Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite captured images of ‘sea smoke’ rising from Antarctica’s Pine Island Glacier, a phenomenon where frigid air meets warm water, creating fog-like plumes. This rare atmospheric event highlights the glacier’s vulnerability and the impact of strong winds on polar ice sheets. Sea smoke forms when cold air cools and condenses over open waters, resulting in ghostly ice crystal plumes that can influence ice mass balance. Pine Island Glacier is known for its rapid retreat and significant role in ice flow dynamics.

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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.

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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.

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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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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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Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions , Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the Digital Life Certificate campaign 3.0 in New Delhi. The campaign, by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare, spans 800 cities and districts until the 30th of this month. Its goal is to promote digital life certificates and empower pensioners through face authentication technology. Pensioners must submit life certificates annually to continue receiving pensions. Jeevan Pramaan, an Aadhaar-based scheme, was launched in 2014 for easy digital life certificate submission. Collaboration with banks, India Post Payments Bank, and pension organizations ensures awareness reaches even remote areas.

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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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The government approved the PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme with a budget of Rs 3,600 crore for five years from FY 2024-25. It aims to provide financial aid to meritorious students in top higher education institutions (QHEIs). Students with family incomes up to Rs 8 lakh are eligible for 3% interest subvention on loans up to Rs 10 lakh, with no collateral or guarantor required. The scheme aims to benefit over 22 lakh students annually, with a digital loan application process. The scheme complements other education loan initiatives and will be managed through a unified portal, “PM-Vidyalaxmi.”

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The Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project, supported by a $200 million loan from the Asian Development Bank, aims to enhance urban infrastructure in the state. It focuses on improving water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and disaster resilience in cities like Haldwani, Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar. Key components include developing climate-resilient roads, smart water supply systems, and women’s empowerment initiatives. This project aligns with both the Indian government’s urban development agenda and Uttarakhand’s sustainability goals, enhancing livability and public services for residents.

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Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee signed an agreement under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) to develop a 5G “millimeter wave transceiver” for rural connectivity. Millimeter waves (30-300 GHz frequency) allow high-speed wireless communication with low latency and less interference. The project promotes local manufacturing, encouraging small and medium industries, creating job opportunities for engineering graduates. The use of polymer-metal structures reduces dependence on semiconductor industries, with a small development cost. It aims to generate Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and build a skilled workforce for 5G/6G technology.