Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh government launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan to empower youth and promote entrepreneurship in Uttar Pradesh. The scheme aims to set up 10 lakh micro units over the next 10 years. Each year, 1 lakh educated and trained youth will receive financial assistance. Applicants must have at least passed class eight, with preference for those who completed class 12. The scheme supports projects up to ₹5 lakh in micro enterprises and service sectors. Special provisions exist for Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, and aspirational districts. Digital transactions are incentivized with ₹1 per transaction, up to ₹2,000 annually.

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:
The Oakhurst rock shelter, located near George, South Africa, has yielded ancient genomes dating back to approximately 10,000 years ago. This archaeological site is significant for its record of human occupation spanning 12,000 years and the discovery of multiple ancient genomes, which show remarkable genetic continuity among the region’s inhabitants. The findings highlight the importance of understanding Africa’s rich genetic diversity and its implications for human history.

Notes:
India’s forex reserves recently surpassed 700 billion for the first time, making it the fourth country to do so after the other three. In 2024, India’s forex reserves have increased by 87.6 billion, which is more than the increase of nearly $62 billion in the entire previous year. As of October 2024, the top four countries with the highest foreign exchange reserves (forex) are: China, Japan, Switzerland, and India.

Notes:
Iran recently launched over 180 ballistic missiles, including the hypersonic Fattah-2, targeting Israel’s air defenses. Fattah-2 is a new version of Iran’s first domestically made hypersonic ballistic missile, Fattah, which means conqueror in Farsi. It features a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) warhead that can maneuver and glide at hypersonic speed. The missile uses a liquid-fuel rocket propellant, allowing its engine to adjust thrust force.

Notes:
Odisha has reported the presence of rare melanistic leopards, known as black panthers, in three forest divisions based on the All Odisha Leopard Estimation-2024. This species is particularly vulnerable to poaching, and the state is taking measures to protect them. The survey revealed a total of 696 leopards in Odisha, an increase from previous estimates, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in the region, especially in the Similipal Tiger Reserve, which also houses unique Royal Bengal tigers.

Notes:
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) suspended the membership of the National Zoological Park, or Delhi Zoo. The decision was due to concerns over the poor conditions of the lone African elephant at the zoo. WAZA is the global umbrella organization for zoos and aquariums, established in 1935. It represents the zoo and aquarium community worldwide. The organization’s mission focuses on animal care, environmental education, and global conservation. WAZA’s members include prominent zoos, aquariums, and regional associations, along with affiliate organizations like zoo veterinarians and educators.

Notes:
The participatory forest management project in Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve is called “Vidiyal Vanapathukappu Sangam” which translates to “The Dawn Forest Protection Group” and primarily involves former poachers and sandalwood smugglers turned protectors of the reserve. This project actively engages former poachers, providing them with alternative livelihoods like tourist guiding and anti-poaching activities. The project has been credited with significantly reducing poaching in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and safeguarding the area’s sandalwood reserve.

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:
India celebrates National Postal Day on October 10th each year. The day honors the Indian Postal Service and its role in connecting the nation. It commemorates the service’s founding by the East India Company on October 10, 1854. The Indian Postal Service has grown into one of the world’s largest networks. It has evolved from simple mail delivery to providing a wide range of services to millions across the country.