Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2022

Notes:
Brazilwood or Paubrasilia echinata, the national tree of Brazil has been maintained in the Appendix II by the 19th COP19 to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The items under Appendix II may not necessarily be threatened with extinction.
The national wood of Brazil is a medium-sized tree that belongs to the Fababceae family. It is an endemic species of the Atlantic Forest of the country. Its wood is mainly used to make bows for musical instruments.

Notes:
Mumbai is placed at 22nd rank in the ‘Prime Global Cities Index Q3 (July-September) 2022’, released by Property consultant Knight Frank.
It said that all three Indian cities namely Mumbai, Bengaluru and New Delhi registered an increase in average annual prices. The global index measures annual price appreciation of premium residential properties. Bengaluru moved up to 27th while New Delhi moved to 36th rank.

Notes:
The Indian Army is engaged in bilateral exercises with five countries under way in November 2022, to improve interoperability.
The 18th edition of India-U.S. Army exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ was held in Uttarakhand. Other ongoing exercises are ‘Ex Austra Hind’ with Australia in Rajasthan, ‘Ex Agni Warrior’ with Singapore at Deolali, ‘Ex Harimau Shakti’ with Malaysia and ‘Ex Garuda Shakti’ with Indonesia.

Notes:
Haryana has also become the first state in the country to implement an open-loop ticketing system, using the National Common Mobility Card.
The Indian President launched the scheme, which will help the roadways in route rationalisation according to the number of passengers and buses. It also aims to promote the use of open-loop ticketing. The President also launched Nirogi Haryana scheme, under which 24.75 lakh families would be given free intensive health check-up.

Notes:
‘Gaslighting’ has been announced as Merriam-Webster’s word of the year 2022. Searches for the word on merriam-webster.com have increased over 1000 per cent in 2022 over the year before.
The definition for gaslighting is the psychological manipulation of a person, which causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem.

Notes:
Pakistan’s central bank said that Saudi Arabia has extended its term for a USD 3 billion deposit to support the foreign reserves of Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia agreed in October 2021 to revive its financial support to Pakistan, including about USD 3 billion in safe deposits and USD 1.2 billion worth of oil supplies on deferred payments. Pakistan requested to help improve its foreign exchange reserves.

Notes:
Cuba enacted a new penal code, which is a modified version of the country’s 1987 regulations. Several activists and human rights organisations warned that it could further limit free expression and trigger protests.
The code increases the minimum penalties and prison sentences on things like public disorder, resistance and insulting national symbols. It also establishes criminal categories for digital offenses and its penalty as two years in prison.

Notes:
Estonia, a country in Northern Europe signed a USD 200 million contract with the United States to purchase High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).
The contract is Estonia’s largest arms procurement project ever. In addition to the weapon system, Estonia will also procure ammunition, communications solutions, training, logistics, and life-cycle solutions.

Notes:
To mark the 51st anniversary of India’s victory in the Longewala battle during the India-Pakistan war, Parakram Diwas was celebrated at Jaisalmer Military Station and Longewala War Memorial in Rajasthan.
The Longewala battle between India and Pakistan was held in 1971.

Notes:
Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with Swar Dharohar Foundation inaugurated “Swar Dharohar Festival” under Kalanjali.
It is a Music, Art and Literature Festival which was organised to showcase the iconic art and culture of India and, the rich literary Art and Heritage of Indian States.