This is the current affairs of 22 & 23 October 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Just before the summit of which organization, India and China agreed to patrol on the Line of Actual Control (LAC)?
a. G7
b. G20
c. BRICS
d. UNGA
Answer: c. BRICS
– Before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the BRICS summit, a major agreement was reached between India and China.
– Both countries have agreed to resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
– This could help resolve the LAC dispute between the two countries in eastern Ladakh and reduce tensions.
– It is believed that this agreement was made possible by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts, so that the Indian Prime Minister and the Chinese President could meet together.
Areas of tension along the LAC between India and China:
– Daulat Beg Oldi
– Depsang Plains
– Galwan
– Hot Springs
– Pangong Tso Lake
– Demchok
Now, tensions will ease in Depsang Plains and Demchok:
– In other areas, both countries’ armies had retreated slightly, creating buffer zones, but tensions remained in Depsang Plains and Demchok.
– Just before the BRICS summit in October 2024, India and China agreed to restore each other’s patrolling rights in Depsang Plains and Demchok.
– Patrolling will be allowed along the LAC up to the old patrolling points in Depsang in the north and Demchok in the south of Ladakh.
– This means that Indian soldiers will be able to patrol from Patrolling Points (PP) 10 to 13 in Depsang Plains and up to Charding Nala in Demchok.
– Some mutual agreements have also been made for sensitive areas, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. Further discussions on other regions will take place later between the two sides.
What are patrol teams?
– Patrol teams typically consist of 13 to 18 soldiers, but in order to avoid any conflict, the patrol teams will have at least 14-15 soldiers.
– According to the Indian Express, both sides will exchange their patrol schedules and, if there is a risk of conflict on any date or time, it will be mutually revised.
– Coordination between both sides’ patrols will be good, and they will keep each other informed.
China fulfills condition for improving relations:
– India had set a condition for restoring normal relations with China, which required China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to withdraw from the areas it had encroached upon four and a half years ago.
– External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on October 21, 2024, that an agreement had been reached between India and China regarding a patrolling system on the border, restoring the situation to what it was before May 2020. During a conversation at the NDTV World Summit, Jaishankar said, “We have been negotiating since September 2020. After meeting China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow at that time, I felt that we could return to peace and the pre-2020 status.”
The 2020 Galwan incident:
– Earlier, on June 15, 2020, a clash between the two armies in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh led to the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers.
– While 38 Chinese soldiers were killed, China’s People’s Liberation Army admitted to only 4 deaths.
Why no weapons were used:
– There is a military-level agreement between the two countries.
– Under this, soldiers from both sides are not allowed to use firearms, such as rifles or similar weapons, within a certain range.
– Normally, soldiers from both countries push each other back with their hands.
– During the Galwan clash, Chinese soldiers used spiked rods. In response, Indian soldiers also started using similar electric batons and spiked rods.
– This time, China received a strong counter-response.
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2. How much percent bigger did the Moon appear on October 17, 2024, when it came closer to Earth during the astronomical event Supermoon?
a. 10%
b. 12%
c. 14%
d. 20%
Answer: c. 14%
– On October 17, 2024, a supermoon was visible worldwide.
– This was the third supermoon of 2024, with a total of four supermoons expected in the year.
When does a supermoon occur?
– A supermoon occurs when the distance between the Earth and the Moon is at its closest.
– As a result, the Moon appears larger and brighter.
– It looks as though the Moon is approaching closer to the Earth.
How far was the Moon from the Earth on October 17?
– On the night of October 17, 2024, during the supermoon, the Moon appeared 14% larger than usual.
– It also looked 30% brighter.
– According to the Indian Express, the Moon was 357,264 kilometers away from the Earth on October 17. However, Dainik Bhaskar and India Today reported the distance as 351,519 kilometers.
– Normally, the Moon is at its farthest distance from Earth at about 405,000 kilometers and closest at 363,104 kilometers.
