Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

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:
World Space Week is celebrated from October 4 to 10, 2024. Each year, it follows a theme set by the United Nations General Assembly. The theme for 2024 is “Space and Climate Change.” This theme highlights the role of space science and technology in addressing extreme weather and climate change. It aims to educate and inspire people about how space exploration can improve our understanding and management of Earth’s climate. It focuses on the partnership between space technology and climate science for a better future.

Notes:
The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2024 has been awarded to Vera Voronova from Kazakhstan and Ysabel Agustina Calderón Carlos from Peru. The prize was established by the AEON Environmental Foundation in collaboration with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainability. The award is given biennially, every two years.

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.

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.

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.

Notes:
Hurricane Milton has intensified into a Category 5 storm, posing an extreme risk to Florida, USA, particularly the Tampa Bay area. With a central pressure of 897 mb, it ranks as the fifth most intense hurricane in Atlantic history. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of life-threatening winds and destructive storm surges as Milton approaches the Gulf coast. Evacuations are underway, and residents are urged to take precautions due to potential flooding and hazardous conditions.

Notes:
India celebrates National Postal Day on October 10th each year. The day honors the Indian Postal Service and its role in connecting the nation. It commemorates the service’s founding by the East India Company on October 10, 1854. The Indian Postal Service has grown into one of the world’s largest networks. It has evolved from simple mail delivery to providing a wide range of services to millions across the country.

Notes:
More than 550 Katkari tribe members received caste certificates in Pune. The Katkari tribe is found in Maharashtra (Pune, Raigad, and Thane) and parts of Gujarat. They classified as one of India’s 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Historically, they were forest dwellers, known for making katha from Acacia trees. They speak Katkari among themselves and Marathi with others; some also speak Hindi. Their occupations include agricultural labor, firewood selling, fishing, coal making, and brick manufacturing. Most Katkari families are landless, leading to high migration and seasonal livelihoods.

Notes:
A recent two-day vulture survey in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary recorded 80 vultures across nine locations. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kerala, within the southern part of the Western Ghats. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is bordered by protected areas like Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu. Several adivasi tribes, including Paniyas, Kattunaikkans, Kurumas, Ooralis, Adiyans, and Kurichiyas, live in these forests.