Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, themed “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity,” runs from October 28 to November 3. Central Vigilance Commissioner Shri Praveen Kumar Srivastava and Vigilance Commissioner Shri A.S. Rajeev led the Integrity Pledge at Satarkata Bhawan, New Delhi. A three-month campaign supporting this week runs from August 16 to November 15, 2024. A special event at Vigyan Bhawan on November 8 will feature the President of India as Chief Guest. Ministries and departments are focusing on capacity building, systemic improvements, guideline updates, complaint resolutions, and digital transparency to enhance accountability.

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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.

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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.

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The National Green Tribunal criticized three district magistrates in Uttar Pradesh and the state’s pollution control board for carelessly approving mining in the Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is India’s first freshwater turtle sanctuary, covering a 7 km stretch of the Ganga River. The sanctuary was created to protect turtles, which were released to help naturally decompose half-burnt human remains in the Ganga as part of the Ganga Action Plan. Turtle hatchlings are bred in Sarnath, with 2,000 eggs brought annually from Chambal and Yamuna rivers. The sanctuary also hosts Gangetic Dolphins, diverse turtles, and fish species like Rohu and Tengra.

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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.

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The Ministry of Culture’s Amrit Parampara series celebrates India’s shared art and culture legacy. The series began with “Kaveri Meets Ganga,” inaugurated on 2nd November and held till 5th November 2024. The event, inspired by Chennai’s Margazhi Festival, featured traditional and folk arts, representing India’s cultural diversity. The event was held at Kartavya Path and CCRT Dwarka. It showcased South Indian music and dance for North Indian audiences. Organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi, Kalakshetra, and CCRT, the festival aligns with the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative, promoting unity through cultural exchange.

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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 Government of Sikkim has introduced Odd-Even traffic rules in Gangtok from today to reduce congestion. The rule applies from Mayfair Fatak to GICI, Zero Point. Vehicles with odd and even registration numbers can travel on odd and even dates, respectively. Exemptions include taxis, vehicles of additional secretary level or above, ambulances, police, and essential services. Media and certain tourists are also exempt with valid ID.

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Scientists at Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, discovered a protein IL-35 that can help treat type 1 and autoimmune diabetes mellitus. IL-35 is made of IL-12α and IL-27β chains. It protects against type 1 and autoimmune diabetes by regulating immune cells. IL-35 inhibits immune cells attacking pancreatic beta cells and reduces inflammation. Autoimmune diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin-producing beta cells, causing insulin deficiency and lifelong dependence on external insulin.

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The Karnataka Board of Waqfs claims 17 monuments inside the historic Bidar Fort as its property. The Archaeological Survey of India, the official custodian of the fort, is reportedly unaware of this claim. Bidar Fort is located in Bidar city on Karnataka’s northern plateau. The fort’s history spans over 500 years, beginning with the Western Chalukya dynasty. Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali of the Bahmani dynasty chose Bidar as his capital in 1430 and transformed the fort into a grand citadel. The fort is constructed from trap rock, with stone and mortar fort walls. Its entrance gate features a high dome, originally painted with vibrant colors inside.