Daily Current Affairs Quiz: December 21, 2024

Notes:
India ranks 39th in the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) by the World Economic Forum, improving from its 54th rank in 2021, later revised to 38th due to methodology changes. The Ministry of Tourism provides financial aid under schemes like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, and Assistance to Central Agencies for developing tourism infrastructure. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Advantage Healthcare India portal (www.healinindia.gov.in) to assist international patients seeking medical treatment in India. Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, shared this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Notes:
India will host the Para Athletics World Championships 2025, marking the first time the event is held in the country. The event will take place from September 26 to October 5 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, also hosting the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in March 2025. This will be the 12th edition of the championships and the fourth time it is held in Asia, featuring over 1,000 athletes from 100+ nations. The event is pivotal for the Los Angeles Paralympic Games 2028 and aims to promote inclusivity and awareness about disabilities in India. India’s success in Para athletics includes 17 medals, including six gold, at the 2023 World Championships in Kobe.

Notes:
International Human Solidarity Day is observed annually on December 20 to promote unity, collaboration, and accountability in addressing global issues like poverty and inequality. The UN established this day on December 22, 2005, after discussions at the 2005 World Summit, emphasizing solidarity’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Solidarity Fund was created to combat poverty and advance human development. The day highlights shared humanity, unity in diversity, and the importance of cooperation in tackling global challenges. It inspires governments to fulfill international commitments and encourages people to support community service, social justice, and charitable causes.

Notes:
The Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan government to protect sacred groves, or Orans, as “forests” and conduct district-wise mapping based on their ecological and cultural significance. Orans are traditional sacred groves in Rajasthan managed by rural communities through sacred practices and codes. They are biodiversity-rich spaces often featuring water bodies and are associated with local deities. Communities have conserved Orans for centuries, integrating them into their cultural, social, and agrarian lives. Orans serve as grazing grounds for livestock and venues for communal gatherings, festivals, and rituals, reinforcing environmental conservation efforts.

Notes:
The Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) reduces shipping time and costs, boosting India-Russia trade in oil, food, and machinery. EMC connects South India with Russia’s Far East, cutting transit time by 16 days and distance by 40%. The traditional Mumbai-St. Petersburg route is 8,675 nautical miles, taking 40+ days, while EMC spans 5,647 nautical miles, taking only 24 days, saving 5,608 km. The route passes through major waterways like the Sea of Japan, South China Sea, Malacca Straits, and Bay of Bengal.