Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in Kangra’s Dehra constituency will be India’s first IGBC-certified zoo for sustainable infrastructure. It is located in the Bankhandi area of Kangra. The park will have 34 enclosures featuring 73 species, including Asiatic lions, crocodiles, gharials, and indigenous birds. With a budget of ₹619 crore, it focuses on eco-friendly design. The zoo aims to boost tourism, create jobs, and promote eco-tourism, enhancing Kangra’s status as Himachal Pradesh’s “Tourism Capital.”

Notes:
Typhoon Kong-rey hit Taiwan, marking the largest typhoon impact in nearly 30 years. It made landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast with initial winds over 200 km/h. Authorities closed schools, offices, and financial markets, evacuating thousands from high-risk areas. Supermarkets faced shortages as residents prepared. The storm injured over 70 people, caused one death, and led to power outages for about 500,000 households. Severe weather conditions delayed emergency responses in affected areas.

Notes:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on October 31, 2024. He inaugurated the Museum of Valour dedicated to Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing and unveiled a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Rajnath Singh celebrated Deepavali with soldiers stationed at the India-China border. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh joined the event, welcomed by Arunachal CM Pema Khandu. Major Khathing is honored for leading the 1951 expedition to establish Indian administration in Tawang. Sardar Patel’s role in integrating princely states is also commemorated. This visit underscores India’s commitment to securing its borders amidst LAC breakthroughs with China.

Notes:
A contingent of 25 Indian Army personnel has participated in Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 from November 1 to 12, 2024. This is the 9th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces exercise, featuring troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). The exercise aims to familiarize both sides with each other’s procedures and enhance cooperation and interoperability. This exercise includes tactical military drills, planning special operations, and sharing advanced skills and techniques.

Notes:
The Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly starts today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. It focuses on enhancing energy access, security, and promoting solar energy among member countries. The session is led by India with France as co-president, featuring delegates from 120 countries. Key discussions will revolve around accelerating solar deployment, especially in areas with limited energy access. Updates on flagship initiatives for entrepreneurs, skill development, and mobilizing finance for solar energy will also be shared during the three-day assembly.

Notes:
Meluri, home to the Pochury Naga tribe, is now the 17th district of Nagaland. The state government has elevated Meluri Sub-Division from Phek District to a full district, effective immediately. Chief Secretary Dr. J. Alam issued the official notification on November 2. The new district will include the area previously known as Meluri Sub-Division. This decision aims to enhance governance and development in the region, following Cabinet approval on November 1.

Notes:
India and France have been re-elected as President and Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) until 2026. ISA is an intergovernmental organization uniting solar-rich countries to promote solar energy as a clean and affordable resource. Launched by India and France in 2015 at the UN Paris Climate Conference, the ISA Framework Agreement came into force in 2017. ISA focuses on financing solar projects, technology collaboration, capacity building, and energy transition. The “Towards 1000” strategy aims to mobilize USD 1000 billion in solar investments by 2030. The ISA Secretariat is located in Gurugram, Haryana.

Notes:
India’s new consulate in Brisbane, Australia, was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The consulate marks a milestone in India-Australia relations, strengthened by recent trade deals. Queensland, home to about 100,000 of Australia’s nearly one million Indian-origin residents, is key to these ties, with India as its second-largest export market. India also has consulates in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. The Brisbane consulate will be led by diplomat Neetu Bhagotia, who has prior experience in India’s missions in Bhutan and Russia.

Notes:
The Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) is a crucial report being drafted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It aims to offer policymakers a comprehensive assessment of environmental changes and effective solutions to combat pressing ecological issues. Scheduled for launch at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December 2025, GEO-7 will cover a broad spectrum of environmental topics, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental health with economic and social stability, thereby influencing decisions across various sectors for sustainable development.

Notes:
The Madras High Court has mandated the complete removal of Senna spectabilis from Tamil Nadu’s forests by October 1, 2025. Currently, 28,000 tonnes remain, with efforts underway to eradicate this invasive species. The court emphasized that the removal process should not be delayed by negotiations with paper companies for the timber. Additionally, the court is focused on eradicating other invasive species like Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora to protect the forest ecosystem.