Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
Ceres was reclassified from an asteroid to a dwarf planet due to its mass, which allows it to maintain a round shape. Recent studies by Purdue University and NASA revealed that its crust is likely composed of 90% ice, suggesting a history as a watery world. The findings are based on data from NASA’s Dawn mission, which provided insights into Ceres’ cratered surface and icy composition, challenging previous assumptions about its geology.

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The Assam government has launched the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme to combat child marriage and support girl students in pursuing higher studies. The scheme provides monthly stipends: Rs 1,000 for Classes 11-12, Rs 1,250 for degree students, and Rs 2,500 for post-graduate students. To qualify, students must attend classes regularly, demonstrate discipline, perform well in exams, and delay marriage until after completing their post-graduation. This initiative aims to empower girls and promote education in Assam.

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The canal network connected to Hirakud Dam, a major project in eastern India, is set for renovation. Hirakud Dam is the longest dam in India and the longest earthen dam in the world, with a length of 25.79 km. It is built across the Mahanadi River, 15 km upstream of Sambalpur, Odisha. The dam creates the Hirakud Reservoir, the largest artificial lake in Asia, covering 746 sq. km. Inaugurated in 1957, it was India’s first major post-independence multipurpose river valley project. It provides irrigation for 1,55,635 hectares in Kharif and 1,08,385 hectares in Rabi seasons, with a power generation capacity of 359.8 MW.

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The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare launched the online platform ‘Anubhav’ on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direction. This platform allows retiring and retired government employees to share their work experiences. An Annual Awards Scheme was created in 2015 to encourage submissions, resulting in 10,886 published write-ups. So far, 78 outstanding write-ups have received 59 Anubhav Awards and 19 Jury Certificates. The National Anubhav Awards Scheme 2025 invites Central Government employees and pensioners to submit their write-ups for awards. For the first time, employees from Central Public Sector Undertakings will also be eligible to participate. The submission period for pensioners has been extended from one year to three years post-retirement.

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The Prime Minister of India recently launched an initiative named ‘Unified Genomic Chip’. It aims to assist farmers in identifying high-quality cattle early and improving dairy farming efficiency in India. The Unified Genomic Chip has two versions: the ‘Gau Chip’ for cattle and the ‘Mahish Chip’ for buffalo. Developed by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the chip helps farmers make informed decisions by identifying young, high-quality bulls early. It is designed specifically for Indian cattle breeds, enhancing the quality of livestock and the dairy sector.

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INS Talwar arrived in South Africa for the eighth edition of exercise IBSAMAR. IBSAMAR is a joint maritime exercise involving India, Brazil, and South Africa. The exercise focuses on Blue Water Naval Warfare, covering Surface and Anti-Air Warfare. Activities include professional exchanges, firefighting drills, search-and-seizure operations, diving, aviation safety, and ocean governance seminars. The exercise strengthens naval interoperability, builds mutual trust, and fosters cooperation among like-minded nations for peaceful maritime environments.

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The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) released its latest biennial ‘Living Planet’ report. Wildlife populations have dropped by 73% over the last 50 years (1970–2020). Freshwater species faced the largest declines, followed by terrestrial and marine populations. Main reasons for this decline include habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. India’s consumption patterns would require less than one Earth by 2050 if adopted globally. Andhra Pradesh’s Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) shows positive socio-economic impacts. India’s millet mission received praise for promoting nature-positive food production.

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According to recent reports, the Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore) has developed a device utilizing photoacoustic technology for early detection of breast cancer at an affordable cost. The device uses Photoacoustic Spectral Response (PASR) technology, which combines optical and acoustic signals to detect abnormal tissue changes. t aims to enable early breast cancer detection, particularly in rural and remote areas, due to its affordability.

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Two foreign climbers, Michelle Theresa Dvorak (USA) and Fay Jane Manners (UK), were rescued from 6,015 meters near Chaukhamba III peak in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Chaukhamba is part of the Gangotri Group in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand. It is located west of Badrinath, near the head of the Gangotri Glacier.

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The “Steadfast Noon” exercise is a major NATO nuclear drill is scheduled to take place on October 13, 2024. It will involve 2,000 personnel and 60 aircraft from 13 nations, primarily conducted in the North Sea, approximately 900 kilometers from Russia. This exercise has been held annually for over a decade and aims to demonstrate NATO’s readiness to counter threats to its member countries, particularly in light of recent changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine.