Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
India and the USA have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand and diversify critical minerals supply chains, aiming to leverage their complementary strengths for resilience in the sector. This agreement focuses on equipment, services, policies, and best practices for the commercial development of critical minerals exploration and processing. The MoU is part of broader efforts to enhance innovation ecosystems and secure supply chains in semiconductors and clean energy, following discussions held during the 6th US-India Commercial Dialogue in October 2024.

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:
The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2024 has been awarded to Vera Voronova from Kazakhstan and Ysabel Agustina Calderón Carlos from Peru. The prize was established by the AEON Environmental Foundation in collaboration with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainability. The award is given biennially, every two years.

Notes:
Union Health Minister JP Nadda was elected Chairperson of the 77th session of WHO’s Regional Committee for Southeast Asia. The committee shapes WHO’s health policies in the region. The three-day session began in New Delhi and includes health ministers from Southeast Asian nations like Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and others. The focus is on improving public health systems and addressing key epidemiological and demographic challenges.

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.

Notes:
Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park’s Red Panda Program is a finalist for the 2024 WAZA Conservation Award. Between 2022 and 2024, nine captive-bred red pandas were released into Singalila National Park, West Bengal. The zoo collaborates with institutions and the government of India for habitat restoration. It has a Biobanking and Genetic Resource Facility to preserve gametes, tissues, and DNA of Red Pandas and other endangered species. The award winner will be announced at the 79th WAZA Annual Conference on 7th November in Taronga Zoo, Australia.

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:
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.