Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

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:
Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in as Mexico’s first woman president. She pledged to strengthen women’s rights and maintain Mexico as a secure destination for international investment. Sheinbaum, aged 62, is a scientist and former mayor of Mexico City. The oath-taking ceremony took place in Mexico’s Congress, marking the beginning of her six-year term.

Notes:
National Wildlife Week 2024 in India was celebrated from October 2 to 8, with the theme “Safeguarding Our Natural Heritage.” The event was first commemorated in 1957, having evolved from Wildlife Day, which was observed in 1955. It was established by the Indian Board of Wildlife in 1952. It aimed to raise awareness about wildlife protection. Wildlife Week has since become an annual event focused on promoting conservation and highlighting India’s rich biodiversity.

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.

Notes:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the ‘Sankalp’ initiative on 6 October 2024. The initiative aims to combat drug trafficking and aid the rehabilitation of drug addicts. It was announced at an event by Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan in Shimla. A model de-addiction and rehabilitation center will be established at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district. The center will help drug addicts recover and reintegrate into society.

Notes:
The Union Health Ministry has increased monthly nutrition support for TB patients under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) was launched in April 2018 under the National Health Mission. It is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP). The scheme aims to provide nutritional support to TB patients. All notified TB patients are eligible beneficiaries of the scheme.

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:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem. India is the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone. Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis and affects the eyes. It spreads through contact with secretions from the eyes, eyelids, nose, or throat of infected individuals. If untreated, it can lead to irreversible blindness. It primarily affects communities in poor environmental conditions, with 150 million people worldwide at risk, including 6 million who are blind.

Notes:
The third edition of the Mindfulness India Summit is scheduled to take place on October 17 and 18 in Mumbai. It aims to provide leaders and professionals with strategies for healthier, more empathetic workplaces. It is organised by the Mindful Science Centre. The summit will focus on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience. The theme, “Thrive in the Age of Disruption,” highlights mindfulness as essential for navigating today’s business challenges.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat, on 9 October 2024. This complex will be developed in two phases at the ancient Indus Valley site of Lothal. It aims to be an international tourist destination showcasing India’s maritime heritage from ancient to modern times. The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in collaboration with the Gujarat government, is overseeing the project under the Sagarmala scheme. Built on 400 acres, it will cost approximately Rs 4500 crore, with work beginning in March 2022.