Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
DRDO completed development trials of the 4th Generation Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD) with three successful tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan. VSHORAD is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges. It was developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, with industry partners. The missile features advanced technologies like a miniaturised Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, and is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor.

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:
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:
Five Russian mountaineers recently died on an expedition on Mount Dhaulagiri. Mount Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,167 meters (26,795 feet). It is located in west-central Nepal, part of the Himalayan range, and is the highest mountain entirely in Nepal. Known for snowy peaks and glaciers, Dhaulagiri means “white mountain” in Sanskrit. The first successful climb was by Swiss climber Max Eiselin in 1960. The mountain is challenging due to its tough terrain and unpredictable weather.

Notes:
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has met WHO standards for safety, efficacy, and quality in vaccine regulation. CDSCO is India’s National Regulatory Authority for medical devices, operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) heads CDSCO, with its headquarters in New Delhi.
CDSCO’s responsibilities include new drug approvals, clinical trials, drug standards, import quality control, and coordination with state regulators. It also grants licenses for critical drugs like blood products, vaccines, and IV fluids, along with state authorities.

Notes:
The ‘Prerna Sthal’ memorial in Sikkim, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, honors 22 soldiers who lost their lives in the October 2023 glacial lake outburst at South Lhonak Lake. The memorial symbolizes their courage and sacrifice, aiming to inspire national pride. Similar to the National War Memorial in New Delhi, it serves as a tribute to fallen heroes, fostering unity and remembrance across generations.

Notes:
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, were recently visible in parts of the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Ladakh, India. Auroras are natural light displays in high-latitude regions caused by solar wind particles interacting with Earth’s upper atmosphere. They form dynamic patterns like curtains, rays, or spirals in the sky. Aurora borealis, or northern lights, mainly occur near the Arctic Circle in countries like Norway, Canada, and Alaska. These lights, primarily green, red, and purple, are created by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s atmospheric gases.

Notes:
Bathukamma is a festival celebrated in the state of Telangana and some parts of Andhra Pradesh. It is a floral festival that celebrates the beginning of the Sarad or Sharath Ruthu season. It is celebrated for nine days during Durga Navratri, usually in September or October. Bathukamma is a symbol of Telangana’s cultural identity and is celebrated with vibrant flowers, songs, and communal harmony.

Notes:
A new weapon known as “dragon drones” is being used in the Russia-Ukraine war. These drones release thermite, a mixture of aluminum and iron oxide originally developed for welding railroad tracks. When ignited, thermite causes a self-sustaining reaction that is difficult to extinguish. It can burn through various materials, including clothing, trees, and military vehicles, and causes severe burns and bone damage to humans. Dragon drones combine thermite with precision technology, making them highly effective and dangerous. While the use of thermite in war is legal, targeting civilians with incendiary weapons is prohibited under international law.

Notes:
The 5th National Water Awards 2023 were announced in New Delhi. Odisha won the first prize for Best State, followed by Uttar Pradesh in second place. Gujarat and Puducherry jointly secured third place. The event, led by Union Minister C.R. Patil, aimed to recognize efforts in water conservation and management. A total of 38 winners were honored in various categories, promoting awareness of sustainable water practices. The awards underscore the importance of effective water management in addressing challenges related to water scarcity and sustainability.