Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The Prime Minister of India announced that over 60,000 Amrit Sarovars have been built in villages, creating a legacy for future generations. The initiative began on April 24, 2022, aiming to construct 75 Amrit Sarovars for the 75th year of independence. It addresses water crises in rural areas, with each Sarovar having at least 1 acre of pond area and a capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters. The mission promotes water conservation, community participation, and the use of excavated soil for infrastructure. It involves six government ministries but has no separate financial allocation.

Notes:
Four sandstone replicas of the Konark wheel were installed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan.
This installation promotes India’s rich cultural heritage to visitors. The Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents Odisha’s temple architecture and is designed as a giant chariot for the Sun god. The Konark wheel symbolizes India’s cultural legacy and architectural excellence.

Notes:
Ayodhya set two Guinness World Records during the 2024 Deepotsav celebrations. Over 25 lakh diyas (2,512,585 oil lamps) were lit along the Saryu River, marking the largest display of oil lamps. Another record was set for the most people performing diya rotation simultaneously. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received the Guinness certificates, joined by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak. Celebrations included lamps illuminating the ghats, laser shows, a sound-and-light Ram Leela, a drone show, and fireworks. This Deepotsav was the first since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lala at the Ayodhya temple.

Notes:
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology have developed a novel security ink using luminescent nanomaterials to combat counterfeiting in currency, certificates, branded goods, and medicines. This ink exhibits different colors under various light wavelengths, enhancing its security features. The synthesis process involves rare earth doping and a co-precipitation method, allowing the ink to remain effective under diverse conditions. This innovation provides a reliable solution for verifying authenticity and preventing counterfeit products.

Notes:
North Korea announced a successful test of its newest intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-19. Hwasong-19 uses solid-fuel propulsion, enabling faster deployment and making it harder to detect and intercept. This missile measures around 28 meters, significantly longer than advanced U.S. and Russian ICBMs, which are under 20 meters. Analysts estimate Hwasong-19’s range exceeds 13,000 kilometers, capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

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 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 approved the PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme with a budget of Rs 3,600 crore for five years from FY 2024-25. It aims to provide financial aid to meritorious students in top higher education institutions (QHEIs). Students with family incomes up to Rs 8 lakh are eligible for 3% interest subvention on loans up to Rs 10 lakh, with no collateral or guarantor required. The scheme aims to benefit over 22 lakh students annually, with a digital loan application process. The scheme complements other education loan initiatives and will be managed through a unified portal, “PM-Vidyalaxmi.”

Notes:
The Cia-Cia tribe in Indonesia is using Hangul, the Korean alphabet, to preserve their indigenous language, which has no formal script. The tribe, with around 93,000 people, has relied on oral tradition for centuries. Hangul was adopted in 2009 to document the Cia-Cia language, as Arabic script didn’t match its sounds. The script is now used in schools, textbooks, and public signs. While some worry about cultural influence, others see it as vital for preserving the language’s uniqueness and preventing extinction.