Daily Current Affairs Quiz: October 19, 2024

Answer: C

Celebrated every five years, with this year observance on October 20, 2024.

• First celebrated on October 20, 2010, following a UN General Assembly resolution.
• Theme for 2024: “Empowering Data for Sustainable Development,” focusing on the role of data in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Aim : to raise awareness about the importance of reliable data in global policy-making and improving national welfare.

Answer: B

Oobserved annually on October 21.

• Purpose: Honors police officers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
• Historical Significance: Commemorates the ambush of ten Indian policemen by the Chinese Army in Ladakh in 1959.
• First Observance: The day was first officially observed in 1960.

Answer: B

Current Context : The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2024 report, jointly released by the UNDP and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI).

Theme 2024: “Poverty Amid Conflict” explores the link between violent conflict and multidimensional poverty.

Key Findings of Global MPI 2024:

• 1 billion people(~18%) live in multidimensional poverty across 112 countries.
• 455 million live in conflict-affected areas.

Impact of Conflict:

• 8%of people in conflict zones are poor, compared to 10.9% in peaceful regions.
• Poverty is more severe in conflict zones, especially in nutrition, electricity access, and child mortality.

Children:

• Over 50%of the MPI-poor are children (584 million). Child poverty rate: 9%.

Basic Needs:

• 637 million live with undernourished members, 998 million lack cooking fuel, and 886 million lack adequate housing.

Poverty Reduction:

• 76 of 86 countries reduced MPI-poverty, with 9 of 17 showing progress post-pandemic

India’s MPI:

• Largest Poor Population: India has 234 million people living in acute poverty, the highest globally.
• India’s National MPI (NMPI): Launched in 2021 by NITI Aayog, it retains the 10 original global MPI indicators and adds two more: Maternal Health and Bank Account ownership.

ABOUT MPI

• It is a poverty measure that reflects the multiple deprivations that poor people face in the areas of education, health, and living standards (refer image).
• Launched: 2010, by UNDP and OPHI.
• Purpose: Measures acute multidimensional poverty based on health, education, and living standards.
• Indicator Threshold: People are considered MPI-poor if deprived in 1/3rd or more of the 10 (weighted) indicators.

Answer: D

Current Context : Recently, the World Energy Outlook 2024 report is published by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

India is poised to face a higher increase in energy demand than any other country over the next decade.

KEY FINDINGS ABOUT REPORT :

• Global Energy Demand: Growth slows to 0.7% annually until 2030, driven by efficiency and electrification in developed countries.
• Renewable Energy Growth: By 2030, over half of global electricity will come from low-emissions sources, with solar and wind leading this shift.
• Fossil Fuel Peak: Demand for coal, oil, and gas is expected to peak by the end of this decade.
• India’s Energy Surge: India will face the largest global energy demand increase, with total demand expected to grow by 35% by 2035.
• Coal’s Role in India: Despite the clean energy transition, coal will remain dominant in India’s energy mix, especially for industrial uses.
• Electricity Demand in India: India’s electricity generation capacity is set to triple, reaching 1,400 GW by 2035, driven by industrial growth and air conditioner use.

Answer : C

Current Context : Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) celebrated International Abhidhamma Divas (IAD).

• It also celebrated recent declaration of Pali as a classical language by Cabinet.
• IAD 2024 saw participation from 14 countries, strengthening international ties in Buddhist culture and philosophy.

PURPOSE & SIGNIFICANCE :

• Commemorates Lord Buddha’s descent from the celestial realm Tāvatimsa to Sankassiya (modern Sankisa, Uttar Pradesh) after teaching Abhidhamma to his mother.
• Linked with the end of Vassa, the three-month Rainy Retreat, and the Pavāraņā festival (marking the conclusion of the retreat).
• Sankassiya is marked by the Asokan Elephant Pillar, symbolizing this sacred event.

Declaration of Pali as Classical Language :

• The recent Indian Cabinetdeclaration of Pali as a classical language was celebrated, reaffirming Pali’s importance in Buddhist scriptures like the Tripitaka.

About Abhidhamma :

Philosophical Importance:

• Part of Tripitaka: Abhidhamma is the third section of the Tripitaka (Pali Canon), crucial to the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
• Focus: It encompasses advanced topics in Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and doctrines related to human consciousness and mental processes.
• Key Concepts:
  • Citta: Refers to consciousness.
  • Cetasika: Denotes mental factors that accompany consciousness.
  • Rūpa: Pertains to materiality or physical phenomena.
  • Nibbāna: Represents the final liberation or enlightenment.

Structure:

• Seven Books: The Abhidhamma consists of seven books that delve into the nuances of human experience, particularly focusing on the cultivation of mindfulness and understanding mental phenomena.
• Pali Language: The teachings are articulated in Pali, employing a specialized vocabulary essential for grasping its philosophical depth.

Answer: C

Current Context : 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) Meeting was held in Islamabad, Pakistan.

This summit focused on economic cooperation, trade, counterterrorism, and socio-cultural initiatives. Eight agreements were signed, addressing the SCO budget, operations, and counterterrorism efforts.

India’s Participation: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India, advocating against terrorism, extremism, and separatism. India also reiterated its opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative due to sovereignty concerns.

About SCO:

• Establishment: The SCO was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Aim : to enhance regional cooperation on security, political, economic, and cultural issues.
• India and Pakistan joined in 2017.​
• Current Members: SCO now includes India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status​
• Headquarter : Beijing, China

SCO Significance for India:

1. Counterterrorism: India uses the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) for intelligence sharing and countering terrorism.
2. Energy Security: SCO members control significant global reserves of oil and gas, important for India’s energy needs.
3. Central Asia Engagement: SCO provides India a platform for its “Connect Central Asia” policy.
4. Balancing Chinese Influence: India seeks to balance Chinese dominance through initiatives like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Answer : A

Current Context : Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana for the second time.

• The oath of office was given to Saini by Haryana’s Governor, Bandaru Dattatreya.
• His appointment follows the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s significant victory in the October 5 Assembly elections, where the party won 48 out of 90 seats, securing a third consecutive government in the state.

ABOUT HARYANA

• Geography: Located in northern India.
• Haryana shares borders with Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and the national capital, Delhi.

Economy:

• Agriculture: Major producer of wheat, rice, and sugarcane, contributing significantly to India’s food security.
• Industry: Hosts a robust industrial base, including automobile manufacturing (especially in Gurugram) and information technology.
• Historical Significance: Known for the historic site of Kurukshetra, the battlefield of the Mahabharata, attracting tourists and pilgrims.
• Cultural Diversity: Haryana is home to a mix of communities and languages, predominantly Hindi and Haryanvi.

Answer: B

Current Context : The Shanan Hydropower Project, located in Himachal Pradesh, has become a focal point of legal contention recently due to the expiration of its lease agreement with Punjab.

ABOUT PROJECT

• Location: Jogindernagar, Mandi district .
• Capacity: 110 MW.
• Lease Expiration: March 2024.
• Historical Background: The project was initiated in 1925 through an agreement between Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi and Colonel B.C. Batty, representing the British government.
• The agreement facilitated the construction of the project using water from the Uhl River, a tributary of the Beas River.
• Aimed at generating power for undivided Punjab, including regions that are now part of Pakistan.​