Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Digital India Common Service Centre (DICSC) project to reduce the digital divide in rural India. The project begins in Pilibhit and Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, providing access to e-governance, financial, and commercial services. A total of 4,740 model DICSC centers will be set up in gram panchayats across 10 districts nationwide. Pilibhit will have 720 centers, Gorakhpur 1,273, and other districts include Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (870), Chamba (309), Khammam (589), Gandhinagar (288), Mamit (100), Jodhpur (415), Leh (95), and Puducherry (81).

Notes:
Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) faculty and staff have appealed to the Education Minister regarding delays in implementing 7th Central Pay Commission pay scales. ICSSR was founded by the Government of India in 1969, based on Prof. V. K. R. V. Rao’s recommendations. It is an autonomous body under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, promoting social science research. ICSSR funds projects, fellowships, international collaborations, and publications in social sciences. It supports 24 research institutes, six regional centers, and five recognized institutes across India.

Notes:
Haryana’s boxer Mandeep Jangra won the World Boxing Federation’s super featherweight world title by defeating British boxer Conor McIntosh. The title match took place in the Cayman Islands. Mandeep, 31, turned professional in 2021 and trains under American boxing legend Roy Jones Junior. He won silver at the 2013 Asian Championship and the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Mandeep received the Arjuna Award from the Indian government in 2015.

Notes:
World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed annually on November 5 to raise awareness about tsunami dangers and promote preparedness. The United Nations General Assembly established this day in 2015, highlighting the need for early warning systems and community education. November 5 was chosen for its historical significance, linked to the Japanese tale of Inamura-no-hi. The day emphasizes that early warning and preparedness can greatly reduce loss of life and property. It promotes best practices, effective evacuation plans, and encourages global cooperation to strengthen resilience against tsunamis.

Notes:
The DANA storm, or “depresión aislada en niveles altos,” caused severe flooding in Spain in late October 2024, attributed to climate change. This isolated low-pressure system generated intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, leading to over 200 fatalities. Areas like Chiva and Valencia experienced unprecedented rainfall, with Chiva recording 491 millimeters in eight hours. The phenomenon results from warm, moist air from the Mediterranean colliding with cold polar air, creating conditions for extreme weather events, exacerbated by human-induced climate change.

Notes:
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jawf region experienced snowfall for the first time in recorded history. Al-Jawf, one of Saudi Arabia’s most fertile areas, has a human history dating back to the Stone Age. Known for olive cultivation, it hosts the world’s largest modern olive farm, as recognized by Guinness World Records. Al-Jawf is also one of the coldest regions in Saudi Arabia during winter.

Notes:
A Russian Soyuz rocket launched two Iranian satellites, Kowsar and Hodhod, from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. Russia and Iran are strengthening ties in defense, technology, and energy, aiming for a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” Despite accusations of Iran supplying drones to Russia for Ukraine, both countries deny this. Kowsar is for Earth observation, supporting environmental monitoring and agriculture. Hodhod aims to gather data to boost Iran’s private space sector. The launch is part of Iran’s national space expansion, following satellites Khayyam and Pars-1 in 2022 and 2023.

Notes:
The Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, located in Darjeeling, India, has become a pioneer in conservation efforts for Himalayan species. It is the first zoo in the country to establish a genetic biobank aimed at preserving the DNA of endangered animals such as red pandas and snow leopards. This facility is crucial for ensuring genetic diversity and safeguarding the reproductive potential of these species, especially in light of threats like habitat destruction and inbreeding depression. The zoo also focuses on rewilding programs to help restore these animals to their natural habitats.

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.

Notes:
Israel developed PyPIM, a platform that allows computers to process data directly in memory, bypassing the CPU. PyPIM combines the Python programming language with digital processing-in-memory (PIM) technology. This innovation reduces CPU reliance, solving the “memory wall” issue where the processor’s speed outpaces data transfer to and from memory. PyPIM improves speed and efficiency in data processing.