Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

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:
The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak was awarded to 463 personnel from various states, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces, and Central Police Organizations in 2024. This medal recognizes excellence in Special Operations, Investigation, Intelligence, and Forensic Science. Instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs on February 1, 2024, it aims to encourage high professional standards and morale among officers. The award is announced yearly on October 31, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. It honors members of Police Forces, Security Organizations, Intelligence, and National Security Guard for exceptional performance and courage.

Notes:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on October 31, 2024. He inaugurated the Museum of Valour dedicated to Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing and unveiled a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Rajnath Singh celebrated Deepavali with soldiers stationed at the India-China border. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh joined the event, welcomed by Arunachal CM Pema Khandu. Major Khathing is honored for leading the 1951 expedition to establish Indian administration in Tawang. Sardar Patel’s role in integrating princely states is also commemorated. This visit underscores India’s commitment to securing its borders amidst LAC breakthroughs with China.

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:
A contingent of 25 Indian Army personnel has participated in Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 from November 1 to 12, 2024. This is the 9th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces exercise, featuring troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). The exercise aims to familiarize both sides with each other’s procedures and enhance cooperation and interoperability. This exercise includes tactical military drills, planning special operations, and sharing advanced skills and techniques.

Notes:
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:
A Columbia University study found that long-term exposure to arsenic in water may increase cardiovascular disease risk. Arsenic is a natural element found in air, water, and soil, and can also be released by industries like mining. It exists in organic and highly toxic inorganic forms; contaminated water and food are common exposure sources. High arsenic levels cause poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while long-term exposure can lead to skin changes. Arsenic is used in rat poisons, insecticides, semiconductors, glass-making, and wood preservation, though its use is heavily controlled due to toxicity.

Notes:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to a higher risk of dementia, especially in women, as shown by a study of over 18,500 adults. OSA is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to an airway blockage. This disruption in breathing lowers oxygen levels, causing frequent awakenings and poor sleep quality. Symptoms include snoring and fatigue, with risks increasing in middle-aged and older adults. OSA affects cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and safety. Treatments include positive airway pressure devices, mouthpieces, and surgery in some cases.

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.