Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The first Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) is taking place in Harare, Zimbabwe, from October 29-31. This conference brings African nations into the global discussion on climate change and its health impacts, where Africa faces high burdens of climate-sensitive diseases. More than 400 participants, including government officials, health and climate experts, and researchers, attended the conference. It focuses on sharing innovations, best practices, and solutions to build climate resilience in health.

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:
Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, themed “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity,” runs from October 28 to November 3. Central Vigilance Commissioner Shri Praveen Kumar Srivastava and Vigilance Commissioner Shri A.S. Rajeev led the Integrity Pledge at Satarkata Bhawan, New Delhi. A three-month campaign supporting this week runs from August 16 to November 15, 2024. A special event at Vigyan Bhawan on November 8 will feature the President of India as Chief Guest. Ministries and departments are focusing on capacity building, systemic improvements, guideline updates, complaint resolutions, and digital transparency to enhance accountability.

Notes:
China opposes Taiwan’s establishment of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in Mumbai. This is Taiwan’s third office in India, following openings in New Delhi in 1995 and Chennai in 2012. India and Taiwan set up representative offices in 1993: the India-Taipei Association in Taipei and TECC in New Delhi. Other countries like the US, Australia, and Russia have similar centers for visa services and cultural exchanges. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and considers the PRC the sole legitimate government. India officially recognizes the PRC but does not recognize Taiwan.

Notes:
Bangladesh won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2024, defending their title by beating Nepal 2-1. The final match took place at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. Nepal became the first runner-up in the tournament. Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli announced a cash prize for the Nepali women’s football team as an incentive for their achievement.

Notes:
Cyclone Dana brought heavy rain to Kolkata, causing chhatim trees (Alstonia scholaris) to shed their strong-smelling flowers, offering relief for allergy and asthma sufferers. It is a tropical tree in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). Alstonia scholaris, also called blackboard tree, scholar tree, or devil’s tree, is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China. Known as “saptaparni” in India, it has clusters of seven leaves and blooms small, fragrant greenish-white flowers in late autumn. The tree’s bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine for respiratory, skin, and digestive issues. Its wood was once used to make blackboards, hence the name “blackboard tree.”

Notes:
Ningol Chakkouba, a key festival in Manipur, was celebrated with enthusiasm. Traditionally held on the second lunar day of Hiyangei month, its origins trace back to King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba’s rule. “Ningol” means “married woman,” and “Chakouba” means “feast invitation,” where married daughters are invited by their parents for a family feast. The festival strengthens bonds among brothers, sisters, and parents. Initially celebrated by the Meitei community, it is now observed by many other communities as well.

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:
Singapore has the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 195 countries, as per the Henley Passport Index (October 2024). France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain rank second, with visa-free access to 192 countries. The United States ranks 8th, allowing visa-free access to 186 countries. India ranks 83rd, providing visa-free access to 58 countries. Asian countries like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea often lead the rankings, showing their strong global diplomatic ties.

Notes:
Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions , Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the Digital Life Certificate campaign 3.0 in New Delhi. The campaign, by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare, spans 800 cities and districts until the 30th of this month. Its goal is to promote digital life certificates and empower pensioners through face authentication technology. Pensioners must submit life certificates annually to continue receiving pensions. Jeevan Pramaan, an Aadhaar-based scheme, was launched in 2014 for easy digital life certificate submission. Collaboration with banks, India Post Payments Bank, and pension organizations ensures awareness reaches even remote areas.