Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The 2nd Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) inaugurated in New Delhi on November 8, 2024. It gathers global and Indian think tanks, corporations, public and private sectors, non-profits, and academics focused on national security, foreign policy, and military heritage. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and the three Service Chiefs inaugurated the festival. The inauguration includes the launch of Project ‘Shaurya Gatha,’ led by the Department of Military Affairs and USI of India. Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’ aims to conserve and promote India’s military heritage through education and tourism.

Notes:
IDFC FIRST Bank, in partnership with Swift, has launched a real-time tracking service for international money transfers. It is the first Indian bank to provide end-to-end traceability for cross-border payments. Available on the bank’s mobile app and internet banking, this service supports the “Customer First” approach. The Swift GPI integration lets users track the status of funds, from in-transit to credited stages. It also alerts users to issues like missing recipient information, enabling quick corrections. This innovation brings the speed and transparency of UPI and IMPS payments to international transactions.

Notes:
The autonomous surface vessel completed a 1,500-km voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi as part of the ‘Sagarmala Parikrama’ journey. The journey was flagged off virtually by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the NIIO’s annual event, Swavlamban. The initiative is supported by the Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC), and iDEX under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO). This achievement highlights India’s progress in autonomous systems for defense, enhancing capabilities in coastal surveillance, patrol, and anti-piracy operations.

Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced new rules for appointing the DGP, establishing a selection committee led by a retired High Court judge. The committee will evaluate candidates based on their remaining tenure, service record, and experience. This move aims to comply with Supreme Court directives following concerns over the appointment of temporary DGPs, ensuring a minimum tenure of two years for the appointed officer and at least six months of service remaining before retirement.

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Bengaluru’s first digital population clock was inaugurated at Institute for Social Economic Change (ISEC). It provides real-time population estimates for Karnataka and India. The project is a joint effort of ISEC and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The clock updates Karnataka’s population every 1 minute 10 seconds and India’s every 2 seconds. It aims to raise awareness about population dynamics and support research. Similar clocks will be installed at 18 Population Research Centres in India. Equipped with satellite connection, advanced software, and tools, it will enhance demographic studies and policy analysis.

Notes:
A new mouse species, Otavalo’s Andean mouse, was discovered near the dormant Mojanda volcano in Ecuador. The mouse has a notably long tail and is found in the temperate, high-altitude Andean montane forest. The discovery site is about 50 miles from Quito, in northern Ecuador’s Andes. It is named after the local Otavalo culture, known for its music, weaving, and textile commerce. This species is endemic to the region, meaning it is found only in this specific area.

Notes:
The ‘EV as a Service’ program, initiated by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL). The programme aims to deploy 5,000 electric cars across government ministries, departments, CPSEs, and institutions in the next two years. It allows flexible procurement of different EV models based on operational needs, promoting environmental sustainability. CESL has already deployed nearly 2,000 EVs and is working on 17,000 E-Buses. The initiative supports India’s net-zero emission target by 2070, reducing carbon emissions, fossil fuel reliance, and enhancing energy security.

Notes:
Researchers from Australia and Germany have successfully cured patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) for the first time. TEN, also called Lyell’s syndrome, is a rare and life-threatening skin disease. It is the most severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). TEN and SJS are typically caused by reactions to certain medications, such as antibiotics or anticonvulsants. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing SJS or TEN.

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Bhutan plans to build the “Gelephu Mindfulness City” (GMC) with a $100 million bond issue to fund the project. The city will focus on mindfulness, green spaces, eco-tourism, and promoting walking and cycling. It will span over 2,500 sq km and connect South Asia with Southeast Asia, with separate rules and laws. GMC will offer space for businesses in finance, tourism, green energy, technology, healthcare, and more. The bond will raise funds for infrastructure, green energy, and connectivity. The project aims to attract investment, create jobs, and redefine Bhutan’s economic landscape.

Notes:
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is observed on November 14 each year to raise awareness about diabetes. The event is organized by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” focuses on accessible, affordable diabetes care. WDD was created in 1991 in response to global diabetes concerns and officially recognized by the UN in 2006. November 14 marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin. WDD highlights the importance of early diagnosis, proper care, and lifestyle changes in managing diabetes.