Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

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.

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:
AIIMS in New Delhi has launched the GRASSROOT Gravity Stent-Retriever System for Reperfusion of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Trial) to improve stroke treatment in India. The trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a next-generation stent-retriever designed for stroke clots. India struggles with stroke care, with only 4,500 out of 375,000 eligible patients receiving critical mechanical thrombectomy annually. The trial aims to provide a cost-effective stent-retriever to quickly and safely restore blood flow, developed with both international and Indian expertise.

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:
The government plans to conduct the Census in 2025, widely welcomed for its policy-shaping role since 1872. Census 2025 will include key initiatives like potential caste enumeration, pending government approval. It will also assist in electoral delimitation and help create the National Population Register (NPR). The Census captures essential demographic, economic, and socio-political trends in India. The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for conducting the census in India. The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India is responsible for planning, implementing, and conceiving the census.  The Directorate of Census Operations in each state and union territory (UT) is responsible for conducting the census in their respective jurisdictions.

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.

Notes:
Cyclone Dana brought heavy rain to Kolkata, causing chhatim trees (Alstonia scholaris) to shed their strong-smelling flowers, offering relief for allergy and asthma sufferers. It is a tropical tree in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). Alstonia scholaris, also called blackboard tree, scholar tree, or devil’s tree, is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China. Known as “saptaparni” in India, it has clusters of seven leaves and blooms small, fragrant greenish-white flowers in late autumn. The tree’s bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine for respiratory, skin, and digestive issues. Its wood was once used to make blackboards, hence the name “blackboard tree.”

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:
World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed annually on November 5 to raise awareness about tsunami dangers and promote preparedness. The United Nations General Assembly established this day in 2015, highlighting the need for early warning systems and community education. November 5 was chosen for its historical significance, linked to the Japanese tale of Inamura-no-hi. The day emphasizes that early warning and preparedness can greatly reduce loss of life and property. It promotes best practices, effective evacuation plans, and encourages global cooperation to strengthen resilience against tsunamis.

Notes:
The Asia–Pacific Climate Report is a new initiative by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help the region address climate change through policy reforms. It highlights India’s transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, showcasing key reforms and subsidy reallocations. India has achieved an 85% reduction in fossil fuel subsidies, dropping from 25 billion in 2013 to 3.5 billion in 2023. A cess on coal production funded clean energy projects like the Green Energy Corridor and National Solar Mission. Tax hikes on petrol and diesel have redirected funds to renewable initiatives, improving LPG access in rural areas. National programs support clean energy investments and progress toward India’s 2070 net-zero target.