Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024
1. Where was the 8th edition of the Future Investment Initiative organized?
[A] Kuwait
[B] Abu Dhabi
[C] Riyadh
[D] Tehran
[B] Abu Dhabi
[C] Riyadh
[D] Tehran
Correct Answer: C [Riyadh]
Notes:
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal attended the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh. India and Saudi Arabia share strong economic, cultural, and strategic ties reinforced by high-level visits and the 2019 Strategic Partnership Council.
The council oversees cooperation, structured in Political-Security-Socio-Cultural and Economic-Investment pillars.
Saudi Arabia is India’s fifth-largest trade partner, with bilateral trade at USD 43 billion in 2023-24, mainly oil imports and Indian exports in goods. Both nations are exploring renewable energy, with shared interests in solar, wind, and hydrogen. Saudi’s Vision 2030 aligns with India’s development goals, fostering collaborations in food security, pharma, ICT, and defense.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal attended the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh. India and Saudi Arabia share strong economic, cultural, and strategic ties reinforced by high-level visits and the 2019 Strategic Partnership Council.
The council oversees cooperation, structured in Political-Security-Socio-Cultural and Economic-Investment pillars.
Saudi Arabia is India’s fifth-largest trade partner, with bilateral trade at USD 43 billion in 2023-24, mainly oil imports and Indian exports in goods. Both nations are exploring renewable energy, with shared interests in solar, wind, and hydrogen. Saudi’s Vision 2030 aligns with India’s development goals, fostering collaborations in food security, pharma, ICT, and defense.
2. Where was India’s first helicopter ambulance service launched?
[A] AIIMS New Delhi
[B] AIIMS Jaipur
[C] AIIMS Rishikesh
[D] AIIMS Bilaspur
[B] AIIMS Jaipur
[C] AIIMS Rishikesh
[D] AIIMS Bilaspur
Correct Answer: C [AIIMS Rishikesh]
Notes:
PM Modi launched India’s first helicopter ambulance service at Rishikesh AIIMS to improve emergency healthcare access.
The service aims to transport critical patients quickly within the ‘golden hour’ for better trauma care. It is part of a larger healthcare upgrade project worth over Rs 12,850 crore. A toll-free number will link all district disaster management centers to facilitate this service. Drones will aid in delivering blood samples and medicines to remote regions. The initiative extends to Uttarakhand and some border areas of Uttar Pradesh, transforming healthcare access in tough terrains.
PM Modi launched India’s first helicopter ambulance service at Rishikesh AIIMS to improve emergency healthcare access.
The service aims to transport critical patients quickly within the ‘golden hour’ for better trauma care. It is part of a larger healthcare upgrade project worth over Rs 12,850 crore. A toll-free number will link all district disaster management centers to facilitate this service. Drones will aid in delivering blood samples and medicines to remote regions. The initiative extends to Uttarakhand and some border areas of Uttar Pradesh, transforming healthcare access in tough terrains.
3. When is the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists” observed every year by the UN?
[A] November 1
[B] November 2
[C] November 3
[D] November 4
[B] November 2
[C] November 3
[D] November 4
Correct Answer: B [November 2]
Notes:
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) is observed on November 2, recognized by the United Nations to protect journalists and seek justice for crimes against them. IDEI was proclaimed by the UN in Resolution A/RES/68/163, marking the 2013 killing of two French journalists in Mali. It aims to tackle violence against journalists, crucial for freedom of expression and access to information. The 2024 theme, “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies,” focuses on protecting journalists in conflict zones. Journalists in high-risk areas face violence, restricted access, and detention, creating “zones of silence.”
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) is observed on November 2, recognized by the United Nations to protect journalists and seek justice for crimes against them. IDEI was proclaimed by the UN in Resolution A/RES/68/163, marking the 2013 killing of two French journalists in Mali. It aims to tackle violence against journalists, crucial for freedom of expression and access to information. The 2024 theme, “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies,” focuses on protecting journalists in conflict zones. Journalists in high-risk areas face violence, restricted access, and detention, creating “zones of silence.”
