Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
The Ministry of Heavy Industries launched the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme. The scheme aims to boost the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and create essential charging infrastructure nationwide for cleaner transportation. Key components include subsidies for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ambulances, trucks, and other emerging EVs. It offers e-vouchers for EV buyers and promotes e-ambulances, e-buses, and e-trucks. Public charging stations will be established in cities with high EV use, supported by a financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore over two years.

Notes:
The World Green Economy Forum launched in Dubai, bringing together global leaders to address environmental challenges.
Under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s patronage, the theme was “Empowering Global Action: Unlocking Opportunities and Advancing Progress.” Sessions focused on international cooperation for climate mitigation and integrated approaches to meet sustainable development goals. Strategies for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries were discussed, emphasizing public-private partnerships and philanthropists’ roles in climate solutions. The forum highlighted AI’s importance in sustainability and the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), along with youth’s critical role in environmental progress.

Notes:
Switzerland and Italy have redrawn their national boundary due to melting Alpine glaciers. Many parts of the Swiss-Italian border are determined by glacier ridgelines, which are shifting as glaciers melt. The redrawn section lies beneath the Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest peaks. Switzerland’s glaciers lost 10% of their ice volume in 2022-2023, a record high. More than half of Switzerland’s electricity comes from hydroelectric facilities, which are also at risk due to accelerated glacier melting.

Notes:
The Drought Resilience+10 (DR+10) Conference, held from September 30 to October 2, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland, focused on enhancing global drought preparedness and resilience. It marked a decade since the first High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policy and brought together policymakers, experts, and practitioners to discuss advancements in drought management. With droughts becoming more frequent due to climate change, the conference emphasized the need for effective policies and global mechanisms to address systemic drought risks and promote sustainable development.

Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu attended the first Adi Gaurav Samman Samaroh in Mangarh Dham, Rajasthan, on October 4, 2024.
The Rajasthan government established the Adi Gaurav Samman award, which has three categories: Aadiratna, Adi Seva, and Aadi Grammotthan Gaurav Samman. Aadiratna Gaurav Samman awards Scheduled Tribe members excelling in sports, education, and culture. Adi Seva Gaurav Samman recognizes exemplary service for Scheduled Tribes. Aadi Grammotthan Gaurav Samman rewards Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zilla Parishads for socio-economic improvements.

Notes:
Iran recently launched over 180 ballistic missiles, including the hypersonic Fattah-2, targeting Israel’s air defenses. Fattah-2 is a new version of Iran’s first domestically made hypersonic ballistic missile, Fattah, which means conqueror in Farsi. It features a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) warhead that can maneuver and glide at hypersonic speed. The missile uses a liquid-fuel rocket propellant, allowing its engine to adjust thrust force.

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:
Taiwan’s navy claims China’s military is using an “anaconda strategy” against the island. The strategy is inspired by Union General Winfield Scott’s Civil War plan to suffocate the enemy like an anaconda. China aims to economically and militarily isolate Taiwan, using military movements, psychological tactics, and cyber warfare. The goal is to pressure Taiwan into surrendering without a direct invasion.

Notes:
Footrot disease is affecting the sheep and goats of Gaddi shepherds in Himachal Pradesh. It is a highly contagious disease affecting the tissue between the toes of ruminants. Footrot is a common cause of lameness in cattle and sheep, leading to significant economic losses. The disease is caused by the Dichelobacter nodosus bacteria along with other bacteria. It spreads through infected feet contaminating the environment and enters through skin injuries. Footrot is seasonal, with the highest occurrence during wet seasons. Controlling footrot in an infected herd is challenging.

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.