Daily Current Affairs Quiz: October 26, 2024

Answer: A

Current Context : Bihar’s first dry port, also called an Inland Container Depot (ICD), has been inaugurated in Bihta, near Patna.

What are Dry Ports?

Dry ports are logistics centers away from seaports or airports. They handle, store, and transport cargo, easing port congestion and supporting efficient trade.

Importance of the Bihta Dry Port

• Boosting Exports: It will increase exports from Bihar, especially agro-products, garments, and leather goods.
• Enhanced Logistics: The facility improves cargo handling, cuts transportation costs, and offers secure storage.
• Regional Impact: Serving all of eastern India, it benefits neighboring states with improved logistics.
• Connectivity: Linked by rail to major ports like Kolkata, Haldia, Visakhapatnam, and Nhava Sheva, this port connects to national and international trade routes, streamlining trade access.

Answer: A

Current Context : The 31st edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX 2024) is underway at Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.

About SIMBEX

• Originally called “Exercise Lion King” in 1994, SIMBEX has grown into one of the strongest maritime collaborations between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
• It is the longest-running naval exercise that India conducts with any country.
• The exercise is split into a Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam, featuring cross-deck visits and knowledge exchanges, and a Sea Phase in the Bay of Bengal for advanced drills.

Answer: B

Current Context : Recently, ZyVac TCV, a typhoid vaccine developed by Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., has received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO), making it eligible for United Nations procurement programs.

About ZyVac TCV

• Purpose: ZyVac TCV is a Typhoid Vi conjugate vaccine designed to provide immunity against Salmonella typhi, the bacterium responsible for typhoid fever.
• How It Works: As a conjugate vaccine, it links bacterial antigens to polysaccharides (from the bacterial coat) to effectively trigger the body’s immune response.
• Type: ZyVac TCV is a subunit vaccine, meaning it contains only specific bacterial components to stimulate immunity, minimizing side effects compared to whole-cell vaccines.
• Made in India: The vaccine is fully developed and manufactured in India by Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., showcasing indigenous pharmaceutical capabilities.

Answer: C

Current Context : The Union Government recently appointed four Additional Judges to the Bombay High Court for a term of two years.

Appointment & Tenure:

• Additional Judges are appointed by the President of India under Article 224(1)of the Constitution.
• Their tenure is limited to a maximum of two years or until the age of 62, whichever is earlier.

Purpose of Appointment:

• They are appointed temporarily when a High Court’s workload increases due to a surge in cases or pending work.
• This system helps manage the case backlog and maintain judicial efficiency.

Answer: B

Current Context : Researchers in a Lab Near Lake Erie Study How Toxic Algae Can Damage Health and a bacteria called microcystin can make animals and people sick when they come into contact with infected water of Lake Erie.

About Lake Erie :

• Size & Location: Lake Erie is the fourth largest of North America’s five Great Lakes.
• Geography: It borders Canada (Ontario) to the north and the U.S. (west, south, east).
• Main Rivers: The Detroit River (from Lake Huron), Huron, and Raisin rivers are its main tributaries.
• Outflow: Water exits through the Niagara River to the east.
• Significance: Lake Erie is a key link in the St. Lawrence Seaway, crucial for shipping.

Microcystin & Health Risks:

• Microcystin Origin: A toxin from cyanobacteria, mainly from the genus Microcystis, which forms large blooms.
• Health Impact: Microcystin is a powerful liver toxin and a potential carcinogen, which can harm animals and humans exposed to contaminated water.
• Mechanism: It disrupts specific proteins, damaging cells and leading to cell death.

Answer: B

Current Context : Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).

About PM-YASASVI Scheme:

• It is a comprehensive umbrella scheme aimed at uplifting students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT) by providing them with access to quality education during their formative years.
• Objective: Provides scholarships to OBC, EBC, and DNT students for access to quality education.
• Components: PM-YASASVI combines and strengthens several previous scholarship programs, including:
  • The Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship for EBCs.
  • The Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for DNTs, integrated into this umbrella scheme from 2021-22.
• Scholarships:
  • Pre-Matric : For classes 9–10.
  • Post-Matric : For studies beyond grade 10.
• Eligibility: Family income below ₹5 lakh annually.
• Implementing Agency: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Answer: C

Current Context : Recently, CWG 2026 (will be held in Glasgow) edition was unveiled which features only 10 sports.

About CWG 2026

• Location: Glasgow, Scotland.
• Sports: The 2026 edition features only 10 sports.

Notable Changes

• Dropped Sports: Six disciplines where India won medals at the 2022 CWG have been removed. These include:
  • Badminton
  • Cricket
  • Hockey
  • Squash
  • Table Tennis
  • Wrestling

Historical Context

• First CWG: The Commonwealth Games started in 1930in Hamilton, Canada.
• Frequency: The games are held every four years.
• India’s Hosting: India hosted the CWG in 2010in Delhi.

Answer: D

Current Context : Recently, a study reviled that he Caspian Sea has been shrinking since the mid-1990s, but the rate it’s disappearing has sped up since 2005.

About Caspian Sea

It is the world’s largest inland body of water, with a surface area of about 386,400 sq. km.

Location: Situated between Asia and Europe,

Bordered by:

• West: Russia and Azerbaijan
• North & East: Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan
• South: Iran
• It lies to the east of the Caucasus Mountains and to the west of the vast steppe of Central Asia. 

Major Rivers: The Caspian receives water from three main rivers:

• Volga, Ural, Terek

Notable Cities

• Baku: Capital of Azerbaijan and the largest city on the Caspian Sea.
• Nowshahr: An important city in Iran along the coast.