Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024
11. ‘Ceres’ is recently classified as what type of celestial body?
[A] Dwarf planet
[B] Asteroid
[C] Comet
[D] Moon
[B] Asteroid
[C] Comet
[D] Moon
Correct Answer: A [Dwarf planet]
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.
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.
12. What is the theme of “World Space Week 2024”, celebrated from October 4th to 10th?
[A] Space and Climate Change
[B] Space and Sustainability
[C] Women in Space
[D] The Moon: Gateway to the Stars
[B] Space and Sustainability
[C] Women in Space
[D] The Moon: Gateway to the Stars
Correct Answer: A [Space and Climate Change]
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.
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.
13. Rare brown vine snake recently spotted in which wildlife park of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Dudhwa National Park
[B] Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary
[C] Kishanpur Sanctuary
[D] None of the Above
[B] Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary
[C] Kishanpur Sanctuary
[D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: A [Dudhwa National Park]
Notes:
According to recent reports, a rare brown vine snake has been spotted in Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh. It emerged as a species never previously documented in the wildlife history of Dudhwa National Park or the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. This is the second remarkable reptile discovery in Dudhwa, following the rediscovery of the rare red coral Khukri snake in 2019.
According to recent reports, a rare brown vine snake has been spotted in Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh. It emerged as a species never previously documented in the wildlife history of Dudhwa National Park or the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. This is the second remarkable reptile discovery in Dudhwa, following the rediscovery of the rare red coral Khukri snake in 2019.
14. Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Chhattisgarh
[B] Odisha
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Chhattisgarh
Correct Answer: D [Chhattisgarh]
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.
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.
15. Kawal Tiger Reserve is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Telangana
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Telangana
Correct Answer: D [Telangana]
Notes:
The forest department held its first ‘Cyclothon’ to celebrate World Wildlife Week 2024 at the Kawal Tiger Reserve’s buffer zone. Kawal Tiger Reserve is in north-eastern Telangana, along the Godavari River. It covers an area of 2,015 sq. km in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. The government declared it a Tiger Reserve in 2012. The reserve features diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, rivers, and water bodies. It is part of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape, connecting to Tadoba-Andhari in Maharashtra and Indravati in Chhattisgarh.
The forest department held its first ‘Cyclothon’ to celebrate World Wildlife Week 2024 at the Kawal Tiger Reserve’s buffer zone. Kawal Tiger Reserve is in north-eastern Telangana, along the Godavari River. It covers an area of 2,015 sq. km in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. The government declared it a Tiger Reserve in 2012. The reserve features diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, rivers, and water bodies. It is part of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape, connecting to Tadoba-Andhari in Maharashtra and Indravati in Chhattisgarh.
16. Which Indian aircraft carrier participated in the naval exercise between India and Italy near Goa?
[A] INS Kolkata
[B] INS Vikrant
[C] INS Vikramaditya
[D] INS Viraat
[B] INS Vikrant
[C] INS Vikramaditya
[D] INS Viraat
Correct Answer: C [INS Vikramaditya]
Notes:
The Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya recently participated in a joint exercise with the Italian Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, including the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour. This historic maritime engagement took place off the Goa coast from October 1 to 6, 2024, and involved various complex operations, showcasing interoperability between the two navies. The exercise highlighted the importance of collaboration in maintaining maritime security and addressing challenges such as piracy and threats to commercial shipping in the Indian Ocean region.
The Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya recently participated in a joint exercise with the Italian Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, including the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour. This historic maritime engagement took place off the Goa coast from October 1 to 6, 2024, and involved various complex operations, showcasing interoperability between the two navies. The exercise highlighted the importance of collaboration in maintaining maritime security and addressing challenges such as piracy and threats to commercial shipping in the Indian Ocean region.
17. Which day is observed as World Post Day?
[A] October 8
[B] October 9
[C] October 10
[D] October 11
[B] October 9
[C] October 10
[D] October 11
Correct Answer: B [October 9]
Notes:
World Post Day is celebrated every year on October 9 to highlight the importance of the postal system in daily life, global communication, and economic growth. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), established in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland, which transformed international mail exchange. The theme for this year, “150 Years of Enabling Communication and Empowering People Across Nations,” honors the UPU’s efforts to streamline international mail services and create a unified postal system for easier mail exchange between countries.
World Post Day is celebrated every year on October 9 to highlight the importance of the postal system in daily life, global communication, and economic growth. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), established in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland, which transformed international mail exchange. The theme for this year, “150 Years of Enabling Communication and Empowering People Across Nations,” honors the UPU’s efforts to streamline international mail services and create a unified postal system for easier mail exchange between countries.
18. Hurricane Milton recently hit which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Australia
[D] Russia
[B] France
[C] Australia
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: A [United States ]
Notes:
Hurricane Milton has intensified into a Category 5 storm, posing an extreme risk to Florida, USA, particularly the Tampa Bay area. With a central pressure of 897 mb, it ranks as the fifth most intense hurricane in Atlantic history. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of life-threatening winds and destructive storm surges as Milton approaches the Gulf coast. Evacuations are underway, and residents are urged to take precautions due to potential flooding and hazardous conditions.
Hurricane Milton has intensified into a Category 5 storm, posing an extreme risk to Florida, USA, particularly the Tampa Bay area. With a central pressure of 897 mb, it ranks as the fifth most intense hurricane in Atlantic history. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of life-threatening winds and destructive storm surges as Milton approaches the Gulf coast. Evacuations are underway, and residents are urged to take precautions due to potential flooding and hazardous conditions.
19. Which country developed a hypersonic ballistic missile named Kinzhal?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Israel
[D] Russia
[B] China
[C] Israel
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: D [Russia]
Notes:
Russia recently claimed a Kinzhal missile strike on Ukraine. The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is a Russian hypersonic, air-launched ballistic missile, operational since December 2017. It can travel at speeds up to Mach 10 (12,350 km/h) and penetrate targets more effectively than slower missiles. The Kinzhal has a range of 1,500-2,000 km and carries a 480 kg nuclear or conventional payload. Launched from MiG-31 jets at 18 km altitude, it can also be deployed from other aircraft like Tu-160M and Su-34. The missile can maneuver during flight to evade air defenses and hit both static and mobile targets, including aircraft carriers.
Russia recently claimed a Kinzhal missile strike on Ukraine. The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is a Russian hypersonic, air-launched ballistic missile, operational since December 2017. It can travel at speeds up to Mach 10 (12,350 km/h) and penetrate targets more effectively than slower missiles. The Kinzhal has a range of 1,500-2,000 km and carries a 480 kg nuclear or conventional payload. Launched from MiG-31 jets at 18 km altitude, it can also be deployed from other aircraft like Tu-160M and Su-34. The missile can maneuver during flight to evade air defenses and hit both static and mobile targets, including aircraft carriers.
20. Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) is a joint mission of which two space organizations?
[A] NASA and ISRO
[B] ISRO and JAXA
[C] ESA and NASA
[D] CNSA and ISRO
[B] ISRO and JAXA
[C] ESA and NASA
[D] CNSA and ISRO
Correct Answer: B [ISRO and JAXA]
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.
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.