Daily Current Affairs Quiz: October 30, 2024

Answer: C

Observed annually on October 31.

• Purpose : Celebrates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and honors his efforts in unifying India post-independence.
• Significance : Patel, known as the “Iron Man of India,” played a crucial role in integrating over 560 princely states into a single, united India.
• Initiation : Introduced by the Indian government in 2014 to inspire unity and patriotism among citizens.
• Statue of Unity : A 182-meter statue in Gujarat commemorates Sardar Patel as a symbol of national integration and resilience.

Answer: A

Current Context : Recently, Kochi city of Kerala, won the “City with the Most Sustainable Transport System” award at the 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference, held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

• Theme: The conference focused on “Standardisation and Optimisation of Urban Transport Solutions.”
• Awards: Recognized cities for achievements in public, green, and intelligent transport.

About Sustainable Transport System Award:

• Purpose: Recognizes cities for promoting eco-friendly, efficient urban transport.
• Organized by: Presented at the Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference.
• Awarded for: Excellence in public transport, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing sustainable urban mobility.

Answer: B

Current Context : The Indian Ministry of Culture is planning to revive the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) to better preserve ancient texts in India, and they may set up an independent body, likely called the National Manuscripts Authority, for this purpose.

• NMM currently operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA).

About National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM):

• Established: Launched in February 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
• Motto: “Conserving the past for the future.”
• Scope: Aims to uncover, protect, and share the rich collection of manuscripts in India, estimated at around 10 million—the largest in the world.
• Languages: 75% of these manuscripts are in Sanskrit, and 25% are in regional languages.

What is a Manuscript?

• A manuscript is a handwritten document, typically on materials like paper, palm leaf, or metal, and must be at least 75 years old with historical or cultural importance.
• It’s different from printed books or records, and often contains knowledge or insights valuable for historical study.

Answer: D

Current Context : A recent report at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) raised concerns over oil and gas activities in the Coral Triangle region.

About Coral Triangle :

• Known as the “Amazon of the seas,” the Coral Triangle is a large marine area covering 10 million square kilometers.
• Location: It includes parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands.
• Biodiversity: Houses 76% of the world’s coral species and supports the livelihoods of over 120 million people in the region.
• Threats:
  • Unsustainable fishing practices.
  • Pollution from coastal development.
  • Coral bleaching driven by climate change.

What are Corals?

• Corals are marine animals that stay attached to the ocean floor. They have a symbiotic relationship with algae called zooxanthellae, which provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis.
• Structure: Corals use their tentacles to catch food. Each coral is a polyp, living in colonies of identical polyps that together form a coral reef.

Answer: C

Current Context : Israel became the 69th member and 20th non-regional member of the ADB, following completion of all membership criteria.

This membership allows Israel to access and contribute to ADB-led development projects across Asia, supporting infrastructure, social, and environmental sustainability. The partnership is expected to boost Israel’s trade ties in Asia, diversifying its international alliances​

About the Asian Development Bank (ADB):

• Founded: 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines.
• Objective: ADB aims to foster economic development, reduce poverty, and improve quality of life in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Members: 69 members in total, with 49 from within Asia.
• Focus Areas: It supports initiatives in infrastructure, education, environmental sustainability, health, and regional cooperation.

Answer: D

Current Context : The new complex of India’s first Biomanufacturing Institute, named BRIC-NABI (Bio-Manufacturing Research Innovation and Commercialization-National Agri-Food Biomanufacturing Institute), was recently inaugurated at Mohali in Punjab.

Formation : This institute was created by merging the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) and the Centre of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), focusing on advancing India’s biomanufacturing sector.

Funding : Supported by the Department of Biotechnology.

Objectives:

• Advance research in genetic engineering and metabolic pathways.
• Support large-scale biomanufacturing and foster startups.
• Develop bio-based products like biofertilizers and biopesticides.

Incubation Center: BioNEST center to assist entrepreneurs, youth, and farmers in commercializing innovations​

Answer: B

Current Context : Recently, a FIR has been filed against NHAI officials and a construction firm for dumping debris into Gobind Sagar Lake.

Allegations : Debris from hill cutting was improperly disposed of in the lake, impacting water quality and the local ecosystem.

About Gobind Sagar Lake:

• Location: On the Sutlej River in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.
• The lake is named after Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru.
• Formation: The lake was created by the Bhakra Dam, which was built between 1955 and 1962. The dam is one of the world’s highest gravity dams, rising 225.5 meters above its lowest foundations.

Answer: C

Current Context : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Tata Aircraft Complex at Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Collaboration:

• The plant was inaugurated in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Defence and Space (Spain).

Purpose:

• The facility will manufacture C-295 medium-lift tactical transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) under the “Make in India” initiative.

Production and Delivery:

• It will produce 40 C-295 aircraft locally, with the first one expected by 2026, supporting India’s self-reliance in defense.

Significance:

This project strengthens India’s defense manufacturing sector, marks a major milestone in India-Spain defense relations, and enhances India’s strategic capabilities.