Daily Current Affairs Quiz: October 5, 2024

Notes:
Scientists found carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Pluto’s largest moon, Charon. Charon is half the size of Pluto, measuring 1,214 km across, discovered in 1978. It’s named after the ferryman of dead souls in Greek mythology. Charon’s mass is over one-tenth of Pluto’s, and the two form a double dwarf planet system. The distance between Pluto and Charon is 19,640 km. Both bodies are tidally locked, always facing each other in same side. Charon completes one orbit of Pluto in 6.4 Earth days.

Notes:
The Conference on Maritime Decarbonization in India, co-hosted by the Ministry of Ports and the Asian Development Bank, concluded in New Delhi. It emphasized the importance of green shipping and sustainable port operations. It aimed to align India’s maritime sector with global climate goals, discussing initiatives like the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines and the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. This reflects India’s commitment to transforming its maritime industry for a sustainable future.

Notes:
The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme was recently launched to improve youth employability in India by giving practical experience in business environments. It aims to offer internships to one crore youth in the top 500 companies over five years. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs will oversee the pilot project via an online portal. Interns will receive a ₹4,500 monthly stipend from the government, plus ₹500 from companies through CSR. A one-time grant of ₹6,000 and insurance under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana will also be provided.

Notes:
India rejected a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on religious minority abuses.
USCIRF is an independent U.S. federal agency created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act. It monitors global religious freedom violations and provides policy recommendations to the U.S. President, Secretary of State, and Congress.
USCIRF’s nine commissioners are appointed by the President or Congressional leaders, with support from a nonpartisan staff. It issues an annual report on religious freedom, highlighting “Countries of Particular Concern.” The report uses international standards, including Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to assess violations.

Notes:
Nine captive-bred pygmy hogs were recently released in Manas National Park, Assam. Pygmy hogs are the smallest and rarest wild pig species globally. They build their own nests, which have a roof, making them unique among mammals. As an indicator species, their presence shows the health of tall, wet grassland habitats. They thrive in undisturbed grasslands with dense grass, herbs, and young trees. The viable wild population is currently in the Manas Tiger Reserve. Pygmy hogs are critically endangered according to the IUCN and are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Manas National Park is located in Assam and is contiguous with Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park.