– The average distance between the Earth and the Moon is considered to be 384,400 kilometers.
What is a supermoon?
– A supermoon is an astronomical event.
– During a supermoon, the Moon appears larger than its normal size.
– Three to four supermoons can be seen in a year.
– The Moon, while orbiting the Earth, comes very close to it. This is called perigee.
– When the Moon is farthest from the Earth, it is called apogee.
– Astrologer Richard Nolle first used the term “supermoon” in 1979.
What is the relationship between a full moon and a supermoon?
– The Moon completes one orbit around the Earth every 27 days.
– A full moon occurs once every 29.5 days.
– Not every full moon is a supermoon, but every supermoon happens on a full moon.
– The Moon orbits the Earth in an elliptical path, so the distance between the Earth and the Moon changes daily.
Note: When two supermoons occur in the same month, it is called a blue moon.
– In 2023, a blue supermoon was visible on August 30.
– The next blue supermoon event will occur in 2027.
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3. Who led the Indian delegation to the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva?
a. Harivansh Singh
b. Jagdeep Dhankhar
c. Om Birla
d. Amit Shah
Answer: c. Om Birla
– This event was held from October 13 to 17, 2024, at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
– During the event, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized the need for multilateralism in the world.
– The Indian delegation included Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh, the Secretaries-General of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and several other Members of Parliament.
Theme of 2024:
The theme of the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was “Utilizing Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for a More Peaceful and Sustainable Future.”
About the Inter-Parliamentary Union:
– The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was founded on June 30, 1889, in Paris, France, as the Inter-Parliamentary Conference. In 1899, the name was changed to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
– The primary goal of the IPU is to bring together parliamentarians from around the world and promote arbitration as a means of resolving disputes between nations.
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4. The blindfold has been removed from the new statue of the ‘Goddess of Justice’ in the Supreme Court, so what is held in one hand and a scale in the other?
a. Machine gun
b. Constitution book
c. Supreme Court building
d. None of these
Answer: b. Constitution book
– A new statue of the “Lady of Justice” has been installed in the Supreme Court of India.
– This six-foot-tall statue has been placed in the judges’ library of the Supreme Court.
– Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud commissioned the creation of this new statue.
– The installation is seen as an effort to move away from the legacy of British colonial rule.
The New Statue:
– In the new statue, the Goddess of Justice is dressed in traditional Indian attire, a sari.
– The blindfold has been removed from her eyes, symbolizing that the law in the country is not blind and does not merely represent punishment. In contrast, the blindfold in the previous statue symbolized the idea that the law is impartial, while the sword represented authority and the power to punish injustice.
– However, the scales in her right hand remain intact, symbolizing balance in society. The scales signify that the court examines and considers the facts and arguments of both sides before arriving at a decision.
– The left hand holds a book of the Constitution, conveying the message that justice in the country is delivered according to the Constitution. The sword, being a symbol of violence, is absent, as the court dispenses justice based on constitutional laws.
Lady of Justice in Roman Mythology:
– The “Lady of Justice” is derived from the Roman goddess of justice, Justitia.
– Roman Emperor Augustus considered justice one of the key virtues, and later, Emperor Tiberius built a temple to Justitia in Rome. Justitia became a symbol of justice, which every emperor wanted to associate with their rule.
– During British rule, along with the common legal system that became the foundation of India’s judiciary, the statue of Lady Justice was also introduced. This image is still present in courts across the country today.
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5. Kaksar Bridge in Ladakh was renamed after which martyr?
a. Captain Rajan Singh
b. Captain Vinod Verma
c. Captain Manoj Pandey
d. Captain Amit Bhardwaj
Answer: d. Captain Amit Bhardwaj
– In Ladakh, the army has renamed the Kaksar Bridge as Captain Amit Bharadwaj Setu in honor of the Kargil War heroes.
