Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024
1. Simhachalam Temple, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) epigraphists recently found a Telugu inscription above a Lord Hanuman statue at the 13th-century Simhachalam temple. Simhachalam Temple, also called Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, is in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar, it was initially built in the 11th century by Odisha’s Gajapati rulers. The temple was renovated by Vengi Chalukyas and later by Narasimha I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 13th century. Its architecture blends Kalinga and Dravidian styles, with a stone chariot, intricate carvings, and sculptures of Vishnu’s avatars and royal figures.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) epigraphists recently found a Telugu inscription above a Lord Hanuman statue at the 13th-century Simhachalam temple. Simhachalam Temple, also called Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, is in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar, it was initially built in the 11th century by Odisha’s Gajapati rulers. The temple was renovated by Vengi Chalukyas and later by Narasimha I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 13th century. Its architecture blends Kalinga and Dravidian styles, with a stone chariot, intricate carvings, and sculptures of Vishnu’s avatars and royal figures.
2. Which zoological park has become India’s first zoo to earn certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)?
[A] Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune
[B] Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, Himachal Pradesh
[C] Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
[D] National Zoological Park, New Delhi
[B] Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, Himachal Pradesh
[C] Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
[D] National Zoological Park, New Delhi
Correct Answer: B [Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in Kangra’s Dehra constituency will be India’s first IGBC-certified zoo for sustainable infrastructure. It is located in the Bankhandi area of Kangra. The park will have 34 enclosures featuring 73 species, including Asiatic lions, crocodiles, gharials, and indigenous birds. With a budget of ₹619 crore, it focuses on eco-friendly design. The zoo aims to boost tourism, create jobs, and promote eco-tourism, enhancing Kangra’s status as Himachal Pradesh’s “Tourism Capital.”
Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in Kangra’s Dehra constituency will be India’s first IGBC-certified zoo for sustainable infrastructure. It is located in the Bankhandi area of Kangra. The park will have 34 enclosures featuring 73 species, including Asiatic lions, crocodiles, gharials, and indigenous birds. With a budget of ₹619 crore, it focuses on eco-friendly design. The zoo aims to boost tourism, create jobs, and promote eco-tourism, enhancing Kangra’s status as Himachal Pradesh’s “Tourism Capital.”
3. Which organization recently released the Global TB Report 2024?
[A] Global Forum for Health Research
[B] Global Health Council
[C] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[D] World Health Organization (WHO)
[B] Global Health Council
[C] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[D] World Health Organization (WHO)
Correct Answer: D [World Health Organization (WHO)]
Notes:
World Health Organization (WHO) released the “Global TB Report 2024”. India has significantly improved treatment coverage for tuberculosis (TB), achieving 85% coverage among diagnosed individuals. The World Health Organization’s Global TB Report highlights an increase in preventive therapy for high-risk groups, such as household contacts of TB patients and people living with HIV. In 2023, 12.2 lakh people received preventive therapy, up from 10.2 lakh in 2022 and 4.2 lakh in 2021. The government provides free TB medications to alleviate financial burdens, as treatments can be costly and last up to two years. Treatment success rates are 89% for drug-susceptible TB, 73% for drug-resistant TB, and 69% for extremely drug-resistant TB. Challenges include the long duration of treatment, leading to poor compliance, prompting the government to introduce innovative solutions like pill boxes and shorter treatment courses.
World Health Organization (WHO) released the “Global TB Report 2024”. India has significantly improved treatment coverage for tuberculosis (TB), achieving 85% coverage among diagnosed individuals. The World Health Organization’s Global TB Report highlights an increase in preventive therapy for high-risk groups, such as household contacts of TB patients and people living with HIV. In 2023, 12.2 lakh people received preventive therapy, up from 10.2 lakh in 2022 and 4.2 lakh in 2021. The government provides free TB medications to alleviate financial burdens, as treatments can be costly and last up to two years. Treatment success rates are 89% for drug-susceptible TB, 73% for drug-resistant TB, and 69% for extremely drug-resistant TB. Challenges include the long duration of treatment, leading to poor compliance, prompting the government to introduce innovative solutions like pill boxes and shorter treatment courses.
4. What is the primary objective of Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY)?
[A] To empower tribal communities in India
[B] To promote urban development in Assam
[C] To enhance agricultural productivity in hilly areas
[D] To improve infrastructure in cities
[B] To promote urban development in Assam
[C] To enhance agricultural productivity in hilly areas
[D] To improve infrastructure in cities
Correct Answer: A [To empower tribal communities in India]
Notes:
The Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY) was launched on October 28, 2014, to empower tribal communities in India. It addresses historical neglect by providing financial assistance and promoting sustainable development. The initiative includes the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana for integrated development in 36,428 tribal villages, focusing on connectivity, education, health, and sanitation. It supports Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups with tailored development projects, allocating ₹15,000 crore for housing, water, sanitation, and education over three years. It provides pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for tribal students and funds research on tribal cultures and challenges. Funds are also allocated for project management units to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of welfare schemes.
The Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY) was launched on October 28, 2014, to empower tribal communities in India. It addresses historical neglect by providing financial assistance and promoting sustainable development. The initiative includes the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana for integrated development in 36,428 tribal villages, focusing on connectivity, education, health, and sanitation. It supports Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups with tailored development projects, allocating ₹15,000 crore for housing, water, sanitation, and education over three years. It provides pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for tribal students and funds research on tribal cultures and challenges. Funds are also allocated for project management units to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of welfare schemes.
