Here are some key current affairs from 14th October 2024:
- Israeli-Lebanese Border Tensions: Israeli tanks rammed the gate of a UN facility in southern Lebanon, escalating tensions between the Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah. This follows a series of attacks in the region, prompting Israel to call for the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers from Hezbollah-controlled areas.
- India-China and the Quad Dilemma: Diplomatic tensions continue as India faces a challenge in balancing its relations with China while participating in the Quad security dialogue, which includes the U.S., Japan, and Australia. The strategic implications of this balancing act are being widely debated.
- Delhi High Court on Orphan Drugs: The Delhi High Court issued new directives to improve access to “orphan drugs,” which treat rare diseases. Despite financial assistance policies like the National Policy for Rare Diseases, the high cost of these drugs remains a barrier for many patients.
- PM Modi on GatiShakti: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the GatiShakti initiative, emphasizing its role in accelerating infrastructure development in India. This project aims to streamline logistics and infrastructure planning across various sectors.
- Vietnam-China Talks on South China Sea: Vietnam and China held high-level discussions to de-escalate tensions over the South China Sea dispute, signaling efforts to find diplomatic solutions to ongoing maritime conflicts.
- Wayanad’s New X-Band Radar: A new X-band radar has been installed in Wayanad, Kerala, as part of India’s efforts to strengthen its weather prediction systems, particularly for disaster management.
- Cybersecurity Concerns over Chinese EVs: U.S. cybersecurity officials raised concerns over Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), questioning the data security risks posed by these vehicles as they gain popularity in global markets.
- Ladakh Auroras and Space Weather: Scientists in Ladakh observed auroras, which have provided valuable data for space weather tracking and validating satellite-based monitoring systems.
- Challenges in Precision Medicine: In India, the advancement of precision medicine faces hurdles due to the absence of robust biobank regulations. Such regulations are essential for collecting and storing biological samples for medical research.
- UN Vote on Gaza Strip Humanitarian Aid: The UN General Assembly voted on measures to facilitate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip amidst rising conflict in the region, seeking to provide relief to civilians impacted by the violence.
- Global Warming Threatens Himalayan Glaciers: A report indicated that Himalayan glaciers are melting at an accelerated pace due to climate change, raising concerns over water security in South Asia.
- India’s New Defense Contracts: The Indian government signed new defense contracts, including deals for advanced missile systems and drones, aimed at boosting the country’s defense capabilities.
- IMF Forecasts Growth in South Asia: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected South Asia as a key region for global economic growth, with India leading the charge, despite global economic uncertainties.
- Delhi Air Quality Worsens: With winter approaching, air quality in Delhi has deteriorated, leading to renewed discussions on pollution control measures.
- China’s Economic Struggles: Reports suggest that China’s economic slowdown is deeper than previously anticipated, raising concerns about its impact on global markets.
- UK Government Under Fire for Immigration Policies: The UK’s immigration policies faced criticism for being too restrictive, particularly in light of the country’s labor shortages.
- India’s Renewable Energy Goals: India remains on track to meet its renewable energy goals for 2030, with significant progress in solar and wind power installations.
- UN Climate Summit Preparations: Preparations are underway for the upcoming UN Climate Summit, where countries are expected to present updated plans to combat global warming.
- AI Revolution in Education: Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into education systems worldwide, with debates about its benefits and potential risks.
- Cricket World Cup 2024 Updates: The ICC Cricket World Cup 2024 continues, with thrilling matches capturing the attention of fans globally.
Here are 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from 14th October 2024 current affairs, along with their answers:
- Which country recently escalated tensions by attacking a UN facility in southern Lebanon?
- A) Iran
- B) Israel
- C) Syria
- D) Turkey
Answer: B) Israel
- What initiative did Prime Minister Modi highlight for boosting India’s infrastructure development?
- A) Make in India
- B) GatiShakti
- C) Digital India
- D) Startup India
Answer: B) GatiShakti
- Which country held talks with China to de-escalate tensions over the South China Sea?
- A) Philippines
- B) Indonesia
- C) Vietnam
- D) Malaysia
Answer: C) Vietnam
- What type of rare disease drugs were discussed in the Delhi High Court for improving accessibility?
- A) Generic drugs
- B) Orphan drugs
- C) Vaccines
- D) Antivirals
Answer: B) Orphan drugs
- Which type of radar was recently installed in Wayanad, Kerala?
- A) X-band radar
- B) S-band radar
- C) Weather Doppler radar
- D) Air surveillance radar
Answer: A) X-band radar
- What is a key concern raised about Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S.?
- A) Lack of charging infrastructure
- B) High cost
- C) Cybersecurity risks
- D) Poor battery life
Answer: C) Cybersecurity risks
- Where did scientists observe auroras, providing crucial data for space weather tracking?
- A) Ladakh
- B) Sikkim
- C) Arunachal Pradesh
- D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer: A) Ladakh
- Which global organization voted on humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip?
- A) NATO
- B) European Union
- C) United Nations
- D) African Union
Answer: C) United Nations
- Which report indicated accelerated glacier melting in the Himalayas due to climate change?
- A) IPCC Report
- B) UNEP Global Outlook
- C) WWF Climate Change Report
- D) Himalayan Assessment
Answer: A) IPCC Report
- What economic forecast did the IMF make for South Asia in 2024?
- A) Economic slowdown
- B) Moderate growth
- C) Strong growth
- D) Economic contraction
Answer: C) Strong growth
- Which Indian city is facing severe air quality deterioration with the onset of winter?
- A) Mumbai
- B) Kolkata
- C) Delhi
- D) Bengaluru
Answer: C) Delhi
- What is the major focus of India’s defense contracts signed recently?
- A) Drones and missile systems
- B) Aircraft carriers
- C) Nuclear submarines
- D) Cyber defense
Answer: A) Drones and missile systems
- Which country is experiencing a significant economic slowdown as of October 2024?
- A) India
- B) Japan
- C) China
- D) Germany
Answer: C) China
- Which major global event is scheduled to address updated climate action plans?
- A) G20 Summit
- B) COP30 Climate Summit
- C) UN General Assembly
- D) World Economic Forum
Answer: B) COP30 Climate Summit
- Which technology is being increasingly integrated into global education systems, sparking debates?
- A) Blockchain
- B) Artificial Intelligence
- C) Quantum computing
- D) Augmented Reality
Answer: B) Artificial Intelligence
- What is India’s target year for meeting its renewable energy goals?
- A) 2025
- B) 2030
- C) 2040
- D) 2050
Answer: B) 2030
- Which country faced criticism over restrictive immigration policies amidst labor shortages?
- A) France
- B) Canada
- C) United Kingdom
- D) Australia
Answer: C) United Kingdom
- Which sport is currently in focus during the 2024 ICC Cricket World Cup?
- A) Football
- B) Tennis
- C) Hockey
- D) Cricket
Answer: D) Cricket
- Which region is projected to lead global economic growth, according to the IMF?
- A) South America
- B) South Asia
- C) Africa
- D) Europe
Answer: B) South Asia
- What step has the Delhi High Court suggested to make orphan drugs more affordable?
- A) Increase import duties
- B) Promote domestic production
- C) Halt research
- D) Remove all regulations
Answer: B) Promote domestic production