– Captain Amit Bharadwaj made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the motherland during the 1999 Kargil War.
Ladakh:
– Lieutenant Governor: B.D. Mishra
– Capital: Leh
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6. When is International Stuttering Awareness Day celebrated?
a. 20 October
b. 21 October
c. 22 October
d. 23 October
Answer: c. 22 October
Theme for 2024:
The Power of Listening
– Globally, around 1.5% of people suffer from stuttering.
– Due to this, individuals may experience various mental health challenges.
– This day is organized to raise awareness about stuttering.
– It was first observed in 1998.
– The event is organized by the International Stuttering Association (ISA).
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7. India made a deal to buy 31 powerful drones from America for the three armies, name it?
a. Elbit Hermes 900
b. Baykar Bayraktar TB2
c. Kronstadt Orion
d. MQ-9B
Answer: d. MQ-9B
– It is made by America’s General Atomics Global Corporation.
– This drone is also called a Hunter Killer Drone.
Price of 31 MQ-9B Predators:
– According to media reports, this deal is worth ₹32,000 crore ($3.5 billion).
– The Indian forces will receive these drones by 2030.
Distribution of drones among the three armed forces:
– Army: 8 drones
– Air Force: 8 drones
– Navy: 15 drones
MQ-9B drones will be deployed at the following locations:
– India will station these drones at INS Rajaji in Chennai and in Porbandar, Gujarat, where they will be operated by the Indian Navy.
– The Air Force and Army will control them from the Gorakhpur and Sarsawa Air Force bases, as these have the longest runways. From these bases, it will be easier to monitor the LAC, Ladakh, and Arunachal Pradesh.
– 15 drones will monitor maritime areas, while the rest will be deployed for surveillance on the borders with China and Pakistan.
Key features of the MQ-9B Drone:
– The MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone will be equipped with a navigation system, sensor suite, and mobile ground control system.
– This drone can fly for more than 40 hours in any weather, using satellite support.
– According to the manufacturer General Atomics’ website, this drone can provide real-time information on all activities in the maritime area, day or night.
– The drone is equipped with an in-built wide-area maritime radar, automatic identification system, electronic support measures, and a self-contained anti-submarine warfare (ASW) kit.
– It can carry up to 2721 kg of missiles.
– Flying at an altitude of over 40,000 feet makes it difficult for enemies to detect.
– It can be equipped with two laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.
– It requires two people to operate.
Understanding its structure:
– The wingspan of the MQ-9B Predator is 79 feet.
– The drone’s length is 38 feet.
– Strike range: 11,112 kilometers
– Total weight with weapons: 5,670 kilograms
– Fuel weight: 2,721 kilograms
What weapons can it carry?
– Laser-guided missiles, anti-tank missiles, anti-ship missiles.
Missions it can be used for:
– Humanitarian aid, disaster relief, search and rescue, law enforcement, and border intrusion monitoring.
– Defense against airstrikes, early warning, and electronic warfare like radar jamming.
– Missile strikes on the ground, searching and destroying submarines, detecting landmines.
– Capable of hitting distant aerial targets.
– It is equipped with sensors similar to radar.
India has leased two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones:
– In 2020, the Indian Navy leased two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from the U.S. for one year for maritime border surveillance. The lease was later extended.
Why India needs the MQ-9B Predator drones:
– To monitor areas near the LAC without China knowing.
– To monitor the Indian Ocean, as well as to keep an eye on the South China Sea.
– Defense experts have long emphasized the need for such drones to keep Chinese and Pakistani drones away from the border.
India’s indigenous drones:
– India also has drones manufactured domestically, including Nagastra-1, Abhyas, Ghatak, Trinetra, Rustam, Lakshya, Netra, etc. However, the Indian military requires even more advanced drones for strategic needs.
