Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
The Assam government has launched the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme to combat child marriage and support girl students in pursuing higher studies. The scheme provides monthly stipends: Rs 1,000 for Classes 11-12, Rs 1,250 for degree students, and Rs 2,500 for post-graduate students. To qualify, students must attend classes regularly, demonstrate discipline, perform well in exams, and delay marriage until after completing their post-graduation. This initiative aims to empower girls and promote education in Assam.

Notes:
Pilgrims recently had the first-ever view of the sacred Kailash peak from the Old Lipulekh pass in Indian territory.
Lipulekh Pass is a high-altitude pass in Uttarakhand, near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China, at 5,334 meters.
It links Uttarakhand with Tibet and serves as a gateway to the Himalayas. It is situated in Vyas Valley, Pithoragarh. It opened for trade with China in 1992. It has ancient trade significance and is part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, believed to be Lord Shiva’s abode.

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 Halari donkey, native to Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, is an endangered breed according to the IUCN. Known for its intelligence, it works closely with humans in agricultural tasks. Halari donkeys are small to medium-sized, typically white or light gray, and well-adapted to arid climates with high endurance. They can survive on minimal food and water. Their milk, valued for its medicinal properties, can sell for up to Rs 1000. The population is declining due to mechanization and a lack of awareness. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect their genetic diversity and cultural heritage.

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Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the GREEN Meghalaya Plus (GMP) Scheme to enhance and conserve forest cover. The scheme aims to expand forest conservation by offering monetary rewards for protecting forested areas. It follows the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) principle, supporting individuals and communities committed to conserving natural forests for at least 30 years. This initiative is part of the state’s PES program launched in 2022 and targets an additional 50,000 hectares for conservation. So far, over 3,000 individuals and communities have benefitted, conserving more than 54,000 hectares of natural forest.

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.

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Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) homes bring joy to women of the Tharu tribe in Kheri district near the Indo-Nepal border. The Tharu tribe is an indigenous group living in the Terai plain on the Indo-Nepal border, found in both India and Nepal. In India, they are primarily in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, and were recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in 1967. They speak Tharu or Tharuhati, an Indo-Aryan language. Their economy is based on agriculture, cattle-raising, hunting, fishing, and forest products. Tharu homes are made from bamboo and mud.

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.

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According to recent reports, the Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore) has developed a device utilizing photoacoustic technology for early detection of breast cancer at an affordable cost. The device uses Photoacoustic Spectral Response (PASR) technology, which combines optical and acoustic signals to detect abnormal tissue changes. t aims to enable early breast cancer detection, particularly in rural and remote areas, due to its affordability.

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Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is set to become the state’s 8th tiger reserve. It covers about 3,500 sq km across Raisen, Sehore, and Bhopal districts. 1,500 sq km will be the core tiger area, with 2,000 sq km as a buffer zone. The sanctuary is home to 40 tigers, with 12 more tigers frequently moving nearby. It will boost tourism and the local economy, with increased government funding. The sanctuary hosts diverse wildlife, including over 150 bird species.