Daily Current Affairs Quiz: October 08, 2024

Answer: B

Celebrated on 9 October every year in remembrance of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland.

• Aim : to raise awareness among people about the role of the postal sector for people and businesses every day.
• Theme : 150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations.

Answer: D

Current Context : Assam government launched a new concept of “co-district” by replacing civil sub-divisions in district administration.

• Aim : To bring governance closer to people and make administration more efficient.
• Structure : Each co-district will have control over various departments, like land revenue, welfare, excise, and disaster management.
• Commissioner’s Role: Co-district commissioners will have similar powers as district commissioners, including magisterial powers for granting permissions for events.
• Expected Outcome: Faster decision-making and better local governance through decentralized administration​

Answer: C

Current Context : First batch of pilgrims viewed Mount Kailash (abode of Lord Shiva) from Old Lipulekh pass.  Previously, pilgrims had to travel to Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) to view the peak.

ABOUT LIPULEKH PASS 

• Location: Lipulekh Pass is in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, near the border intersection of India, Nepal, and China.
• Geography: It is situated in the Vyas Valley of Pithoragarh district and is inhabited by the Bhutiya tribe.
• Connectivity: The pass links Uttarakhand with the Tibet region of China.
• Historical Importance: Traditionally used for trade and as a route for pilgrimages, it has served as a gateway to the Himalayas for centuries.
• Religious Role: Lipulekh Pass is part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, allowing Hindu pilgrims to access Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, which are of high spiritual significance.

Answer: A

Current Context : Nine captive-bred pygmy hogs released in Assam’s Manas national park.

ABOUT PYGMY HOG (PORCULA SALVANIA)

• The Pygmy Hog is the smallest and most endangered wild pig species globally.
• Habitat: Found in tall, dense grasslands with shrubs and trees, making dome-shaped nests from vegetation. Currently located in Manas and Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam.
• Role as an Indicator Species: Presence reflects the health of its habitat—tall, wet grasslands.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered by IUCN and falls under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

ABOUT MANAS NATIONAL PARK

• Location: Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam; connected to Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
• Unique Distinctions: Recognized as a World Heritage Site, Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, and Important Bird Area.
• Tiger Conservation Network: Part of Project Tiger (1973) and connected to tiger reserves in Buxa, Nameri, Pakke, Namdapha, and Bhutan.
• Flora: Contains Sal forests, mixed deciduous, semi-evergreen, and grasslands.
• Fauna: Home to Hispid Hare, Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur, Indian Rhinoceros, and Asiatic Buffalo.

Answer: B

Current Context : Nepal, India and Bangladesh signed a tripartite agreement to facilitate cross-border electricity trade.

• Under this arrangement, Nepal will export hydroelectricity to Bangladesh via Indian transmission lines.
• It underscores a broader movement towards cross-border energy cooperation in South Asia. Initiatives for Cross-Border South Asian Energy Co-operation Cross-Border Electricity Trade:

KEY POINTS ON ENERGY COOPERATION IN SOUTH ASIA

India-Bangladesh Electricity Corridor:

• A new electricity corridor is planned from Katihar (Bihar) to Bornagar (Assam)to boost power trade between the two countries.

India-Nepal Hydropower Projects:

• Major projects include Arun IIIand Upper Karnali Hydropower Projects to support energy exchange and enhance Nepal’s power export capacity.

India-Bhutan Hydropower Projects:

• Bhutan has several active projects like Kurichu, Tala, Chukha, and Mangdechhu, serving as a key partner in energy cooperation.

Cross-Border Energy Pipelines:

• TAPI Pipeline: For transporting natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan to India.
• India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline: Strengthens energy trade between India and Bangladesh.
• Motihari-Amlekhganj Pipeline: Supplies fuel from India to Nepal.

Renewable Energy Cooperation:

• Initiatives like International Solar Alliance, Green Grids Initiative, and One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)aim to promote renewable energy integration in the region.

Answer: C

Current Context : Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is developing a new set of guidelines called the National Agriculture Code (NAC).

• This is similar to the existing national codes used for buildings and electrical systems, but specifically for agriculture.
• Aim : to enhance the overall quality and efficiency of agriculture in India, making it more sustainable and responsive to modern challenges.

ABOUT NATIONAL AGRICULTURE CODE

• The National Agriculture Code (NAC) aims to standardize various agricultural practices in India, improving quality and sustainability.
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for establishing standards for products across sectors, including agriculture, where it has already set standards for machinery (like tractors and harvesters) and agricultural inputs (such as fertilizers and pesticides).

WHAT WILL THE NAC COVER?

NAC will include standards for :

• Agricultural machinery.
• Processes related to crop selection, land preparation, sowing, irrigation, soil health, plant health, harvesting, and post-harvest operations.
• Input management including the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers.
• Crop storage and traceability to ensure safety and quality.

Answer: A

Current Context : India has been chosen to host the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup in 2025.

• The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and the International Kho Kho Federation have confirmed this event.
• The event will witness the participation of 24 countries from six continents, featuring 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams.