Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
The Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved a Rs 100 crore project to build a memorial and garden for Gond queen Rani Durgavati.
Rani Durgavati (1524–2024) was a queen of the Gond kingdom of Garha-Katanga and a descendant of the Chandela dynasty of Mahoba. She was born on October 5, 1524, in Kalinjar (Banda, U.P.), part of the Chandela dynasty.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
World Cotton Day is celebrated annually on 7th October to highlight cotton’s global significance. The day raises awareness about the challenges faced by cotton farmers and the cotton industry. Cotton is used not only in textiles but also for animal feed, medical supplies, and edible oil. India is the second-largest cotton producer globally, after China.

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 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.

Notes:
Two wild buffalo calves born in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh raise hopes for the conservation of this endangered species. The sanctuary is located in Raipur district, bordered by the Balmedhi and Jonk rivers, with the Mahanadi also nearby. The Indian Wild Buffalo is the state animal of Chhattisgarh and is a large bovine species native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They primarily inhabit alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps, and river valleys.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Russian and Chinese navy warships are conducting anti-submarine missions in the northwestern Pacific during a joint patrol after the Beibu/Interaction 2024 exercises. The operations involve complex training sessions and combat exercises, including anti-submarine defense and sea rescues. Key Russian vessels involved in the missions include Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Tributs. China has deployed destroyers such as Xining and Wuxi, along with other ships for these exercises.

Notes:
Researchers have discovered a new damselfly species named Agasthyamalai Bambootail in Manjadininnavila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This rare species belongs to the bambootail group, known for their long cylindrical abdomens resembling bamboo stalks. It was found in the Agasthyamalai landscape of the Western Ghats. The only other species in this genus is the Malabar Bambootail, located in Coorg-Wayanad. Agasthyamalai Bambootail can be identified by the absence of the anal bridge vein in its wings. It features a long black body with striking blue markings and differs from the Malabar Bambootail in specific anatomical structures.

Notes:
India’s National Space Commission approved the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Lupex), India’s fifth lunar mission. Lupex follows the success of Chandrayaan-3’s Moon landing in August 2023, making India the fourth nation to land on the Moon. It is a joint mission between India’s ISRO and Japan’s JAXA, focusing on lunar resource exploration. The main objective is to study the presence and distribution of water on the Moon’s surface and beneath its regolith. Lupex aims to provide crucial data for future lunar exploration and potential human habitation.