Current Affairs One - Liner : 16th October 2024

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) inaugurated the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory on October 4, 2024, at Hanle, Ladakh. MACE is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia and the highest in the world, at 4,300 meters altitude.

The Bihar government has received approval from the Centre to develop the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as the state's second tiger reserve. Announced on October 8, 2024, by Minister Prem Kumar, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) gave its in-principle approval.
The Kerala Assembly passed a resolution on October 16, 2024, urging the central government to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The resolution was passed unanimously, reflecting concerns over the potential impact on the management and administration of Waqf properties.
The Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the creation of three AI Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in New Delhi on October 16, 2024. These CoEs will focus on Healthcare, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities, with a total budget of Rs 990 crore over five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28).
The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences installed an X-band radar in Kerala's Wayanad district on October 15, 2024. This radar will enhance weather tracking and provide early warnings for landslides and weather-related disasters. It operates in the 8-12 GHz frequency range.

The World Bank has approved a loan of Rs 15,000 crore for the development of Amaravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The funds will be used for infrastructure projects, including the Legislature Complex and High Court. The project will commence in December 2024 and aims for completion within one to two-and-a-half years.

NASA launched the Europa Clipper mission on October 14, 2024, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. This mission aims to explore Jupiter's moon Europa, believed to have a subsurface ocean that could harbor life. The spacecraft will conduct nearly 50 flybys, coming as close as 16 miles (25 kilometers) to Europa's surface.

Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2024 Shanghai Masters final on October 13, 2024, held at the Qi Zhong Stadium in Shanghai. Sinner won the men's singles title with a score of 7-6 (4), 6-3 in the sport of tennis.
India will host the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in 2025. The tournament will be held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi from January 13 to 19, 2025. This event, featuring 16 men's and women's teams from 24 countries, was announced by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) on October 16, 2024.

The foundation stone for the Indian Navy's second Very Low Frequency (VLF) radar station was laid in Vikarabad, Telangana, on October 15, 2024. This station, located in the Damagundam forest area, will enhance submarine communication by reaching submarines submerged up to 30 meters. The first VLF station is in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.
The United States approved the sale of 53 MK-54 lightweight torpedoes to India for $175 million. These torpedoes will enhance the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities. This move strengthens the strategic defense partnership between the two nations.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) delivered the INS Nirdeshak to the Indian Navy on October 8, 2024. This vessel is the second in a series of four large survey ships, with the first, INS Sandhayak, delivered on December 4, 2023. The ships are designed for coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys.

World Anaesthesia Day is observed on October 16th to commemorate the first successful use of ether anaesthesia in surgery in 1846. This day celebrates advances in anaesthesiology and the vital role of anaesthesia in healthcare. The theme for 2024 is "Workforce Well-Being: The Crucial Role of Anaesthesia in Healthcare".
Boss Day is celebrated on October 16th to appreciate bosses, managers, and supervisors. The theme for 2024 is "Recognizing Leadership and Fostering Growth". It emphasizes acknowledging the efforts of bosses in guiding their teams and fostering growth.
World Spine Day is observed annually on October 16th to raise awareness about spinal health and the prevention of spinal disorders. The theme for 2024 is "Support Your Spine", emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy spine for overall well-being.
World Space Week 2024 was celebrated from October 4 to October 10, with the theme "Space & Climate Change". This annual event highlights the contributions of space science and technology. It focuses on how space technology can help address climate change and promote sustainability.

Omar Abdullah took oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on October 16, 2024, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Surinder Choudhary was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath.

Rajkumar Hirani received the National Kishore Kumar Award on October 14, 2024, in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. The award, presented by Minister Vijay Shah, honors Hirani's outstanding contributions to scriptwriting and filmmaking.

Questions:

1 What is the approved amount of the loan by the World Bank for the development of Amaravati?

2 Who won the men's singles title at the 2024 Shanghai Masters?