Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
The Union Minister inaugurated India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Jejuri, Pune, Maharashtra. This facility focuses on developing technology for producing Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic. Biopolymers are made from biological sources such as fats, vegetable oils, and sugars. They offer advantages over synthetic polymers, including biodegradability, allowing for easy decomposition by bacteria in soil. They also promote carbon neutrality since the CO2 released during their degradation can be reabsorbed by replacement crops.

Notes:
THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence), a missile defense system developed by United States, is designed to intercept and destroy short to intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The U.S. has deployed THAAD to Israel as part of its commitment to Israel’s defense amid rising tensions with Iran. This deployment enhances Israel’s existing air defense capabilities, providing a deterrent against missile threats. The system employs “hit-to-kill” technology and can cover a broader area than older systems, reflecting strategic military adjustments in the region.

Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh government is launching India’s first language museum dedicated to Hindi literature in Kashi, the parliamentary constituency of PM Narendra Modi. This museum aims to showcase manuscripts, photographs, and documents of renowned Hindi scholars like Kabirdas and Munshi Premchandra. With a budget of Rs 25 crore, it will include an amphitheater and garden, enriching the cultural heritage of the region. This initiative highlights Kashi’s historical significance in Hindi literature and its prominent literary figures.

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The 19th ICDRA, hosted by India, brings together global regulatory authorities to enhance cooperation in drug regulation, share knowledge, and address challenges like antimicrobial resistance and AI’s role in healthcare. The conference underscores India’s commitment to global health standards, recognizing its position as the “Pharmacy of the World” by ensuring access to quality medicines and vaccines, especially post-COVID-19. Key discussions also focus on regulatory preparedness for future health emergencies.

Notes:
BEML has manufactured India’s first indigenous high-speed train with a peak speed of 280 kmph. Founded on 11 May 1964 with Soviet Union assistance, BEML was initially fully owned by the Indian government. Headquartered in Bangalore, it manufactures heavy equipment for earthmoving, railways, transport, and mining sectors. The government divested 25% of its holdings in 1992, and further strategic disinvestment (26%) with management control transfer was later approved. BEML is Asia’s second-largest manufacturer of earthmoving equipment.

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The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released a report titled “Agriculture and Conservation.” The report explores the complex relationship between agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Agriculture directly threatens 34% of species on the IUCN Red List due to habitat conversion to croplands, pasturelands, plantations, and irrigation. Indirect threats include invasive species, nutrient loading, soil erosion, agrochemicals, and climate change.
On the positive side, agriculture provides habitat for about 17% of species on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry highlighted the ‘Zero Defect and Zero Effect’ (ZED) initiative at the Indian Foundation for Quality Management (IFQM) Symposium. It was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of MSME. The ZED initiative is an integrated certification system. It aims to encourage MSMEs to produce quality products using advanced technology.
The initiative promotes achieving higher ZED certification levels through incentives. It supports the “Make in India” campaign by enhancing product quality and reducing environmental impact.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ or National Learning Week at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The initiative aimed to strengthen individual and organizational capacity development for civil servants. Launched in September 2020, Mission Karmayogi focused on creating a future-ready civil service with Indian values and a global outlook. National Learning Week promoted a unified “One Government” approach and lifelong learning. Civil servants engaged in competency-linked learning through iGOT platform modules, webinars, and masterclasses. Ministries and organizations held seminars and workshops to enhance skills for citizen-centric service delivery.

Notes:
Scientists have discovered that Gliese 229B, found 30 years ago, is actually twin brown dwarfs orbiting each other. Brown dwarfs are called “failed stars” as they are lighter than stars but heavier than gas giant planets. They are larger than planets like Jupiter but smaller than stars. Brown dwarfs gather material like stars, not planets, and have hot clouds, possibly made of silicates. They retain lighter elements like hydrogen and helium but have low metal content. Lacking enough mass to burn nuclear fuel, they don’t radiate starlight.

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The carcass of a nearly nine-year-old tigress, RVTR-2, was found in the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Bundi, Rajasthan. The reserve is located in southeastern Rajasthan and covers 1,501.89 sq. km, including a core area of 481.91 sq. km and a buffer area of 1,019.98 sq. km. It connects to Ranthambore and Mukundara Hills tiger reserves. Ramgarh Vishdhari was designated as a tiger reserve on May 16, 2022. The Mez River, a tributary of the Chambal, flows through it. The vegetation mainly consists of dry deciduous forests, with dominant flora including Dhok and Khair trees. The reserve is home to leopards, sloth bears, jungle cats, and various other wildlife.