Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
The Conference on Maritime Decarbonization in India, co-hosted by the Ministry of Ports and the Asian Development Bank, concluded in New Delhi. It emphasized the importance of green shipping and sustainable port operations. It aimed to align India’s maritime sector with global climate goals, discussing initiatives like the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines and the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. This reflects India’s commitment to transforming its maritime industry for a sustainable future.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet of India, led by the Prime Minister, has approved Classical Language status for Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. The recognition is based on criteria set by a Linguistic Experts Committee. The language must also have knowledge texts, including prose, alongside poetry and inscriptional evidence. Other recognized classical languages are Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).

Notes:
India is aligning its state business readiness rankings with the new World Bank B-READY index. The B-READY (Business-Ready Index) replaces the discontinued Ease of Doing Business rankings. It assesses the business environment of global economies based on regulatory framework, public services, and efficiency. Key areas include digitalization, environmental sustainability, and gender equality. The index evaluates ten parameters across a business’s lifecycle, from starting to closing. It will expand from 54 economies initially to 180 countries by 2026. Global institutions and companies will use it to assess a country’s regulatory and policy environment.

Notes:
SIPCOT, or the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu, was established in 1971 to foster industrial growth in Tamil Nadu. With 50 industrial parks, it has facilitated over 3,290 industrial units and generated millions of jobs. The initiative aims to enhance the state’s economy, targeting a $1 trillion economy by 2030. SIPCOT focuses on sector-specific parks, innovation centers, and sustainable housing for workers, playing a crucial role in Tamil Nadu’s industrial landscape.

Notes:
The State of Global Water Resources report 2023 reveals that it was the driest year for global rivers in over three decades. This annual report has been published by the World Meteorological Organization since 2021. It provides a detailed overview of water resources, drawing from various national and international sources. The last five years have seen widespread below-normal river flows and reservoir inflows. All glacier regions reported ice loss in 2023, marking the largest mass loss in 50 years. Over 600 gigatons of water were lost globally, and 3.6 billion people lack adequate water access. This figure is projected to rise to over 5 billion by 2050, indicating a failure to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Notes:
A recent clinical trial indicates that a diet high in advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contributes to India being the world’s diabetic capital. AGEs, also known as glycotoxins, are harmful molecules created by glycation and oxidation of lipids and proteins. Glycation combines molecules with sugars, while oxidation combines them with oxygen. While AGEs are produced by the body’s metabolism, most come from food, particularly through high-temperature cooking methods like grilling and frying. Tobacco use also adds to AGE levels, and production increases with age.

Notes:
The Ustad Allauddin Khan Festival was recently organized in Madhya Pradesh. The festival is held in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, and is dedicated to the renowned musician Ustad Allauddin Khan. The three-day event features performances by many renowned personalities from across the country. It is organized by the Madhya Pradesh Culture Department, Ustad Allauddin Khan Music and Art Academy, and the Maihar District Administration, running until October 10. Ustad Allauddin Khan was a prominent figure in music, known for his efforts to promote Madhya Pradesh’s musical tradition and engage the younger generation.

Notes:
World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 and was first initiated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. The day aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and support mental health care globally. It has become a significant platform for collaboration among governments, organizations, and individuals to promote lasting change in mental health care. The 2024 theme, “Mental Health at Work,” highlights the importance of mental health in the workplace, where around 60% of the global population is employed. It stresses the need for safe and inclusive work environments to promote mental well-being and support those in need.

Notes:
The Ministry of Education launched the registration portal for the fifth phase of Yuva Sangam under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Yuva Sangam aims to strengthen connections between youth from different states and union territories. Participants aged 18 to 30 can register on the portal. The registration deadline is the 21st of this month. During the Yuva Sangam tours, participants will receive exposure in five areas: Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Tradition), Pragati (Progress), Paraspar Sampark (Interconnection), and Prodyogiki (Technology) over 5-7 days.

Notes:
World Migratory Bird Day is a global campaign to promote international cooperation for the conservation of migratory birds. In 2024, it is celebrated on 11 May and 12 October, reflecting bird migrations in different hemispheres.
The 2024 theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds.” The theme emphasizes the importance of insects for migratory birds and the need to protect both. The day raises awareness about the role insects play in supporting bird survival and urges action for their protection.