Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
IIT-Madras Pravartak has launched a cyber commandos training program for police. This six-month residential program is an initiative of the Union Home Ministry. It aims to provide specialized cyber training for law enforcement agencies across India. Unlike existing cybercrime cells that focus on reactive measures, this program will develop a proactive force to tackle cyber threats. The training will enhance the capabilities of police in effectively combating and preventing cybercrimes.

Notes:
Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati is preparing for Brahmotsavam, a nine-day festival. It is celebrated at the Tirumala Tirupati Sri Venkateshwara Temple by the Swami Pushkarini lake. The festival was initiated by Lord Brahma to thank Lord Venkateshwara for protecting mankind. In lunar months with an extra month, two Brahmotsavams are held: Salakatla and Navarathri. In 2024, only one Brahmotsavam (Salakatla) held due to the absence of Adhika Maasa. The Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam ritual, a traditional cleansing, occurs on Tuesdays before Brahmotsavam and other major festivals.

Notes:
Switzerland and Italy have redrawn their national boundary due to melting Alpine glaciers. Many parts of the Swiss-Italian border are determined by glacier ridgelines, which are shifting as glaciers melt. The redrawn section lies beneath the Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest peaks. Switzerland’s glaciers lost 10% of their ice volume in 2022-2023, a record high. More than half of Switzerland’s electricity comes from hydroelectric facilities, which are also at risk due to accelerated glacier melting.

Notes:
The Third 25T Bollard Pull Tug, named Ashva, was launched on October 3, 2024, in Kolkata. Ashva is part of the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative. It was built following the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules.
The tug will boost the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities, aiding in critical tasks and enhancing maritime support infrastructure.

Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) approved the Alinity m MPXV assay, a real-time PCR test for mpox. This test detects the virus using swabs from skin lesions, providing immediate results. It helps health workers confirm suspected mpox cases quickly, aiding outbreak control. Mpox has caused over 800 deaths in 16 African countries this year, with limited testing contributing to its spread. The Alinity m MPXV assay is the first mpox test on the WHO’s Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for faster availability during health emergencies. Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease that spreads through human contact and infected animals.

Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu attended a Global Summit on ‘Spirituality for Clean and Healthy Society’ in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The summit was organized by Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya. President Murmu emphasized that spirituality is about recognizing inner power and promoting purity in thoughts and actions.

Notes:
Indian shooters dominated the ISSF Junior World Shooting Championship in Peru, winning 24 medals: 13 gold, 3 silver, and 8 bronze. Italy secured second place, while Norway came in third. On the final day, Deepak Dalal, Kamaljeet, and Raj Chandra won the men’s 50m pistol team gold medal. The next major event is the ISSF World Cup Final in New Delhi, scheduled for October 13 to 18.

Notes:
Every year on October 8, India observes Indian Air Force Day to honor servicemen and pilots who sacrificed their lives for the nation. This year, the celebration marks the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force. The event takes place at Marina Beach in Chennai. Indian Air Force Day 2024 falls on a Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The theme for this year is “Bharatiya Vayusena: Saksham, Sashakt aur Aatmnirbhar,” which translates to “Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant.”

Notes:
The Thirukurungudi Temples, including the Nambi Rayar Temple, Thirumalai Nambi Temple, and Aniliswarar Temple, are situated in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently documented inscriptions from these temples, dating back to the 9th Century during the Pandya period. These inscriptions reveal historical donations, including sheep for temple lamps and tax-free land for gardens, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage and religious practices during the Vijayanagara reign.

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.