Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

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:
A study by scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences in Lucknow found significant potential for hydrocarbon generation in the eastern South Karanpura coalfield in Jharkhand. The research used microscopic palynomorph analysis and geochemical assessments, showing the eastern Sirka coalfield has more hydrocarbon potential than the Giddi coalfield. The South Karanpura coalfield has 28 major coal blocks and is vital for India’s energy sector. There is growing interest in exploring unconventional hydrocarbon resources like coal bed methane and shale gas due to increasing energy demands and the shift toward green energy.

Notes:
India launched the ‘Study in India’ campaign at the 20th International Education Show in Sharjah to attract international students to its universities. Organized by EdCIL, the campaign aims to position India as a global education hub, showcasing over 590 universities offering diverse courses and benefits like scholarships. The centralized Study in India portal simplifies admissions, helping students explore programs, apply, and manage visas in one place. India’s higher education sector is the second largest globally, with institutions like IITs and IIMs gaining recognition. The program has attracted over 69,000 students for the 2024-25 academic year, with 4,000 already in India.

Notes:
The Indonesian government plans partial closures of Komodo National Park in 2025 to mitigate the negative impacts of a growing number of tourists on the fragile ecosystem, primarily aimed at protecting the iconic Komodo dragons. The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard species, scientifically known as Varanus komodoensis. It lives on Komodo Island and nearby Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia. Komodo dragons grow up to 3 meters long, weigh about 135 kg, and have yellow, forked tongues. They can reproduce through parthenogenesis when isolated from males. Known for their venomous bite, they can occasionally attack humans. Lifespan is 30 years, and they are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, were recently visible in parts of the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Ladakh, India. Auroras are natural light displays in high-latitude regions caused by solar wind particles interacting with Earth’s upper atmosphere. They form dynamic patterns like curtains, rays, or spirals in the sky. Aurora borealis, or northern lights, mainly occur near the Arctic Circle in countries like Norway, Canada, and Alaska. These lights, primarily green, red, and purple, are created by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s atmospheric gases.

Notes:
The ISSF Junior World Cup will be hosted by India in 2025, confirmed by ISSF President Luciano Rossi. Mr. Rossi made this announcement at a press conference before the ISSF World Cup Final in New Delhi. He praised India for its growing role in promoting the sport of shooting globally. India is recognized for its talented athletes and commitment to enhancing shooting infrastructure. Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), attended the press conference.

Notes:
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A Robinson for their research on how institutions affect economic prosperity. They distinguished between inclusive and extractive institutions, emphasizing that societies with poor rule of law and concentrated power do not foster growth. Their findings link the historical choices made by colonizers regarding institutions to present-day economic disparities, highlighting the importance of inclusive systems for long-term prosperity.

Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu received an Honorary Doctorate in Political Science in Algeria on 15 October 2024. She is on a three-nation African tour to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi from 13-19 October 2024. President Murmu is the first Indian President to visit these three countries. She emphasized education’s role in reducing inequalities and promoting equal opportunities. She encouraged Algerians to utilize India’s ITEC program and other scholarships. Murmu highlighted the importance of youth in strengthening the bond between India and Algeria.

Notes:
The PROBA-3 mission, led by the European Space Agency (ESA) and scheduled for launch in November 2024, aims to create an artificial eclipse using two coordinated satellites. This innovative approach allows for detailed observation of the Sun’s corona, which is usually obscured by the Sun’s brightness. The mission will demonstrate advanced formation flying technology and enhance our understanding of solar phenomena, such as solar flares, which can impact space weather and satellite operations on Earth. The collaboration involves various European countries and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 8th India Mobile Congress at Bharat Mandapam during the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024. The event was organized by the Department of Telecommunications, the Union Ministry of Communication, and the Cellular Operator Association of India. It highlighted India’s innovation in Quantum technology, Circular Economy, 6G, 5G use cases, IoT, cybersecurity, and more. Over 400 exhibitors and about 900 startups participated from over 120 countries. The congress featured over 900 technology sessions and discussions with over 600 speakers. India Mobile Congress is Asia’s largest digital technology forum, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and services.