Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

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:
SIPCOT, or the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu, was established in 1971 to foster industrial growth in Tamil Nadu. With 50 industrial parks, it has facilitated over 3,290 industrial units and generated millions of jobs. The initiative aims to enhance the state’s economy, targeting a $1 trillion economy by 2030. SIPCOT focuses on sector-specific parks, innovation centers, and sustainable housing for workers, playing a crucial role in Tamil Nadu’s industrial landscape.

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:
The Union Health Ministry has increased monthly nutrition support for TB patients under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) was launched in April 2018 under the National Health Mission. It is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP). The scheme aims to provide nutritional support to TB patients. All notified TB patients are eligible beneficiaries of the scheme.

Notes:
Tunisian President Kais Saied was re-elected for a second five-year term with 90.7% of the vote. The election result was announced on 7 October 2024 by Tunisia’s Independent High Authority for Elections. The election, held on 6 October 2024, saw a record-low voter turnout of 28.8%. This is the lowest turnout since the 2011 Jasmine Revolution, which introduced democracy. In the 2019 election, voter turnout was 55%.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways launched the Humsafar Policy on 7 October 2024 in New Delhi. The policy was introduced by Nitin Gadkari in the presence of key officials. Humsafar Policy aims to improve travel convenience on National Highways and Expressways. It focuses on developing world-class facilities like eateries, fuel stations, and trauma centres along highways. Commuters will have access to well-maintained, hygienic services. Service provider details can be easily found on the NHAI’s ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ app.

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:
Researchers have discovered a new damselfly species named Agasthyamalai Bambootail in Manjadininnavila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This rare species belongs to the bambootail group, known for their long cylindrical abdomens resembling bamboo stalks. It was found in the Agasthyamalai landscape of the Western Ghats. The only other species in this genus is the Malabar Bambootail, located in Coorg-Wayanad. Agasthyamalai Bambootail can be identified by the absence of the anal bridge vein in its wings. It features a long black body with striking blue markings and differs from the Malabar Bambootail in specific anatomical structures.

Notes:
AI-generated synthetic medical images offer an ethical, scalable, and cost-effective solution for healthcare. These images are created by AI or computer algorithms, not by traditional imaging devices like MRI or CT scans. Techniques like generative adversarial networks (GANs), diffusion models, and autoencoders are used to construct these images. In healthcare, AI creates new medical scans or radiological images that mimic real ones but are not based on actual patient data.

Notes:
The Telangana government has started a comprehensive household caste survey to ensure fair resource distribution among all communities. This makes Telangana the third state to conduct a caste-based headcount, following Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. The survey aims to plan and implement various opportunities for the socio-economic and educational improvement of OBCs, SCs, STs, and other weaker sections. It focuses on enhancing employment and political opportunities for these communities in the state.