Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024
1. What is the primary reservoir of the Rocahepevirus ratti strain of hepatitis E virus (HEV), recently in news?
[A] Pigs
[B] Rats
[C] Mosquitoes
[D] Birds
[B] Rats
[C] Mosquitoes
[D] Birds
Correct Answer: B [Rats]
Notes:
Recent studies indicate that the Rocahepevirus ratti strain, commonly known as “rat HEV,” primarily resides in rats and has been found to infect humans. Since its first human case in 2018, at least 20 cases have been reported, often linked to the consumption of raw pork. Researchers discovered that rat HEV could infect pigs and spread among them, highlighting concerns for the pork industry as a potential pathway for human infection. Hepatitis E remains a significant global health issue, particularly in developing regions.
Recent studies indicate that the Rocahepevirus ratti strain, commonly known as “rat HEV,” primarily resides in rats and has been found to infect humans. Since its first human case in 2018, at least 20 cases have been reported, often linked to the consumption of raw pork. Researchers discovered that rat HEV could infect pigs and spread among them, highlighting concerns for the pork industry as a potential pathway for human infection. Hepatitis E remains a significant global health issue, particularly in developing regions.
2. Which space organization recently announced ‘DRACO Mission’ to study satellite disintegration phenomenon?
[A] European Space Agency (ESA)
[B] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[C] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[D] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
[B] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[C] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[D] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Correct Answer: A [European Space Agency (ESA)]
Notes:
ESA will launch a satellite called DRACO (Destructive Reentry Assessment Container Object) mission in 2027 to study satellite disintegration during reentry. DRACO aims to help reduce space debris by collecting data on how satellites break apart. The mission will also study the environmental impact of reentry, including material interactions with the atmosphere.Deimos, a European company, will build the 200-kilogram satellite. DRACO will carry a 40-centimetre capsule with cameras and sensors to record data during reentry. The capsule will parachute down after reentry, sending crucial information before being lost at sea.
ESA will launch a satellite called DRACO (Destructive Reentry Assessment Container Object) mission in 2027 to study satellite disintegration during reentry. DRACO aims to help reduce space debris by collecting data on how satellites break apart. The mission will also study the environmental impact of reentry, including material interactions with the atmosphere.Deimos, a European company, will build the 200-kilogram satellite. DRACO will carry a 40-centimetre capsule with cameras and sensors to record data during reentry. The capsule will parachute down after reentry, sending crucial information before being lost at sea.
3. Which two states recently signed an MoU to deploy trained elephants (Kumki) for controlling elephant menace?
[A] Bihar and Jharkhand
[B] Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
[C] Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
[D] Gujarat and Rajasthan
[B] Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
[C] Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
[D] Gujarat and Rajasthan
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka]
Notes:
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka signed an MoU to deploy trained elephants (Kumki) to control elephant issues in AP. The MoU includes elephant capture, mahout training, and knowledge sharing on tranquillising and capturing. Karnataka has transferred 62 Kumki elephants to states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Kumkis are trained Asian elephants used to manage wild elephants, including rescuing and patrolling. India has 60% of the world’s Asian elephants, with 27,312 elephants and 138 corridors. Elephants have a 22-month gestation period, the longest of any land animal. Asian elephants are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka signed an MoU to deploy trained elephants (Kumki) to control elephant issues in AP. The MoU includes elephant capture, mahout training, and knowledge sharing on tranquillising and capturing. Karnataka has transferred 62 Kumki elephants to states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Kumkis are trained Asian elephants used to manage wild elephants, including rescuing and patrolling. India has 60% of the world’s Asian elephants, with 27,312 elephants and 138 corridors. Elephants have a 22-month gestation period, the longest of any land animal. Asian elephants are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
4. Leptospirosis, recently seen in the news, is caused by which type of organism?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Correct Answer: A [Bacteria]
Notes:
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann was recently diagnosed with leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affecting humans and animals, transmitted through contact with infected animal urine or contaminated environments. It can enter the body through cuts or mucous membranes. The World Health Organization recognizes it as a significant public health concern, especially in tropical regions. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and in severe cases, liver damage.
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann was recently diagnosed with leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affecting humans and animals, transmitted through contact with infected animal urine or contaminated environments. It can enter the body through cuts or mucous membranes. The World Health Organization recognizes it as a significant public health concern, especially in tropical regions. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and in severe cases, liver damage.
5. Exercise KAZIND, recently seen in news, is conducted between India and which country?
[A] Egypt
[B] Australia
[C] Kazakhstan
[D] Tajikistan
[B] Australia
[C] Kazakhstan
[D] Tajikistan
Correct Answer: C [Kazakhstan]
Notes:
The 8th edition of Exercise KAZIND takes place from 30th September to 13th October 2024 in Auli, Uttarakhand. It is an annual joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan. The Indian side will be represented by 120 personnel from the KUMAON Regiment and the Indian Air Force. Kazakhstan’s contingent includes personnel from Land Forces and Airborne Assault Troopers. The exercise aims to enhance joint military capabilities for counterterrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. It focuses on interoperability, tactical drills, and sharing best practices to strengthen defence cooperation and bilateral relations.
