Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) epigraphists recently found a Telugu inscription above a Lord Hanuman statue at the 13th-century Simhachalam temple. Simhachalam Temple, also called Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, is in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar, it was initially built in the 11th century by Odisha’s Gajapati rulers. The temple was renovated by Vengi Chalukyas and later by Narasimha I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 13th century. Its architecture blends Kalinga and Dravidian styles, with a stone chariot, intricate carvings, and sculptures of Vishnu’s avatars and royal figures.

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:
Three XI standard students tragically drowned while bathing in the Koel River in Lohardaga district, Jharkhand. The Koel River originates from the Palamau Tiger Reserve and flows through the western part of Palamu District. It consists of two parts: North Koel River and South Koel River. The North Koel River is tapped for irrigation and joins the Son River, while the South Koel flows through Odisha before merging with the Brahmani River. The river is prone to seasonal flooding, especially during the monsoon, and has hydropower potential, with the North Koel Dam built to generate electricity and supply irrigation.

Notes:
The 15th edition of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR took place at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA. This follows the last exercise held in December 2023 in Meghalaya and is the second joint exercise this year, after Exercise YUDH ABHYAS in Rajasthan. The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation, interoperability, and special operations tactics between the two countries. Activities includes joint planning, reconnaissance missions, using unmanned aerial systems, and psychological warfare drills.

Notes:
The AI Preparedness Index (AIPI) evaluates nations on digital infrastructure, human capital, technological innovation, and legal frameworks. As of 2023, Singapore leads with a score of 0.80, indicating its strong commitment to AI integration. In contrast, India ranks 72nd with a score of 0.49, despite having a significant number of AI startups and user engagement. This index highlights the disparities in AI readiness between advanced and emerging economies.

Notes:
India’s Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation are hosting the first Asian Buddhist Summit on November 5-6, 2024, in New Delhi. The theme is “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia,” with India’s President as Chief Guest. The summit gathers Sangha leaders, scholars, and practitioners from across Asia to discuss Buddhism’s role in addressing current challenges. Buddhism has deeply influenced Asia’s spiritual and cultural unity. Buddha Dhamma is integral to India’s national identity and plays a role in its foreign policy, strengthening ties across Asia through shared values and diplomacy.

Notes:
The Harare Declaration, adopted at the Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) in Zimbabwe, emphasizes enhancing climate resilience within health systems across Africa. It aims to address the severe health impacts of climate change, advocating for immediate collaborative actions from governments, researchers, and civil society. The declaration calls for prioritizing climate change as a public health emergency and strengthening research to combat climate-related health risks, ensuring that African nations proactively shape their health futures amidst climate challenges.

Notes:
India’s Tanushree Pandey won a silver medal at the World Soft Tennis Championship in Jingshan, China. She narrowly lost the Under-21 Women’s Singles final to Chiang Min Yu of Chinese Taipei, with a score of 3-4. In the semifinal, Tanushree won a close match against her Japanese opponent, 4-3. She also defeated a Chinese player in the quarterfinal with the same scoreline of 4-3.

Notes:
The Government of Sikkim has introduced Odd-Even traffic rules in Gangtok from today to reduce congestion. The rule applies from Mayfair Fatak to GICI, Zero Point. Vehicles with odd and even registration numbers can travel on odd and even dates, respectively. Exemptions include taxis, vehicles of additional secretary level or above, ambulances, police, and essential services. Media and certain tourists are also exempt with valid ID.

Notes:
After disengagement in eastern Ladakh, India launched the ‘Poorvi Prahaar’ tri-services exercise on November 8. The 10-day exercise involved the Army, Navy, and Air Force, highlighting their combat coordination. The Army deployed units, artillery, Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), and UAVs. The Air Force used Su-30 MKI, Rafale jets, C-130J aircraft, and helicopters from Kolkata, Hashimara, Paanagarh, and Kalaikunda bases. The Navy’s MARCOS commandos also participated. The exercise strengthened operational readiness in the eastern sector. India and China continued talks on troop de-escalation and patrolling rights in the Yangtse area of Tawang.