Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
Researchers discovered two new fish species in Nagaland: Garra zubzaensis and Psilorhynchus kosygini. These are torrent minnows, small freshwater fish found in fast-flowing streams. Garra zubzaensis was found in the Zubza River, a Brahmaputra tributary in Kohima, with its habitat being fast-flowing, rocky streams. Psilorhynchus kosygini was discovered in the Tepuiki River, a Barak River tributary in Peren, thriving in fast-flowing, shaded waters. Both species are adapted to strong currents, using sucker-like structures to cling to surfaces and forage in rocky habitats

Notes:
Silicosis is an incurable occupational disease resulting from inhaling silica dust, often found in mining environments. This dust causes lung hardening, leading to severe respiratory issues. In regions like Panna district, many miners have been misdiagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) due to similar symptoms. The disease has gained attention as health workers advocate for better recognition and compensation for affected individuals, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and the dangers of working in silica-rich mines.

Notes:
Switzerland and Italy have redrawn their national boundary due to melting Alpine glaciers. Many parts of the Swiss-Italian border are determined by glacier ridgelines, which are shifting as glaciers melt. The redrawn section lies beneath the Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest peaks. Switzerland’s glaciers lost 10% of their ice volume in 2022-2023, a record high. More than half of Switzerland’s electricity comes from hydroelectric facilities, which are also at risk due to accelerated glacier melting.

Notes:
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is developing a National Agriculture Code (NAC) similar to the National Building and Electrical Codes. The NAC will cover the entire agriculture cycle, from crop selection to post-harvest operations. It will have two parts: general principles for all crops and crop-specific standards for paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses. It aims to guide farmers, universities, and officials in agriculture. NAC will address input management, sustainability, natural farming, organic farming, and IoT in agriculture. It will support quality standards, decision-making, and capacity building in Indian agriculture.

Notes:
DRDO completed development trials of the 4th Generation Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD) with three successful tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan. VSHORAD is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges. It was developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, with industry partners. The missile features advanced technologies like a miniaturised Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, and is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor.

Notes:
India is aligning its state business readiness rankings with the new World Bank B-READY index. The B-READY (Business-Ready Index) replaces the discontinued Ease of Doing Business rankings. It assesses the business environment of global economies based on regulatory framework, public services, and efficiency. Key areas include digitalization, environmental sustainability, and gender equality. The index evaluates ten parameters across a business’s lifecycle, from starting to closing. It will expand from 54 economies initially to 180 countries by 2026. Global institutions and companies will use it to assess a country’s regulatory and policy environment.

Notes:
The Thirukurungudi Temples, including the Nambi Rayar Temple, Thirumalai Nambi Temple, and Aniliswarar Temple, are situated in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently documented inscriptions from these temples, dating back to the 9th Century during the Pandya period. These inscriptions reveal historical donations, including sheep for temple lamps and tax-free land for gardens, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage and religious practices during the Vijayanagara reign.

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Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park’s Red Panda Program is a finalist for the 2024 WAZA Conservation Award. Between 2022 and 2024, nine captive-bred red pandas were released into Singalila National Park, West Bengal. The zoo collaborates with institutions and the government of India for habitat restoration. It has a Biobanking and Genetic Resource Facility to preserve gametes, tissues, and DNA of Red Pandas and other endangered species. The award winner will be announced at the 79th WAZA Annual Conference on 7th November in Taronga Zoo, Australia.

Notes:
A recent clinical trial indicates that a diet high in advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contributes to India being the world’s diabetic capital. AGEs, also known as glycotoxins, are harmful molecules created by glycation and oxidation of lipids and proteins. Glycation combines molecules with sugars, while oxidation combines them with oxygen. While AGEs are produced by the body’s metabolism, most come from food, particularly through high-temperature cooking methods like grilling and frying. Tobacco use also adds to AGE levels, and production increases with age.

Notes:
Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to fully digitalize document registration with its new e-registry system, Sampada 2.0. This advanced version of the software and mobile app allows document registration to be completed online, eliminating the need for physical visits to Sub-Registrar offices. The process is now completely digital, secure, and paperless, making it more convenient and hassle-free for users.