5. Where was the seventh session of the International Solar Alliance held?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Chennai
[C] Bhopal
[D] Hyderabad
[B] Chennai
[C] Bhopal
[D] Hyderabad
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly starts today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. It focuses on enhancing energy access, security, and promoting solar energy among member countries. The session is led by India with France as co-president, featuring delegates from 120 countries. Key discussions will revolve around accelerating solar deployment, especially in areas with limited energy access. Updates on flagship initiatives for entrepreneurs, skill development, and mobilizing finance for solar energy will also be shared during the three-day assembly.
The Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly starts today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. It focuses on enhancing energy access, security, and promoting solar energy among member countries. The session is led by India with France as co-president, featuring delegates from 120 countries. Key discussions will revolve around accelerating solar deployment, especially in areas with limited energy access. Updates on flagship initiatives for entrepreneurs, skill development, and mobilizing finance for solar energy will also be shared during the three-day assembly.
6. What is the theme of World Cities Day 2024?
[A] Youth leading climate and local action for cities
[B] Valuing our communities and cities
[C] Financing sustainable urban future for all
[D] Act Local to Go Global
[B] Valuing our communities and cities
[C] Financing sustainable urban future for all
[D] Act Local to Go Global
Correct Answer: A [Youth leading climate and local action for cities]
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’.
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’.
7. Where was the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) 2024 conducted?
[A] Ambala, Haryana
[B] Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
[C] Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
[D] Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
[B] Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
[C] Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
[D] Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Ambala, Haryana]
Notes:
The fifth Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) 2024 conducted in Ambala, Haryana. VINBAX-2024 aims to strengthen the joint military capabilities of India and Vietnam. For the first time, the exercise includes Bi-Service participation, with personnel from both countries’ Army and Air Force. India’s contingent consists of 47 members, mainly from a Regiment of the Corps of Engineers, alongside personnel from other services.
The fifth Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) 2024 conducted in Ambala, Haryana. VINBAX-2024 aims to strengthen the joint military capabilities of India and Vietnam. For the first time, the exercise includes Bi-Service participation, with personnel from both countries’ Army and Air Force. India’s contingent consists of 47 members, mainly from a Regiment of the Corps of Engineers, alongside personnel from other services.
8. Which institution has reported the observations from the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) on ADITYA-L1?
[A] Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru
[B] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
[C] Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru
[D] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai
[B] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
[C] Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru
[D] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai
Correct Answer: A [Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru]
Notes:
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru have made significant observations using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) on ADITYA-L1, India’s first solar mission. The VELC successfully captured and estimated the onset time of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that occurred on July 16. This marks the first scientific result from India’s solar mission. The VELC’s capabilities allowed for close observation of the CME near the Sun’s surface, a breakthrough since such events are usually seen from a distance.
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru have made significant observations using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) on ADITYA-L1, India’s first solar mission. The VELC successfully captured and estimated the onset time of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that occurred on July 16. This marks the first scientific result from India’s solar mission. The VELC’s capabilities allowed for close observation of the CME near the Sun’s surface, a breakthrough since such events are usually seen from a distance.
9. What was the theme of the third edition of the MAHASAGAR event conducted by the Indian Navy in November 2024?
[A] Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR
[B] Blue Economy and Regional Development
[C] Collective Maritime Approach towards Countering Common Challenges
[D] Maritime Security and Trade
[B] Blue Economy and Regional Development
[C] Collective Maritime Approach towards Countering Common Challenges
[D] Maritime Security and Trade
Correct Answer: A [Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR]
Notes:
The third edition of the virtual interaction MAHASAGAR took place on 5 Nov 2024, led by Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. It involved leaders from maritime agencies of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries, including Bangladesh, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and others. The theme was “Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR,” focusing on improving training collaboration. MAHASAGAR is a bi-annual Indian Navy initiative, launched in 2023, aimed at enhancing security and growth through maritime cooperation and capacity building.
The third edition of the virtual interaction MAHASAGAR took place on 5 Nov 2024, led by Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. It involved leaders from maritime agencies of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries, including Bangladesh, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and others. The theme was “Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR,” focusing on improving training collaboration. MAHASAGAR is a bi-annual Indian Navy initiative, launched in 2023, aimed at enhancing security and growth through maritime cooperation and capacity building.
10. Where was the 4th LG Horse Polo Cup 2024 inaugurated?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Jaipur
[C] Mussoorie
[D] Shimla
[B] Jaipur
[C] Mussoorie
[D] Shimla
Correct Answer: A [Ladakh]
Notes:
The 4th LG Horse Polo Cup 2024 was inaugurated by Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra, at the Horse Polo Ground in Goshan Drass, Ladakh. Ladakh’s first Polo Stadium, built at a cost of 6.84 crore rupees, was also unveiled at the event. This highlights Ladakh’s commitment to preserving its polo heritage and promoting sports infrastructure for local talent and tourism.
The 4th LG Horse Polo Cup 2024 was inaugurated by Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra, at the Horse Polo Ground in Goshan Drass, Ladakh. Ladakh’s first Polo Stadium, built at a cost of 6.84 crore rupees, was also unveiled at the event. This highlights Ladakh’s commitment to preserving its polo heritage and promoting sports infrastructure for local talent and tourism.
