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:
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.”

Notes:
Bibek Debroy, the chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), recently passed away. EAC-PM is an independent body that advises the Prime Minister on economic issues. It analyzes economic matters referred by the Prime Minister and addresses macroeconomic concerns. The council’s role is advisory and non-binding on the government. It promotes economic understanding through reports and public engagement. EAC-PM is led by a chairperson and includes eminent economists, with no fixed number of members. The NITI Aayog acts as the nodal agency for administrative support to the council.

Notes:
Japan will test the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry. It will be launched on a SpaceX rocket and sent to the International Space Station. LignoSat, made from Japanese honoki wood, will orbit for six months to test wood’s durability in space. Wood, unlike metal, doesn’t rot or catch fire in space, and it burns up cleanly upon reentry without polluting. Former astronaut Takao Doi envisions this as a step toward using wood for sustainable construction on the Moon and Mars, like planting trees and building timber houses.

Notes:
Alexander Zverev won the Rolex Paris Masters title 2024, defeating Ugo Humbert in the final. This victory marked Zverev’s seventh ATP Masters 1000 title and his first title in Paris, showcasing his comeback after a severe ankle injury. He dominated the match, winning 6-2, 6-2, and never faced a break point. The Paris Masters is an annual men’s tennis tournament held in Paris, France.

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:
NITI Aayog launched the 15-day ‘Jal Utsav’ to raise awareness about water conservation and management. The campaign, inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s vision, follows the ‘Nadi Utsav’ model discussed in the 3rd Chief Secretaries Conference. It will run from today until November 24 in 20 Aspirational Districts and Blocks, in collaboration with the National Jal Jeevan Mission. The festival aims for community involvement in water protection and promotes responsible water use. School students will participate in water management activities, becoming change agents in their families and communities. ‘Jal Bandhan’ will symbolically mark the launch.

Notes:
The Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project, supported by a $200 million loan from the Asian Development Bank, aims to enhance urban infrastructure in the state. It focuses on improving water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and disaster resilience in cities like Haldwani, Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar. Key components include developing climate-resilient roads, smart water supply systems, and women’s empowerment initiatives. This project aligns with both the Indian government’s urban development agenda and Uttarakhand’s sustainability goals, enhancing livability and public services for residents.

Notes:
Rajasthan’s Chief Wildlife Warden formed a three-member committee after reports of 25 tigers missing at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Ranthambore is located at the junction of the Aravalis and Vindhyan ranges in Eastern Rajasthan. It’s one of northern India’s largest tiger reserves and was once a hunting ground for Jaipur’s Maharajas. The reserve is bounded by the Chambal River to the south and the Banas River to the north, with diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Notes:
Anil Pradhan, a 28-year-old engineer from Odisha, won the third Rohini Nayyar Prize for promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in rural India. He co-founded the Young Tinker Foundation and launched ‘Tinker-on-Wheels,’ a mobile lab bringing robotics and 3D printing to rural students. His work has impacted over 2.5 lakh students across Odisha, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The Rohini Nayyar Prize, honoring contributions to rural development, includes ₹10 lakh, a citation, and a trophy. It’s awarded annually to individuals under 40 by the Nayyar Foundation.