected to see the highest increase in energy demand globally over the next decade, as per the World Energy Outlook 2024. The report is published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and provides key energy trends and projections. Low-emission energy sources are projected to generate over half of the world’s electricity by 2030. India is set to add 12,000 cars daily until 2035, with built-up space growing by over 1 billion square meters annually. India’s total energy demand will rise by 35% by 2035, with coal use in industry increasing by 50%. Coal-based electricity generation will grow by 15%.

Notes:
Archaeologists discovered a secret tomb in Petra, Jordan, with 2000-year-old skeletons and a chalice resembling the Holy Grail. Petra is an ancient city in southern Jordan, established around 312 A.C., making it about 2000 years old. It was the capital of the Nabateans, an Arab tribe mentioned in the Bible. Petra thrived as a spice trade center connecting China, Egypt, Greece, and India. The Romans conquered Petra in 106 A.C., turning it into a Roman province, before losing it to Islamic rule in the 7th century. Petra was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.

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A study by researchers from South Africa and the UK found that artificial nests improve African penguins’ breeding success. African penguins have a black stripe, unique black chest spots, and pink glands above their eyes that turn pinker as they heat up. Males are larger than females and have bigger beaks. Penguins live near the shore and breed, molt, and rest in coastal habitats from Namibia to South Africa. They naturally breed in guano burrows, which shield them from heat. They feed on sardines and anchovies. Their average lifespan is 20 years. IUCN lists them as endangered due to habitat threats from global warming.