Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2024

Notes:
The FDA approved Cobenfy, a new drug for schizophrenia, combining xanomeline and trospium chloride, which avoids many side effects of older medications. Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder affecting 1 in 100 people, leading to social isolation and a life expectancy reduced by 13-15 years. Symptoms usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, peaking in men in their early 20s and emerging in women in their mid- to late 40s. Clinical symptoms include reality distortion (delusions, hallucinations), disorganization, and negative symptoms like apathy and lack of motivation. Cobenfy offers a new treatment option with a different action mechanism, but may cause side effects like nausea, indigestion, and dizziness.

Notes:
Recent research indicates that Betelgeuse, a red supergiant star, may have a companion star, “Betelbuddy,” influencing its brightness. This finding, led by astrophysicist Jared Goldberg, suggests that the companion star is responsible for Betelgeuse’s unusual dimming and brightening patterns by pushing aside dust. Betelgeuse exhibits two pulsation cycles, with the longer cycle linked to the companion’s orbit, challenging previous theories about its imminent supernova explosion.

Notes:
The Remove Debris In-Orbit Servicing (RISE) mission is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission that will demonstrate the ability to dock with and control the orbit of geostationary satellites. The mission aims to extend satellite life through refueling and refurbishment. RISE will prevent new space debris and promote a circular economy in orbit. ESA signed a €119 million contract with D-Orbit to co-fund the mission, launching in 2028. The mission will demonstrate safe docking and maneuvering of geostationary satellites. The mission will operate in the geostationary graveyard orbit, 100 km above active satellites, where old satellites are “parked” after completing their missions.

Notes:
The Amaravati Drone Summit 2024, held in Andhra Pradesh, aims to attract investments in drone manufacturing and foster discussions on drone technology. With over 1000 delegates attending, including representatives from the Civil Aviation Ministry and the defense sector, the summit will showcase India’s largest drone show featuring over 5000 drones. This initiative is part of the Andhra Pradesh government’s strategy to establish the state as the drone capital of India, highlighting the significance of innovation hubs in the drone ecosystem.

Notes:
Research shows that toxins called microcystin from cyanobacteria can make animals and people sick when exposed to Lake Erie’s infected water. Lake Erie is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes, forming a boundary between Canada and the U.S. Its main tributaries include the Detroit, Huron, and Raisin rivers, and it discharges through the Niagara River. Microcystin, produced by the cyanobacterium Microcystis, forms harmful blooms and releases toxins that impact freshwater ecosystems.

Notes:
The Delhi government is establishing special courts for people with disabilities, approved by Chief Minister Atishi. This initiative aims to streamline the judicial process, ensuring fair and swift justice for disabled individuals. This a historic step to reform the judicial system to better serve the interests of people with disabilities. The new courts will reduce challenges in accessing legal services and strengthen trust in the justice system. Designed to accommodate specific needs, these courts will resolve cases promptly in an inclusive environment, prioritizing the right to justice for all.

Notes:
The Pong Dam, constructed on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh, began in 1961 to support irrigation in Rajasthan. It displaced over 20,000 families, with 6,736 cases of rehabilitation still pending. The state government is actively working to expedite these cases, aiming to provide land to those affected. Its creation led to the artificial lake, Maharana Pratap Sagar, which was later declared a bird sanctuary in 1983. The lake became a Ramsar Wetland in 2002, hosting diverse birds like Bar-Headed Geese, northern lapwing, and Eurasian coot.

Notes:
The 31st Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) held at Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam from 23 to 29 Oct 2024. SIMBEX, an annual exercise between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy, began as ‘Exercise Lion King’ in 1994. The exercise includes a Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam with expert exchanges, sports, and cross-deck visits, and a Sea Phase in the Bay of Bengal. Advanced drills in the Sea Phase covers live weapon firing, anti-submarine, anti-surface, anti-air operations, and tactical manoeuvres.

Notes:
Hong Kong’s government banned apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Google Drive on official computers to boost cybersecurity. This step addresses low cybersecurity awareness in the territory. Civil servants can still use these apps on personal devices, but not on government systems. The ban highlights Hong Kong’s commitment to protecting sensitive information and data integrity. This move sets an example for other regions to focus on cybersecurity.

Notes:
The Global Ecosystems Atlas was launched on October 22, 2024, at COP16 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Colombia. It was developed by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). It is the first tool focused on global ecosystem mapping and monitoring. It provides critical data on ecosystem health and risks, aiding governments, businesses, and communities in sustainable management. This atlas addresses urgent issues like biodiversity loss, climate change, and land degradation, aiming to improve our approach to protecting essential natural systems.