Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
Six years after Cyclone Gaja, farmers in Vedaranyam, Tamil Nadu, are preparing for their first harvest of casuarina (savukku) plantations. Casuarina, native to Australia, was introduced in India in the 19th century and is also known as kattadi. There are four cultivated species: Casuarina equisetifolia, glauca, cunninghamaina, and junghuniana.
Its nitrogen-fixing ability and adaptability to diverse soil and climates make it ideal for commercial and environmental planting. Casuarinas grow well in tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean regions, thriving in temperatures from 10°C-33°C and rainfall of 700-2000 mm.

Notes:
The 2024 PT5 is a small asteroid recently captured by Earth’s gravity, set to orbit for approximately 53 days. It has a unique connection to India through its orbital characteristics, as it belongs to a group of asteroids known as the Arjuna asteroid belt, named after the heroic figure from the Mahabharata. This event is significant as it provides a rare opportunity for scientific observation and highlights the cultural ties between astronomy and Indian heritage. The asteroid is too faint to be seen with the naked eye and will depart Earth’s orbit on November 25, 2024.

Notes:
Overexploitation of 25 medicinal host plants has impacted swallowtail butterflies in Assam’s “citrus belt.” Swallowtail butterflies belong to the Papilionidae family and are found globally, except in the Arctic. India is home to 77 of the 573 swallowtail species. Some swallowtail species mimic protected butterflies’ coloration and patterns. Threats include illegal cattle farming, agriculture, tea cultivation, tree felling, and pesticide use. Butterflies are important environmental indicators, with their health reflecting ecosystem health and diversity.

Notes:
Nagaland signed Wales as a Country Partner for the 25th Hornbill Festival. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, during his visit to Wales, announced the agreement with the Welsh Government, British Council, and Wales Arts International. The partnership concludes the “Wales in India 2024” celebration and aims to strengthen bilateral ties, enhance people-to-people contact, and create opportunities for youth.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister of India, has approved India’s membership in the Energy Efficiency Hub. This global platform, established in 2020, promotes energy efficiency worldwide. It succeeded the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), of which India was a member. The hub connects governments, international organizations, and private entities to share knowledge and solutions. Sixteen countries, including the U.S., U.K., and China, are members. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will represent India in the Hub. India’s participation will enhance its energy efficiency initiatives and contribute to climate change efforts. This aligns with India’s goals for sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Notes:
The Chenchus, a Telugu-speaking tribe in the Nallamala forests of Andhra Pradesh, struggle with declining work under MGNREGA due to modernization. They are a Scheduled Tribe and have maintained their traditional lifestyle without adapting to modernity. Chenchus live in small villages called “Penta” and gather forest products like fruits, tubers, honey, and tamarind for minimal income. They rely on bows, arrows, and knives for hunting. Village elders, called “Peddamanishi,” hold authority in social matters. Chenchus have ties to the Srisailam temple and enjoy special privileges there.

Notes:
A boat capsized in Lake Kivu, eastern Congo, killing at least 78 people out of 278 passengers. Lake Kivu is one of East Africa’s Great Lakes, between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. It is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa, situated in the Albertine Rift. The lake covers 1,040 square miles and lies 1,460 meters above sea level. 58% of the lake’s waters are in DRC, with the rest in Rwanda. It has a maximum depth of 475 meters and empties into the Rusizi River flowing into Lake Tanganyika.

Notes:
Kazakhstan, the world’s leading uranium producer, is considering its first nuclear power station to enhance energy capacity. The location, near Lake Balkhash, is significant due to past Soviet-era nuclear tests that exposed millions to radiation. The recent referendum reflects Kazakhstan’s cautious approach to nuclear energy amidst historical sensitivities around radiation and safety.

Notes:
The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) takes place in New Delhi from October 14 to 24, 2024.
WTSA has been held every four years since 2002 and is the governing conference of the ITU Standardisation Sector. It defines the work program and structure of study groups for telecommunication standardization. Hosting WTSA 2024 is a significant milestone for India in setting global telecommunication standards. The event will start with the Global Standards Symposium (GSS) on October 14, 2024, focusing on ICT standardization policy debates.

Notes:
The body of an eight-year-old tiger was recently found near Amangarh Tiger Reserve. Amangarh Tiger Reserve is located in the Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh. It covers approximately 9,500 hectares, which is about 95 square kilometers. The reserve is next to the Corbett Tiger Reserve and acts as an important corridor for Asiatic elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Originally part of Jim Corbett National Park, Amangarh remained in Uttar Pradesh after Uttarakhand was formed from it.