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8. Which state government has enacted the “Prevention of Dishonesty and Anti-Harmony Activities and Prohibition of Spitting Ordinance 2024”, making spitting or mixing human waste with food a cognizable and non-bailable offence?
a. Bihar
b. Uttar Pradesh
c. Madhya Pradesh
d. Rajasthan
Answer: b. Uttar Pradesh
– The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet passed two ordinances in October 2024.
Names of the Ordinances
1. Prevention of Pseudo and Anti-Harmony Activities and Prohibition of Spitting Ordinance 2024
2. Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Contamination in Food (Consumer Right to Know) Ordinance 2024
Ordinances to Tackle “Anti-Social Elements” and “Illegal Citizens”:
– The ordinances will include strict provisions against employees of food establishments confirmed to be “illegal foreign nationals.”
– The aim of this step is to remove individuals who conceal their identity to contaminate food or engage in other anti-social activities.
Mandatory Display of Names and Identities in Food Establishments:
– To promote transparency, the government has made it mandatory for all food establishments to prominently display the names of owners and managers.
– All employees working in food establishments will be required to wear identification cards during duty.
– This measure aims to ensure accountability and prevent individuals from hiding their identity.
Mandatory Installation of CCTV Cameras:
– All eateries and food establishments will be required to install CCTV cameras in their kitchens and dining areas.
– The footage must be retained for at least one month and made available to district authorities if needed.
– This will assist in monitoring food preparation and service to prevent contamination.
When Do Ordinances Come Into Effect?
– An ordinance can be understood as a temporary law.
– It is issued when the legislature or parliament is not in session and a new law is needed.
– When the central government needs to implement an ordinance, it sends a proposal to the President with cabinet approval.
– On the other hand, a state government must pass the ordinance through its cabinet and send it to the Governor.
– It comes into effect with the signatures of the President at the center and the Governor in the state.
– The duration of an ordinance is six months.
– Before the six months are up, the ordinance must be renewed or the law passed by the parliament or assembly.
– If this does not happen, the ordinance automatically lapses.
– The ordinance must comply with the principles of rationality and public interest under Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).
– If any ordinance is found to violate fundamental rights or exceeds the constitutional authority of the executive, judicial review is available.
Uttar Pradesh
– Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
– Governor: Anandiben Patel
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9. Which African country has been declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in October 2024, becoming the 44th such country in the world?
a. Ethiopia
b. Nigeria
c. Egypt (Egypt)
d. South Africa
Answer: c. Egypt
– The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared Egypt as ‘malaria-free’ on October 20, 2024.
– This country has become the second country in the world to be officially declared malaria-free in 2024, following Cabo Verde.
– Egypt is also the fifth African country to receive malaria-free certification from the World Health Organization.
– The WHO stated that Egypt’s historic malaria-free status is the result of nearly a century of efforts by its government and people to eliminate the disease.
– Thus, Egypt has become the third African nation and the 44th country in the world to be malaria-free.
Countries Declared Malaria-Free in 2023
– Earlier, in March 2023, the WHO declared Azerbaijan and Tajikistan malaria-free.
– Before that, in 2021, China and El Salvador were certified as malaria-free.
Egypt
– Capital: Cairo
– President: Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
– Currency: Egyptian Pound
– Population: 107.7 million
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10. When is International Snow Leopard Day celebrated?
a. 22 October
b. 23 October
c. 24 October
d. 25 October
Answer: b. 23 October
– The snow leopard is found in 12 countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
– Snow leopards inhabit high mountainous areas at elevations of around 18,000 feet, mostly in high and cold regions.
– The snow leopard is the state animal of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
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11. When is Mole Day celebrated?
a. 22 October
b. 23 October
c. 24 October
d. 25 October
Answer: b. 23 October
– This day is popular among all chemistry enthusiasts.
– The mole is the SI unit of substance.
– It is a base unit in the International System of Units (SI).
– One mole of a substance is the amount that contains the same number of entities (such as atoms, molecules, ions, etc.) as there are in 12 grams of carbon-12.
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