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.

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Nepal’s five-day Tihar festival, also called the festival of lights, began with Yamapanchak Tihar. Tihar is a spiritual and cultural Hindu festival celebrating lights and lasting five days. On the second day, Kukur-Tihar, people honored dogs for their loyalty and companionship. Laxmi Puja, worshipping the goddess of wealth, is traditionally held on Tihar’s third day. Many Nepalis are observing Laxmi Puja this evening, while others will celebrate tomorrow on the New Moon day.

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.

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International Labour Organization (ILO) released the report titled ‘The impact of care responsibilities of women’s labour participation’. According to the report, 53% of women in India are outside the labor force due to care responsibilities, needing more investment in the care economy. Only 1.1% of men are out of work for similar reasons. The report emphasizes the need for early childhood care and education (ECCE) to boost women’s labor force participation and gender equality. In India, 97.8% of women and 91.4% of men are out of the workforce due to personal or family reasons. Globally, 708 million women and 40 million men are outside the labor force due to caregiving, highlighting a significant gender disparity.

Notes:
Indian botanists have discovered a new leafless orchid species, Gastrodia lohitensis, in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district. This orchid thrives in bamboo thickets around Tezu, relying on nutrients from fungi in decomposing leaf litter instead of sunlight. The discovery was led by Krishna Chowlu from the Botanical Survey of India during a May 2024 expedition. Gastrodia lohitensis stands 50-110 cm tall and has unique features, including linear calli and ridges on its flower lip. It is classified as “Endangered” due to threats from local land use, emphasizing the need for habitat protection in this biodiverse area.

Notes:
The traditional ‘Hingot war Festival’ takes place annually in Gautampura, Madhya Pradesh. Participants throw “burning arrows” (Hingots) at each other in this event. This tradition is seen as a display of bravery, not just a ritual. This annual event involves two rival groups, Kalangi and Turra, who engage in a fiery battle by throwing ‘Hingot’ rockets at each other. Thousands of spectators attended, with extensive safety measures by the administration and police to protect them.

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.

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The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund in Telangana, chaired by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, aims to provide financial assistance to ex-servicemen and their families. Recent meetings have focused on immediate relief and long-term support initiatives, including increased grants for families of fallen soldiers, marriage grants for daughters of ex-servicemen, and enhanced monthly assistance for disabled soldiers. The fund also supports educational needs and sports incentives for ex-servicemen and their children, ensuring that those who served the nation receive the necessary care and support.

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Abhay Prabhavana Museum in Pune, India’s largest museum dedicated to Jain philosophy and heritage. Set on 50 acres along the Indrayani river, it features 30 galleries showcasing the essence of Jain philosophy through interactive exhibits, artworks, and advanced technology. The museum aims to attract over 2,000 visitors daily and will include a separate children’s section to simplify complex concepts, making it a global cultural landmark.

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The US Army is conducting a test launch of the Minuteman III hypersonic nuclear missile after Election Day voting closes. The LGM-30G Minuteman III is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) used by the United States (US). It became operational in the 1970s and is the sole land-based component of the US nuclear triad. Designed by Boeing, it was originally meant for ten years of service but has been modernized. The missile was the first to have multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). The US currently has about 440 Minuteman III missiles in its arsenal, with a replacement planned for 2029.