Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

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:
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their groundbreaking work in machine learning with artificial neural networks. Machine Learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) focused on creating systems that learn from data. ML enables systems to adapt and improve as they gain more experience. Algorithms in ML identify relationships and patterns in data, making predictions and classifying information.

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.

Notes:
The Phata Byung Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Uttarakhand has received fresh approval, pending environmental, forest, and wildlife clearances. It is a run-of-the-river project on the Mandakini River in Rudraprayag. There are concerns about the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the area, with 24 glacial lakes nearby, six of which are critical.
The Mandakini River originates from the Chorabari Glacier near Kedarnath and flows about 81 kilometers before joining the Alaknanda River at Rudraprayag. The Alaknanda eventually converges with the Bhagirathi River at Devaprayag, forming the Ganga and passes by the Madhyamaheshwar temple in Ukhimath.

Notes:
Hurricane Milton has intensified into a Category 5 storm, posing an extreme risk to Florida, USA, particularly the Tampa Bay area. With a central pressure of 897 mb, it ranks as the fifth most intense hurricane in Atlantic history. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of life-threatening winds and destructive storm surges as Milton approaches the Gulf coast. Evacuations are underway, and residents are urged to take precautions due to potential flooding and hazardous conditions.

Notes:
INS Talwar arrived in South Africa for the eighth edition of exercise IBSAMAR. IBSAMAR is a joint maritime exercise involving India, Brazil, and South Africa. The exercise focuses on Blue Water Naval Warfare, covering Surface and Anti-Air Warfare. Activities include professional exchanges, firefighting drills, search-and-seizure operations, diving, aviation safety, and ocean governance seminars. The exercise strengthens naval interoperability, builds mutual trust, and fosters cooperation among like-minded nations for peaceful maritime environments.

Notes:
Recent research has confirmed the existence of the glymphatic system in humans, a network that clears waste from the brain, particularly during sleep. This system utilizes cerebrospinal fluid channels surrounding blood vessels to remove cellular waste, which is crucial for preventing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. The study, conducted by Dr. Juan Piantino and his team, utilized advanced MRI techniques to visualize this system in living humans, building on earlier findings in mice. Understanding the glymphatic system may lead to improved treatments for sleep-related cognitive decline and dementia.

Notes:
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare observed World Mental Health Day and celebrated two years of Tele MANAS. This year’s theme is “It is time to prioritize Mental Health at Workplace.” Tele MANAS aims to provide universal access to affordable mental health care through 24/7 tele-mental health services across India.

Notes:
The India Digital Agri Conference 2024, co-organized by ICFA and IIT Ropar, was held in New Delhi. The mission aims to empower farmers with real-time information for better decision-making and boost rural livelihoods. The event emphasized using technology and collaboration to innovate traditional farming, promote sustainability, and build climate-resilient systems.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane and congratulated him on hosting the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits. They highlighted the restoration of Vat Phou, a UNESCO site, supported by India, as strengthening bilateral ties. Agreements were signed in defence, broadcasting, customs cooperation, and Quick Impact Projects under Mekong-Ganga Cooperation. The projects include preserving the Lao Ramayana, restoring Wat Pakea temple with Ramayana artwork, and supporting a shadow puppetry theatre in Champasak province.