Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The 83rd annual session of the Indian Roads Congress is in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the four-day event, ending on November 11. Gadkari released three new guidelines and a manual on road construction and safety. Over 2,000 experts, scientists, and engineers are attending. Eighteen documents on road construction and safety are under discussion. The Congress sets standards and guidelines for road and bridge infrastructure development. A Highway Research Board meeting will focus on using lab research, advanced technologies, and sustainable practices. Participants include central and state officials, researchers, IITs, and private sector representatives.

Notes:
Israel’s Defence Ministry is working with Germany to deploy the Arrow-3 missile interception system in 2025. Arrow-3 is an exo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile defense system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. It targets ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, using two-stage solid-fueled interceptors. The system has a range of 2,400 km and can intercept threats at altitudes of 100 km. It is hypersonic, traveling five times the speed of sound, and uses hit-to-kill technology for missile destruction. It also features advanced radar and tracking systems.

Notes:
France is evaluating India’s Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) system for its requirements. The system, developed by DRDO, is named after “Pinaka,” a mythical weapon of Lord Shiva. It can hit targets up to 75 kilometers and beyond. The Pinaka MBRL can launch 12 rockets in 44 seconds, making it effective for overwhelming enemy defenses. Armenia was the first export customer for Pinaka, with other countries also expressing interest in the system.

Notes:
Australia appointed its first anti-slavery commissioner, Chris Evans, a former senator and human rights official. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus announced Evans’s five-year term starting in December. The role aims to strengthen efforts across government, business, and society to combat modern slavery. Modern slavery robs victims of dignity, rights, and freedoms, as stated by Dreyfus. Walk Free’s 2023 Global Slavery Index estimated 41,000 people in modern slavery in Australia in 2021. A recent report from New South Wales’ anti-slavery commissioner estimated 16,400 people in modern slavery within the state.

Notes:
Panje Wetland in Navi Mumbai, a 289-hectare site, has dried up due to blocked tidal flow, despite state orders to maintain it. It is located in Uran taluka, Maharashtra. Panje is a major migratory bird site and one of the best birding locations in the state. It hosts 50 bird species, with around 30 migratory species like flamingos, Northern Pintail, and Ruddy Turnstone. The wetland supports local fishing communities, who are now facing diminishing resources due to its drying.

Notes:
A recent conference by CSIR-NIScPR (National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research) and Gurugram University highlighted the SVASTIK initiative. SVASTIK stands for “Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge.” SVASTIK aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science. Launched by CSIR-NIScPR, it focuses on validating traditional practices in fields like agriculture, medicine, and environment.

Notes:
The Marbled Map butterfly is an endemic species found only in the Eastern Ghats and Odisha. A recent study documented 190 butterfly species in the region, showcasing its unique biodiversity. The research underscores the need for conservation efforts, as butterfly populations are threatened by human encroachment and climate change. The Eastern Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, serves as a crucial habitat for these species, making their protection vital for maintaining ecological balance and health in the region.

Notes:
BSNL launched India’s first direct-to-device satellite internet service, aiming to bridge the digital divide in remote areas. The service provides high-speed internet without the need for traditional infrastructure, using advanced satellite technology. The launch allows users to make emergency calls, send SOS messages, and make UPI payments when there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi network. The satellite service offers wide coverage, reliable connectivity, and is designed to function in all weather conditions.

Notes:
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 700 kg of Methamphetamine during Operation Sagar-Manthan. Methamphetamine is a potent, addictive stimulant that impacts the central nervous system. Operation Sagar-Manthan was launched by NCB in coordination with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The operation aims to target drug trafficking through maritime routes and enhance national security. It also aligns with the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India) by 2047.