4. What is the theme of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024?
[A] Self Reliance with Integrity
[B] Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity
[C] Say no to corruption; commit to the Nation
[D] Corruption Free India for a developed National
[B] Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity
[C] Say no to corruption; commit to the Nation
[D] Corruption Free India for a developed National
Correct Answer: B [Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity ]
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.
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.
5. Which ministry is responsible for conducting the census in India?
[A] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[B] Ministry of Tourism
[C] Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Tourism
[C] Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
The government plans to conduct the Census in 2025, widely welcomed for its policy-shaping role since 1872. Census 2025 will include key initiatives like potential caste enumeration, pending government approval. It will also assist in electoral delimitation and help create the National Population Register (NPR). The Census captures essential demographic, economic, and socio-political trends in India. The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for conducting the census in India. The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India is responsible for planning, implementing, and conceiving the census. The Directorate of Census Operations in each state and union territory (UT) is responsible for conducting the census in their respective jurisdictions.
The government plans to conduct the Census in 2025, widely welcomed for its policy-shaping role since 1872. Census 2025 will include key initiatives like potential caste enumeration, pending government approval. It will also assist in electoral delimitation and help create the National Population Register (NPR). The Census captures essential demographic, economic, and socio-political trends in India. The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for conducting the census in India. The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India is responsible for planning, implementing, and conceiving the census. The Directorate of Census Operations in each state and union territory (UT) is responsible for conducting the census in their respective jurisdictions.
6. What is Alstonia scholaris, that was recently seen in news?
[A] Spider
[B] Tropical tree
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Butterfly
[B] Tropical tree
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Butterfly
Correct Answer: B [Tropical tree]
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.”
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.”
7. Which tribe primarily inhabits Meluri, newly declared district of Nagaland?
[A] Angami Naga
[B] Pochury Naga
[C] Sumi Naga
[D] Lotha Naga
[B] Pochury Naga
[C] Sumi Naga
[D] Lotha Naga
Correct Answer: B [Pochury Naga]
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.
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.
8. The Yanadi Tribe primarily resides in which state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Three Yanadi tribe children who went missing in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, were recently found. Yanadis are a major scheduled tribe in Andhra Pradesh, living in poverty and social exclusion. They are one of India’s most vulnerable tribal groups, mainly residing in Nellore and other plains areas. The Yanadi population in Andhra Pradesh was recorded as 4,62,167 in the 2001 census. They speak Telugu and traditionally work in hunting, gathering, and agriculture. Yanadis possess rich traditional health knowledge, using plants to treat various ailments. Their culture includes forest-linked religious beliefs and the Dhimsa dance, performed during festivals.
Three Yanadi tribe children who went missing in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, were recently found. Yanadis are a major scheduled tribe in Andhra Pradesh, living in poverty and social exclusion. They are one of India’s most vulnerable tribal groups, mainly residing in Nellore and other plains areas. The Yanadi population in Andhra Pradesh was recorded as 4,62,167 in the 2001 census. They speak Telugu and traditionally work in hunting, gathering, and agriculture. Yanadis possess rich traditional health knowledge, using plants to treat various ailments. Their culture includes forest-linked religious beliefs and the Dhimsa dance, performed during festivals.
9. What is rank of India in Henley Passport Index, released in October 2024?
[A] 65th
[B] 72nd
[C] 83rd
[D] 94th
[B] 72nd
[C] 83rd
[D] 94th
Correct Answer: C [83rd]
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.
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.
10. PM Vishwakarma scheme, that was recently seen in news, comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Commerce
[C] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Commerce
[C] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises]
Notes:
Two million applications have been successfully registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme. The scheme is run by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It is a central sector scheme designed to support traditional artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas. The objectives include recognizing artisans as Vishwakarmas and providing skill upgrades. The scheme also aims to promote their brands and create market linkages to access new growth opportunities.
Two million applications have been successfully registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme. The scheme is run by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It is a central sector scheme designed to support traditional artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas. The objectives include recognizing artisans as Vishwakarmas and providing skill upgrades. The scheme also aims to promote their brands and create market linkages to access new growth opportunities.
