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:
Iran recently launched over 180 ballistic missiles, including the hypersonic Fattah-2, targeting Israel’s air defenses. Fattah-2 is a new version of Iran’s first domestically made hypersonic ballistic missile, Fattah, which means conqueror in Farsi. It features a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) warhead that can maneuver and glide at hypersonic speed. The missile uses a liquid-fuel rocket propellant, allowing its engine to adjust thrust force.

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 forest department held its first ‘Cyclothon’ to celebrate World Wildlife Week 2024 at the Kawal Tiger Reserve’s buffer zone. Kawal Tiger Reserve is in north-eastern Telangana, along the Godavari River. It covers an area of 2,015 sq. km in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. The government declared it a Tiger Reserve in 2012. The reserve features diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, rivers, and water bodies. It is part of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape, connecting to Tadoba-Andhari in Maharashtra and Indravati in Chhattisgarh.

Notes:
The Halari donkey, native to Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, is an endangered breed according to the IUCN. Known for its intelligence, it works closely with humans in agricultural tasks. Halari donkeys are small to medium-sized, typically white or light gray, and well-adapted to arid climates with high endurance. They can survive on minimal food and water. Their milk, valued for its medicinal properties, can sell for up to Rs 1000. The population is declining due to mechanization and a lack of awareness. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect their genetic diversity and cultural heritage.

Notes:
Five Russian mountaineers recently died on an expedition on Mount Dhaulagiri. Mount Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,167 meters (26,795 feet). It is located in west-central Nepal, part of the Himalayan range, and is the highest mountain entirely in Nepal. Known for snowy peaks and glaciers, Dhaulagiri means “white mountain” in Sanskrit. The first successful climb was by Swiss climber Max Eiselin in 1960. The mountain is challenging due to its tough terrain and unpredictable weather.

Notes:
The Bihar government announced that the Centre approved a tiger reserve at Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is the largest in the Kaimur District, located in the Vindhyachal hill ranges. It plays a crucial role as a catchment area for the Kav, Sone, and Durgawati river systems and their tributaries. Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary connects with the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. This connection links to the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve and the Panna landscape in Madhya Pradesh through forests and other wildlife sanctuaries.

Notes:
The Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya recently participated in a joint exercise with the Italian Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, including the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour. This historic maritime engagement took place off the Goa coast from October 1 to 6, 2024, and involved various complex operations, showcasing interoperability between the two navies. The exercise highlighted the importance of collaboration in maintaining maritime security and addressing challenges such as piracy and threats to commercial shipping in the Indian Ocean region.

Notes:
Gujarat has announced to establish a Caracal Breeding and Conservation Center in Kutch’s Chadva Rakhal region with a ₹10 crore budget. The center aims to protect and breed the critically endangered Caracal, found in Kutch. The announcement was made by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel during Wildlife Week celebrations. Although listed as ‘least concern’ globally by the IUCN, Caracals are critically endangered in India. A study confirmed 19 Caracal sightings in Gujarat, all in Kutch, with 9 authenticated by photos. Caracals in India face habitat loss and are protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Act.

Notes:
South Korean author Han Kang won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. She is the first Korean to receive this honor. Her work is known for its “intense poetic prose” that addresses historical traumas and the fragility of life. Notable works include The Vegetarian (Man Booker International Prize winner in 2016), The White Book, Human Acts, and Greek Lessons.