The 8th edition of Exercise KAZIND takes place from 30th September to 13th October 2024 in Auli, Uttarakhand. It is an annual joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan. The Indian side will be represented by 120 personnel from the KUMAON Regiment and the Indian Air Force. Kazakhstan’s contingent includes personnel from Land Forces and Airborne Assault Troopers. The exercise aims to enhance joint military capabilities for counterterrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. It focuses on interoperability, tactical drills, and sharing best practices to strengthen defence cooperation and bilateral relations.
6. Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Odisha
[B] Karnataka
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Dholes have been found in Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kalyana-Karnataka region. Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary is located around the Chandrampalli Dam in Kalaburagi district, Karnataka. It is the first dry-land wildlife sanctuary in South India and was notified in 2011. The sanctuary features dry and moist deciduous forests, acacia and teak plantations, and lateritic grasslands. It is Karnataka’s northernmost protected area, home to diverse flora and fauna, including sandalwood, red sanders, blackbuck, striped hyena, wolf, and fruit bats. The sanctuary also includes settlements of the Lambani community.
Dholes have been found in Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kalyana-Karnataka region. Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary is located around the Chandrampalli Dam in Kalaburagi district, Karnataka. It is the first dry-land wildlife sanctuary in South India and was notified in 2011. The sanctuary features dry and moist deciduous forests, acacia and teak plantations, and lateritic grasslands. It is Karnataka’s northernmost protected area, home to diverse flora and fauna, including sandalwood, red sanders, blackbuck, striped hyena, wolf, and fruit bats. The sanctuary also includes settlements of the Lambani community.
7. When is National Wildlife Week 2024 observed?
[A] September 1-7
[B] October 2-8
[C] November 10-16
[D] December 20-26
[B] October 2-8
[C] November 10-16
[D] December 20-26
Correct Answer: B [October 2-8]
Notes:
National Wildlife Week 2024 in India was celebrated from October 2 to 8, with the theme “Safeguarding Our Natural Heritage.” The event was first commemorated in 1957, having evolved from Wildlife Day, which was observed in 1955. It was established by the Indian Board of Wildlife in 1952. It aimed to raise awareness about wildlife protection. Wildlife Week has since become an annual event focused on promoting conservation and highlighting India’s rich biodiversity.
National Wildlife Week 2024 in India was celebrated from October 2 to 8, with the theme “Safeguarding Our Natural Heritage.” The event was first commemorated in 1957, having evolved from Wildlife Day, which was observed in 1955. It was established by the Indian Board of Wildlife in 1952. It aimed to raise awareness about wildlife protection. Wildlife Week has since become an annual event focused on promoting conservation and highlighting India’s rich biodiversity.
8. What is the name of the initiative recently launched by Himachal Pradesh to tackle drug trafficking?
[A] Navjeevan
[B] Sankalp
[C] Viksit
[D] Nirman
[B] Sankalp
[C] Viksit
[D] Nirman
Correct Answer: B [Sankalp]
Notes:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the ‘Sankalp’ initiative on 6 October 2024. The initiative aims to combat drug trafficking and aid the rehabilitation of drug addicts. It was announced at an event by Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan in Shimla. A model de-addiction and rehabilitation center will be established at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district. The center will help drug addicts recover and reintegrate into society.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the ‘Sankalp’ initiative on 6 October 2024. The initiative aims to combat drug trafficking and aid the rehabilitation of drug addicts. It was announced at an event by Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan in Shimla. A model de-addiction and rehabilitation center will be established at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district. The center will help drug addicts recover and reintegrate into society.
9. Which city is the venue of Mindfulness India Summit?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Mumbai
[C] Chennai
[D] Hyderabad
[B] Mumbai
[C] Chennai
[D] Hyderabad
Correct Answer: B [Mumbai]
Notes:
The third edition of the Mindfulness India Summit is scheduled to take place on October 17 and 18 in Mumbai. It aims to provide leaders and professionals with strategies for healthier, more empathetic workplaces. It is organised by the Mindful Science Centre. The summit will focus on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience. The theme, “Thrive in the Age of Disruption,” highlights mindfulness as essential for navigating today’s business challenges.
The third edition of the Mindfulness India Summit is scheduled to take place on October 17 and 18 in Mumbai. It aims to provide leaders and professionals with strategies for healthier, more empathetic workplaces. It is organised by the Mindful Science Centre. The summit will focus on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience. The theme, “Thrive in the Age of Disruption,” highlights mindfulness as essential for navigating today’s business challenges.
10. Which ministry has developed the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[C] Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterway
[D] Ministry of Urban Development
[B] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[C] Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterway
[D] Ministry of Urban Development
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterway]
Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat, on 9 October 2024. This complex will be developed in two phases at the ancient Indus Valley site of Lothal. It aims to be an international tourist destination showcasing India’s maritime heritage from ancient to modern times. The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in collaboration with the Gujarat government, is overseeing the project under the Sagarmala scheme. Built on 400 acres, it will cost approximately Rs 4500 crore, with work beginning in March 2022.
The Union Cabinet approved the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat, on 9 October 2024. This complex will be developed in two phases at the ancient Indus Valley site of Lothal. It aims to be an international tourist destination showcasing India’s maritime heritage from ancient to modern times. The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in collaboration with the Gujarat government, is overseeing the project under the Sagarmala scheme. Built on 400 acres, it will cost approximately Rs 4500 crore, with work beginning in March 2022.