Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
A Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Rwanda caused 15 deaths and 66 infections. MVD is a rare and severe hemorrhagic fever affecting humans and primates, caused by the Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV). It belongs to the filovirus family, like Ebola, and is among the deadliest human pathogens. Rousettus aegyptiacus fruit bats are the natural hosts of the Marburg virus. Transmission occurs through contact with infected bats, primates, or body fluids. The first outbreak was in Marburg, Germany (1967); recent cases occurred in Tanzania, Ghana, and Rwanda. No effective drugs or vaccines exist for MVD.

Notes:
Researchers in Meghalaya’s subtropical forests discovered two new feather mite species: Trouessartia thalassina and Proterothrix sibillae. Trouessartia thalassina was found on the Verditer Flycatcher, named for its sea-green plumage; it has unique semi-ovate structures in males and non-sclerotized lacunae in females. Proterothrix sibillae, found on the Small Niltava, is larger and named after naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian. Feather mites are microscopic arachnids that feed on oils and debris in bird feathers, usually benefiting their hosts but sometimes turning parasitic. They spread through close bird contact, especially during nesting.

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new ancient human species named Homo juluensis, meaning “big head,” based on a large skull found in China. The species lived 300,000 years ago, surviving in small groups across eastern Asia before vanishing 50,000 years ago. Homo juluensis includes links to mysterious groups like the Denisovans. Fossils show facial and jaw features similar to Neanderthals and braincases 30% larger than modern humans. They hunted wild horses, made stone tools, and possibly processed animal hides for survival.

Notes:
The third Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite was launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The Copernicus Programme is an Earth Observation initiative managed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with the European Union (EU). It integrates data from satellites, ground stations, airborne, and sea-borne sensors to provide near-real-time information services. The programme offers free and open access to data for various applications. The Sentinel satellites are tailored to meet the needs of Copernicus services in areas like atmosphere, marine, land, climate, emergency response, and security. Copernicus aims to deploy nearly 20 satellites by 2030, funded and managed by the European Commission.

Notes:
Former Chile President Michelle Bachelet has been awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2024. She is recognized for her contributions to gender equality, human rights, and democracy. The Indira Gandhi Prize honors efforts promoting international peace, disarmament, and development. The award includes ₹10 million, a trophy, and a citation. Recipients are selected by a jury of 5-9 eminent persons appointed by the Chairperson of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust.

Notes:
The Polavaram Multipurpose Project has sparked disputes among Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana over its potential impacts. The Polavaram Multipurpose Project is located on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. It aims to support irrigation, drinking water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. The project was conceived in 1980 on the Godavari River to address irrigation and power needs. Odisha raises concerns about the submergence of 162 villages and impacts on tribal populations. Chhattisgarh worries about environmental damage and submergence downstream. Telangana questions the project’s feasibility and its ecological and water resource impact. Odisha seeks a new backwater study, but the Central Water Commission has denied it.

Notes:
The 2024 World Weightlifting Championship has started in Bahrain, showcasing elite weightlifters from across the world. This marks the first time Bahrain hosted the event, having previously hosted the 2022 Asian Weightlifting Championship. More than 500 weightlifters, including world and Olympic champions, participating in the championships. Paris 2024 gold medalists like Reeves, Nasar, and Juniansyah are expected to be standout participants in the event.

Notes:
Tata Power has started building the ₹6,900 crore Khorlochhu Hydropower Project in Bhutan, aiming for completion by September 2029. Located on the Kholongchhu River in Trashiyangtse, Bhutan, the 600 MW project supports Bhutan’s electricity needs and India’s renewable energy goals. It is the first joint energy project between India and Bhutan, executed by Khorlochhu Hydro Power Limited (KHPL), a partnership of Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and Tata Power.

Notes:
The Markhor, a wild goat with spiral-shaped horns, was recently spotted in Noorkha village, Baramulla, North Kashmir. Markhors are large wild goats known for their thick fur, flowing beard, and corkscrew horns. They are diurnal animals, active in early mornings and late afternoons. Found in mountain areas of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. In Jammu and Kashmir, they inhabit Shopian, Banihal, Shamsbari, Kazinag Uri, and Pir Panjal ranges. The Markhor is Pakistan’s national animal and is listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN.

Notes:
The Bihar government hosted a two-day ‘Makhana Mahotsav’ in Bengaluru to expand the market for Bihar’s makhana and other food products in Karnataka. The event aims to establish Bihar as a leader in makhana production and promote its cultural and economic significance. Bihar produces 50% of India’s makhana, with Bengaluru acting as a gateway to South Indian markets. A dedicated research center for improving makhana production has been established, and its GI tag has boosted international recognition. Makhana production has created significant employment, with the market reaching Rs 150 crore in 2023-2024.