Home > Practice > Current Affairs > October - 2024 > October 16, 2024
1. Where did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lay the foundation stone for the Navy's Very Low Frequency (VLF) radar station?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for the Navy's Very Low Frequency (VLF) radar station in Vikarabad, Telangana, to ensure uninterrupted information flow for effective command and control, and enhance military capabilities and communication between maritime forces and command centres. Vikarabad, a town and Mandal in the Vikarabad district of Telangana is known for its historical significance and natural attractions, including the Ananthagiri Hills and the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple.
2. In which year did the Battle of Walong, commemorated by the Indian Army, take place?
The Battle of Walong took place in 1962 during the Sino-Indian War. The Indian Army is marking the 62nd anniversary of this significant battle with a month-long series of events starting from October 17 to November 14, 2024. The remembrance will include the inauguration of the renovated Walong War Memorial and key infrastructure projects. The commemoration honours the bravery of the soldiers who fought in this crucial battle along the northeastern frontier of India, highlighting the historical importance of the year 1962 in India's defence history.
3. Where is the 23rd SCO Heads of Government Meeting being held?
The 23rd SCO Heads of Government Meeting took place in Islamabad on October 16, 2024, focusing on trade and economic collaboration among SCO member states. This meeting brought together leaders from China, Russia, Iran, and Central Asian countries, with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as chair. India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, represented India, emphasizing the SCO's multilateral agenda. The SCO aims to enhance regional cooperation and stability, founded in 2001. By hosting this meeting, Islamabad played a significant role in promoting economic cooperation and regional stability among SCO member states.
4. Which state's assembly passed a resolution against the 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill?
The Kerala Assembly passed a resolution urging the central government to withdraw the 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill, citing concerns over violations of federal principles and democratic values. The bill has been criticized for replacing elected Waqf board members with nominated officials, thereby undermining state rights. This resolution was supported unanimously by the assembly, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, with Governor Arif Mohammed Khan overseeing the state. Kerala's opposition to the bill highlights concerns about the centralization of power and the erosion of local governance in Waqf matters.
5. On which date is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty observed annually?
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed every year on October 17th. This significant global event aims to raise awareness about the critical need to eradicate poverty in all its forms. The day commemorates the historic gathering in 1987 at the Trocadéro in Paris, where over 100,000 individuals united to honour victims of extreme poverty. Recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992, October 17th serves as a reminder for the international community to work together towards eliminating poverty and advancing human dignity, with the theme for 2024 focusing on addressing social and institutional maltreatment.
6. Who has been appointed as the new Maldives envoy to India?
Aishath Azeema, a senior diplomat with extensive experience, has been appointed as the new Maldivian envoy to India, succeeding Ibrahim Shaheeb. Azeema began her foreign service career in 1988 and served as the Maldivian ambassador to China from June 2019 to September 2023. She has also previously held the position of deputy ambassador to the UK. Her appointment marks a continuation of strong diplomatic ties between the Maldives and India.
7. Which Indian state aims to lead Asia in the gaming and animation sector, as highlighted at the Indian Gaming Convention 2024?
Karnataka has set its sights on becoming the gaming and animation hub of Asia, as emphasized by IT Minister Priyank Kharge during the Indian Gaming Convention 2024. The state is taking significant steps towards this goal by establishing centres of excellence and organizing a government-sponsored eSports Olympics. With the theme "India—The Next Superpower in Gaming," the event reflects the rapid growth of India's gaming market, which has expanded by 28% between 2020 and 2023, driven by 42.5 crore gamers across the country.
8. How many Artificial Intelligence Centres of Excellence were established by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan?
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated three Artificial Intelligence Centres of Excellence with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and sustainable cities. These centres are situated at AIIMS Delhi and IIT Delhi for health-related AI research, IIT Ropar for agricultural AI applications, and IIT Kanpur for innovations in sustainable urban development. The purpose of these centres is to foster AI-driven research and innovations, ensuring advancements that contribute to public welfare and economic growth through cutting-edge technologies.
9. Which planet's moon is the focus of NASA's Europa Clipper mission?
NASA's Europa Clipper mission aims to explore Jupiter's icy moon, Europa, and its potential subsurface ocean. Europa is considered a prime target in the search for habitable environments beyond Earth due to its unique composition and possible presence in liquid water. The Europa Clipper spacecraft, launched with advanced scientific instruments, will conduct 49 flybys of Europa starting in 2030. This $5.2 billion mission marks a significant step towards understanding the moon's potential for life and paving the way for future life-detection missions in our solar system, particularly focusing on Jupiter's fascinating moons.
10. In which city did Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary inaugurate the NSTI extension centre?
Union Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary inaugurated the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) extension centre at the Andhra Medical Tech Zone (AMTZ) campus in Visakhapatnam. This centre is focused on providing specialized training in Computer Software Applications (CSA) under the Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS). Starting from the 2024-25 academic session, it aims to equip instructors with the necessary skills to enhance technical education and vocational training in India, positioning Visakhapatnam as a key hub for skill development initiatives.
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