Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
India rejected a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on religious minority abuses.
USCIRF is an independent U.S. federal agency created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act. It monitors global religious freedom violations and provides policy recommendations to the U.S. President, Secretary of State, and Congress.
USCIRF’s nine commissioners are appointed by the President or Congressional leaders, with support from a nonpartisan staff. It issues an annual report on religious freedom, highlighting “Countries of Particular Concern.” The report uses international standards, including Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to assess violations.

Notes:
Dholes have been found in Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kalyana-Karnataka region. Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary is located around the Chandrampalli Dam in Kalaburagi district, Karnataka. It is the first dry-land wildlife sanctuary in South India and was notified in 2011. The sanctuary features dry and moist deciduous forests, acacia and teak plantations, and lateritic grasslands. It is Karnataka’s northernmost protected area, home to diverse flora and fauna, including sandalwood, red sanders, blackbuck, striped hyena, wolf, and fruit bats. The sanctuary also includes settlements of the Lambani community.

Notes:
The Oakhurst rock shelter, located near George, South Africa, has yielded ancient genomes dating back to approximately 10,000 years ago. This archaeological site is significant for its record of human occupation spanning 12,000 years and the discovery of multiple ancient genomes, which show remarkable genetic continuity among the region’s inhabitants. The findings highlight the importance of understanding Africa’s rich genetic diversity and its implications for human history.

Notes:
India’s forex reserves recently surpassed $700 billion for the first time, making it the fourth country to do so after the other three. In 2024, India’s forex reserves have increased by $87.6 billion, which is more than the increase of nearly $62 billion in the entire previous year. As of October 2024, the top four countries with the highest foreign exchange reserves (forex) are: China, Japan, Switzerland, and India.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways launched the Humsafar Policy on 7 October 2024 in New Delhi. The policy was introduced by Nitin Gadkari in the presence of key officials. Humsafar Policy aims to improve travel convenience on National Highways and Expressways. It focuses on developing world-class facilities like eateries, fuel stations, and trauma centres along highways. Commuters will have access to well-maintained, hygienic services. Service provider details can be easily found on the NHAI’s ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ app.

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:
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:
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:
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:
Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to fully digitalize document registration with its new e-registry system, Sampada 2.0. This advanced version of the software and mobile app allows document registration to be completed online, eliminating the need for physical visits to Sub-Registrar offices. The process is now completely digital, secure, and paperless, making it more convenient and hassle-free for users.