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:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the 7th issue of “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts.” EnviStats covers information on natural resources, environmental degradation, and government efforts for management. It follows the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework for compiling environmental accounts. Coverage of mangroves increased by about 8% from 2013 to 2021. There has been a 72% increase in the number and a 16% increase in the area of protected lands from 2000 to 2023. This edition introduces Ocean Accounts for environmental reporting. The report also updates the Soil Nutrient Index using Soil Health Card data for 2023-24.

Notes:
Entomologists discovered a new species of potter wasp in Arunachal Pradesh, named Pseumenes siangensis. It belongs to the genus Pseumenes within the subfamily Eumeninae and is mainly found in the Oriental region. These solitary wasps build small, pot-like mud nests for their larvae. India has only reported one other species of this genus, making Pseumenes siangensis a significant addition to the country’s wasp diversity. The species was found in the Upper Siang District and named after Siang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. At 30.2 mm in length, it has unique features and plays a role in controlling pest populations by feeding on caterpillars and insects.

Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu attended the first Adi Gaurav Samman Samaroh in Mangarh Dham, Rajasthan, on October 4, 2024.
The Rajasthan government established the Adi Gaurav Samman award, which has three categories: Aadiratna, Adi Seva, and Aadi Grammotthan Gaurav Samman. Aadiratna Gaurav Samman awards Scheduled Tribe members excelling in sports, education, and culture. Adi Seva Gaurav Samman recognizes exemplary service for Scheduled Tribes. Aadi Grammotthan Gaurav Samman rewards Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zilla Parishads for socio-economic improvements.

Notes:
The population of Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur) in Gujarat increased from 6,082 in 2020 to 7,672 in 2024, a rise of 26.14%. The khur is a subspecies of the Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus), also known as the onager. It is primarily found in the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK), Gujarat. Little Rann of Kutch is both a wetland and desert, and the khur is a generalist herbivore. It is solitary and shy, classified as endangered by IUCN and listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

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:
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the GREEN Meghalaya Plus (GMP) Scheme to enhance and conserve forest cover. The scheme aims to expand forest conservation by offering monetary rewards for protecting forested areas. It follows the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) principle, supporting individuals and communities committed to conserving natural forests for at least 30 years. This initiative is part of the state’s PES program launched in 2022 and targets an additional 50,000 hectares for conservation. So far, over 3,000 individuals and communities have benefitted, conserving more than 54,000 hectares of natural forest.

Notes:
The body of an eight-year-old tiger was recently found near Amangarh Tiger Reserve. Amangarh Tiger Reserve is located in the Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh. It covers approximately 9,500 hectares, which is about 95 square kilometers. The reserve is next to the Corbett Tiger Reserve and acts as an important corridor for Asiatic elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Originally part of Jim Corbett National Park, Amangarh remained in Uttar Pradesh after Uttarakhand was formed from it.

Notes:
Recently, the Indian Navy received Nirdeshak, the second of four Survey Vessel ships, built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata. Nirdeshak features over 80% indigenous content, reflecting the commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’ These are the largest survey vessels in India, designed for comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports and navigational channels. The ship will also gather oceanographic and geophysical data for both defense and civil applications.

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.