GK & Current Affairs Quiz: October 23, 2019

Notes:
The oldest known natural pearl in the world has been discovered by Abu Dhabi archaeologists working at a Neolithic site on Marawah Island, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The pearl is dubbed as the ‘Abu Dhabi Pearl’. It was found in layers that have been radiocarbon dated to 5,800-5,600 BCE, during the Neolithic period. The discovery is a proof that pearls and oysters were being used in the UAE nearly 8,000 years ago, and represents the earliest known evidence for pearling yet discovered anywhere in the world. Prior to the Abu Dhabi Pearl discovery, the earliest known pearl in the UAE came from a Neolithic site in Umm Al Qaiwain.

Notes:
The researchers from Queen Mary institute of London have developed a new dielectric capacitor- a device that stores energy like a battery, taking inspiration from a French pastry. The croissant is made by folding multiple layers of dough. They found that by pressing and folding a polymer film capacitor, they were able to store 30 times more energy than the best-performing commercially available dielectric capacitor. This is the highest energy density ever reported in a polymer film capacitor. The advance may pave the way for efficient, low-cost, and environmentally-friendly electric energy storage systems for wind and solar sources. With this technique, large amounts of renewable energy can be stored.

Notes:
The annual Crime in India Report 2017 has recently published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The statistics highlight the poor law and order situation in the country with 3.59 lakh cases of crime reported against women in 2017. Uttar Pradesh recorded the maximum number of crimes against women with 56,011 cases in 2017, followed by Maharashtra (31,979), West Bengal (30,992), Madhya Pradesh (29,778), Rajasthan (25,993) and Assam (23,082). The definition of ‘crime against women’ includes murder, rape, dowry death, suicide abetment, acid attack, cruelty against women and kidnapping. Assam recorded the highest crime rate of 143 in the country in 2017. Crime rate is offences registered per one lakh people. Odisha and Telangana recorded the second-highest crime rate of 94 each, followed by Haryana (88) and Rajasthan (73).

Notes:
The World Iodine Deficiency Day (WIDD) is observed every year on 21st of October  to raise awareness of iodine deficiency and its devastating effects on brain development. Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for normal thyroid function, growth, and development. Its deficiency is a major cause of preventable mental retardation. In its most severe forms, Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) can lead to cretinism, stillbirth and miscarriage; even mild deficiency can cause a significant loss of learning ability.

Notes:
Indian sprinter Dutee Chand has won the  Sportsperson of the Year 2019 in the 3rd edition of the Vogue Women Of The Year awards. Besides winning the prestigious honour, Dutee will also feature on the cover of Vogue India’s November 2019 edition. Dutee broke the national record in the 100-metre event at the National Open Athletics Championships in Ranchi Ocrober 11. Besides her record-breaking feats on the track, she is also considered as India’s first openly gay athlete.