Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
PM Modi launched India’s first helicopter ambulance service at Rishikesh AIIMS to improve emergency healthcare access.
The service aims to transport critical patients quickly within the ‘golden hour’ for better trauma care. It is part of a larger healthcare upgrade project worth over Rs 12,850 crore. A toll-free number will link all district disaster management centers to facilitate this service. Drones will aid in delivering blood samples and medicines to remote regions. The initiative extends to Uttarakhand and some border areas of Uttar Pradesh, transforming healthcare access in tough terrains.

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:
Typhoon Kong-rey hit Taiwan, marking the largest typhoon impact in nearly 30 years. It made landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast with initial winds over 200 km/h. Authorities closed schools, offices, and financial markets, evacuating thousands from high-risk areas. Supermarkets faced shortages as residents prepared. The storm injured over 70 people, caused one death, and led to power outages for about 500,000 households. Severe weather conditions delayed emergency responses in affected areas.

Notes:
Fiji awarded Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar the “Honourary Officer of the Order of Fiji,” its highest civilian honor, for his global peace and community work. Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame M. Katonivere, presented the award, and Sri Sri expressed gratitude on social media. As founder of The Art of Living, Sri Sri has received top civilian awards from five other nations, highlighting his humanitarian influence in over 180 countries. In Fiji, he met with leaders, including the Deputy Prime Minister and UN Coordinator, to discuss youth empowerment and mental health.

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.

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:
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:
World Cities Day is celebrated on October 31 to highlight sustainable urban development. The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized it in 2013, with the first celebration in 2014. This observance addresses challenges posed by rapid urbanization, particularly in developing countries like India. World Cities Day is part of Urban October, which begins with World Habitat Day. More than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, making this conversation essential. The day encourages global discussions on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable for everyone. This year’s theme is ‘Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities’.

Notes:
At least 10 people died in eastern Indonesia after Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted, prompting nearby village evacuations. It is located on Flores Island, Indonesia. The volcano is in East Nusa Tenggara province. Mount Lewotobi is part of a twin-volcano system, with Lewotobi Laki-laki (male) erupting, while Lewotobi Perempuan (female) remains inactive. Both are stratovolcanoes, formed by repeated layers of lava, making them common globally. Indonesia frequently experiences volcanic eruptions as it lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area prone to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tsunamis due to active tectonic plates.

Notes:
The Madras High Court has mandated the complete removal of Senna spectabilis from Tamil Nadu’s forests by October 1, 2025. Currently, 28,000 tonnes remain, with efforts underway to eradicate this invasive species. The court emphasized that the removal process should not be delayed by negotiations with paper companies for the timber. Additionally, the court is focused on eradicating other invasive species like Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora to protect the forest ecosystem.