Daily Current Affairs Quiz: December 14, 2024

Notes:
The Prime Minister launched the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot for Mahakumbh Mela 2025. Mahakumbh Mela 2025 will be held in Prayagraj from January 13th to February 26th, 2025. The chatbot blends culture and technology to enhance devotees’ experience. It offers text and voice interactions for a smooth and engaging experience. It aims to guide and update millions of attendees during the mega event.

Notes:
The 22nd Divya Kala Mela was organized at India Gate, New Delhi. The 11-day event, organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, features 100 artisans, entrepreneurs, and artists from 20 states and union territories. It promotes the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement with handicrafts, eco-friendly products, and cultural performances. The event helps Divyangjan achieve economic independence and affirms their place in India’s progress.

Notes:
A meeting was held to plan the reintroduction of rhinoceroses to the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary (DEWS) in East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh. D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976 and renamed from Lali Wildlife Sanctuary in 1986. Located in a tropical climate, it receives both northeast and southwest monsoons and is home to the Siang River, a major river in Arunachal Pradesh. The sanctuary features riverine plains, thatch, grasses, and trees like Termenelia myriocarpa, Dillenia indica, and Bombax ceiba.

Notes:
The International Day of Neutrality is observed on December 12 to promote neutrality in intergovernmental relations and support global peace and security. Neutrality means a country abstains from participating in wars and maintains impartiality, emphasizing dialogue over conflict. Switzerland is renowned for its neutrality, avoiding destruction in both World Wars. India’s neutrality was evident during the Cold War, maintaining friendly relations with both the US and Russia without aligning with either. The UN General Assembly declared the day in 2017, following a resolution by Turkmenistan, a permanently neutral state. The UN uses preventive diplomacy, mediation, and peacemaking to resolve and prevent conflicts globally.

Notes:
A joint committee informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) about stone-crushing units altering the Chakki River’s course. The Chakki River is a tributary of the Beas River, flowing through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and merging with the Beas near Pathankot. It is fed by snow and rain from the Dhauladhar mountains. Unregulated sand mining is damaging the riverbed and banks. The Beas River is crucial for Punjab, one of the Five Rivers of the region, and was known as Arjiki or Hyphasis in ancient times.