Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
Silicosis is an incurable occupational disease resulting from inhaling silica dust, often found in mining environments. This dust causes lung hardening, leading to severe respiratory issues. In regions like Panna district, many miners have been misdiagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) due to similar symptoms. The disease has gained attention as health workers advocate for better recognition and compensation for affected individuals, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and the dangers of working in silica-rich mines.

Notes:
Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati is preparing for Brahmotsavam, a nine-day festival. It is celebrated at the Tirumala Tirupati Sri Venkateshwara Temple by the Swami Pushkarini lake. The festival was initiated by Lord Brahma to thank Lord Venkateshwara for protecting mankind. In lunar months with an extra month, two Brahmotsavams are held: Salakatla and Navarathri. In 2024, only one Brahmotsavam (Salakatla) held due to the absence of Adhika Maasa. The Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam ritual, a traditional cleansing, occurs on Tuesdays before Brahmotsavam and other major festivals.

Notes:
Assam has launched the “co-district” initiative, a new governance model that replaces the traditional civil sub-division system. Co-district commissioners will have the same powers as district commissioners for more localized control. It is the first initiative of its kind in India, aiming to decentralize administration and improve accessibility to governance.
The initiative was launched in 39 Assembly constituencies on October 4, 2024, with a second phase expanding to 35 more constituencies. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that it will make governance more responsive and citizen-friendly.

Notes:
DRDO completed development trials of the 4th Generation Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD) with three successful tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan. VSHORAD is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges. It was developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, with industry partners. The missile features advanced technologies like a miniaturised Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, and is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor.

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India hosts the joint naval exercise of Quad nations from October 8 to 18 in Visakhapatnam. The exercise, named Malabar 2024, includes sea and harbor phases focusing on cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. It features various Indian naval platforms, such as guided missile destroyers, submarines, and fighter aircraft. The Malabar exercise started in 1992 as a US-India drill and evolved into a multilateral event to enhance interoperability and address maritime challenges. Recent Quad meetings emphasized maritime security cooperation and announced joint coast guard operations and a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training (MAITRI).

Notes:
The forest department held its first ‘Cyclothon’ to celebrate World Wildlife Week 2024 at the Kawal Tiger Reserve’s buffer zone. Kawal Tiger Reserve is in north-eastern Telangana, along the Godavari River. It covers an area of 2,015 sq. km in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. The government declared it a Tiger Reserve in 2012. The reserve features diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, rivers, and water bodies. It is part of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape, connecting to Tadoba-Andhari in Maharashtra and Indravati in Chhattisgarh.

Notes:
Five Russian mountaineers recently died on an expedition on Mount Dhaulagiri. Mount Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,167 meters (26,795 feet). It is located in west-central Nepal, part of the Himalayan range, and is the highest mountain entirely in Nepal. Known for snowy peaks and glaciers, Dhaulagiri means “white mountain” in Sanskrit. The first successful climb was by Swiss climber Max Eiselin in 1960. The mountain is challenging due to its tough terrain and unpredictable weather.

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:
Ahmedabad University has launched The Climate Institute, focusing on research, education, and impact to address climate issues. The Institute is developing India’s first comprehensive Climate, Energy, and Environmental education program for future leaders. It operates in three areas: Energy and Climate Change, Cities and Settlements, and Air and Water, promoting interdisciplinary research and partnerships to inform policy design and innovation.

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.