Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
The canal network connected to Hirakud Dam, a major project in eastern India, is set for renovation. Hirakud Dam is the longest dam in India and the longest earthen dam in the world, with a length of 25.79 km. It is built across the Mahanadi River, 15 km upstream of Sambalpur, Odisha. The dam creates the Hirakud Reservoir, the largest artificial lake in Asia, covering 746 sq. km. Inaugurated in 1957, it was India’s first major post-independence multipurpose river valley project. It provides irrigation for 1,55,635 hectares in Kharif and 1,08,385 hectares in Rabi seasons, with a power generation capacity of 359.8 MW.

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:
Every year on October 8, India observes Indian Air Force Day to honor servicemen and pilots who sacrificed their lives for the nation. This year, the celebration marks the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force. The event takes place at Marina Beach in Chennai. Indian Air Force Day 2024 falls on a Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The theme for this year is “Bharatiya Vayusena: Saksham, Sashakt aur Aatmnirbhar,” which translates to “Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant.”

Notes:
World Post Day is celebrated every year on October 9 to highlight the importance of the postal system in daily life, global communication, and economic growth. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), established in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland, which transformed international mail exchange. The theme for this year, “150 Years of Enabling Communication and Empowering People Across Nations,” honors the UPU’s efforts to streamline international mail services and create a unified postal system for easier mail exchange between countries.

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:
Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to fully digitalize document registration with its new e-registry system, Sampada 2.0. This advanced version of the software and mobile app allows document registration to be completed online, eliminating the need for physical visits to Sub-Registrar offices. The process is now completely digital, secure, and paperless, making it more convenient and hassle-free for users.

Notes:
World Migratory Bird Day is a global campaign to promote international cooperation for the conservation of migratory birds. In 2024, it is celebrated on 11 May and 12 October, reflecting bird migrations in different hemispheres.
The 2024 theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds.” The theme emphasizes the importance of insects for migratory birds and the need to protect both. The day raises awareness about the role insects play in supporting bird survival and urges action for their protection.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The World Bank released the South Asian Development Update report, indicating that output growth in South Asia will exceed that of other emerging market regions. Climate change is exposing South Asia to extreme heat, floods, and other weather-related shocks, with smaller firms in India being particularly vulnerable. Female labor force participation in the region is low at 32%, highlighting the potential for income growth through gender equity. The report mentions a marriage penalty, noting that marriage decreases women’s labor force participation. Bhutan’s economy is projected to grow by 7.2% in FY25, with India close behind at 7%, driven by private consumption, tourism, and hydropower exports.

Notes:
The recently released ‘EnviStats India-2024’ report ranked the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) first among India’s 55 tiger reserves for its leopard population, estimating around 360 leopards. The report states that 270 leopards inhabit the reserve, while another 90 move through the area. India’s overall leopard population is estimated at 13,874, with 569 leopards in Andhra Pradesh. NSTR also hosts more than 80 tigers across 1,401 square kilometers. Conservation efforts, including ensuring food and water sources and fire prevention measures, have boosted the leopard population.