Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Department of Investment and Capital Asset Management (DIPAM) has issued revised capital restructuring norms for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Financial sector CPSEs like NBFCs must pay a minimum annual dividend of 30% of net profit or 4% of net worth, whichever is higher. These guidelines do not apply to public sector banks, insurance companies, or body corporates. DIPAM operates under the Ministry of Finance and manages Central Government investments in CPSEs. Its key functions include strategic disinvestment, privatisation, minority stake sales, and matters related to capital restructuring, bonuses, and dividends.

Notes:
World Fisheries Day is celebrated annually on November 21 to promote sustainable fisheries and recognize the role of small-scale fishers in food security and livelihoods. It originated in 1997 during the World Forum on Fish Harvesters and Fish Workers (WFF) in New Delhi, which led to the creation of the World Fisheries Forum. The FAO and WFF proposed the day, which was adopted by the FAO General Assembly in 2003. Fisheries provide over 20% of animal protein for 3 billion people globally but face threats like overfishing, climate change, and pollution. The day promotes responsible fisheries management and conservation.

Notes:
El Cajas National Park in Ecuador’s highlands near Cuenca is severely affected by wildfires due to a prolonged drought. The Ecuadorian government declared a 60-day national emergency to combat forest fires threatening the park’s ecology and water resources. The park spans 285.44 km², with altitudes ranging from 3100m to 4450m, and was declared a National Park on November 5, 1996. It features páramo vegetation, jagged hills, valleys, and 270 lakes, with Luspa as the largest. Rivers Tomebamba and Yanuncay originate here, feeding the Amazon Basin and draining to the Pacific.

Notes:
The third regional event of the ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ campaign was held at IIT Guwahati under the DISHA scheme by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice. The campaign marks the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution’s adoption and India becoming a Republic. It was launched on January 24, 2024, by the Vice President at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the Indian Constitution, promote understanding of legal rights, and emphasize its role as the supreme authority defining governance and safeguarding rights.

Notes:
World Children’s Day is observed on November 20 each year to promote children’s welfare and protect their rights. It was established in 1954 by the United Nations as Universal Children’s Day. The day advocates for children’s well-being and fosters global togetherness. The theme for 2024, “Listen to the Future,” highlights the importance of including children’s voices in decisions that affect their lives. It emphasizes creating a nurturing and equitable world for the next generation.

Notes:
Armenia became the 104th full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on November 15, 2024. ISA is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization founded by India and France to promote solar energy globally. The alliance aims to mobilize over USD 1000 billion by 2030 for large-scale solar energy deployment. Armenia’s membership was formalized with the exchange of the ratified Framework Agreement between Armenian Ambassador Vahagn Afyan and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Notes:
World Television Day is observed on November 21, 2024. The first electronic television was invented in 1927 by 21-year-old Philo Taylor Farnsworth. Television became a global symbol for communication and spreading information. The United Nations held the first World Television Forum on November 21-22, 1996. Television highlights conflicts, raises awareness of peace and security threats, and focuses on social and economic issues. The UN General Assembly established World Television Day to honor television’s role in communication and globalization, not the object itself.

Notes:
The 4th edition of Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) was inaugurated at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. CMOT is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It aims to identify, nurture, and promote young filmmakers, fostering collaboration, skill-building, and mentorship. Recognized as India’s largest fully supported platform for emerging media talent. The 2024 edition runs from November 20 to 28, with support from Netflix and Pearl Academy. CMOT envisions a thriving future for Indian cinema on the global stage.

Notes:
World Fisheries Day 2024 was celebrated on November 21 in New Delhi. The Department of Fisheries honoured states, districts, and individuals for their contributions. Kerala won the Best Marine State award. Telangana was recognised as the Best Inland State. Uttarakhand received the Best Himalayan and Northeastern State award. Jammu & Kashmir was awarded Best Union Territory.

Notes:
The 9th Amur Falcon Festival was celebrated in Tamenglong, Manipur, to raise awareness about Amur falcons, the world’s longest-traveling birds. These falcons roost in Tamenglong during October-November, migrating to southern and eastern Africa. Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis) are small raptors named after the Amur River, bordering Russia and China. They breed in southeastern Siberia and northern China and migrate across India to Africa, returning to Mongolia and Siberia.