Daily Current Affairs Quiz: December 26, 2024

Notes:
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh on 25 December, 2024. This project aims to reduce carbon emissions, supporting India’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. It also conserves water by reducing evaporation. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Ken-Betwa river linking project, India’s first interlinking of rivers under the National Perspective Plan. This project will provide irrigation facilities to districts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Notes:
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano, one of the world’s most active, is erupting again. It is located in Hawaii’s Big Island within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, USA. Kilauea is the youngest and most active shield volcano in Hawaii, known for frequent eruptions. Its eruptions occur from vents at its summit caldera or along rift zones. The central crater, Halemaumau, holds mythological significance as the believed home of the Hawaiian fire goddess Pele.

Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024 to 17 children on December 26. The award celebrates the energy, determination, and enthusiasm of children. It is the highest civilian honor for children in India. It is instituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Awards recognize exceptional achievements in seven categories: Art & Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, Sports, and Environment.

Notes:
A study highlights the growing threat to non-human primates like the lion-tailed macaque due to increased human-wildlife interactions. The lion-tailed macaque, an Old-World monkey, is arboreal, diurnal, and sleeps high in rainforest canopies. It is territorial, with males defining home boundaries through calls, and communicates using 17 vocalizations. It is endemic to the Western Ghats. They are found in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It is classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN.

Notes:
The study of archaea, a domain of ancient microorganisms, has provided valuable insights into survival strategies in extreme environments. Archaea, meaning “ancient things” in Greek, are among the oldest life forms and belong to the third domain of life. These are primitive microorganisms. They are slow-growing and can also be found in the human gut, potentially impacting health. Archaea are known for producing antimicrobial molecules and exhibiting antioxidant activity. They have promising applications, particularly in eco-friendly wastewater treatment. They exist in extreme environments like hydrothermal vents, hot springs, and saline or acidic habitats.