Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

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IIT Bombay scientists developed AroTrack, a portable and economical device for detecting water pollutants like phenol and benzene. AroTrack addresses increasing water pollution from industrialization, urbanization, and unregulated effluent discharge. It uses bacterial proteins from polluted environments to identify aromatic pollutants through ATP hydrolysis. A chemical reaction in the protein solution causes a color change, which the device detects. The compact device is slightly smaller than a small projector and highly robust. AroTrack is considered a potential game-changer for sustainable water pollution monitoring and management.

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World Heritage Week is celebrated globally to raise awareness about traditions and cultures. UNESCO recognizes the heritage sites highlighted during this observance. In 2024, India celebrates World Heritage Week from November 19 to November 25 under the theme “Discover and Experience Diversity.” The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has announced free entry to heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, on November 19. ASI protects over 3,650 ancient monuments and sites across India. Events like exhibitions, workshops, and guided tours will educate visitors on the importance of these sites.

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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.

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November is celebrated as Adoption Awareness Month, led by Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The 2024 theme is “Rehabilitation of Older Children through Foster Care and Foster Adoption,” focusing on older and special-needs children. A key event is being held in Lucknow on 21st November 2024. Activities include offline events like interactive sessions, cultural programs, and Q&A with adoptive parents and stakeholders. Online initiatives with MyGov India involve storytelling, poster-making, slogans, and surveys. CARA uses social media to promote legal adoption and foster care, ensuring brighter futures for children in need.

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The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a former Defence Minister, and Hamas officials for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC is the only permanent international criminal tribunal, established by the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998. The Rome Statute defines the ICC’s jurisdiction, structures, and functions, coming into force on 1 July 2002. The ICC investigates and tries individuals accused of grave crimes like genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression.

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SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) is facing bribery allegations. It is a major public sector undertaking in India’s renewable energy sector, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Established in 2011, SECI was originally a not-for-profit company and became a commercial entity in 2015. SECI is the only Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) dedicated to renewable energy. It plays a key role in implementing India’s National Solar Mission and renewable energy projects like solar, wind, and hybrid. SECI holds the status of Mini-Ratna Category-I CPSU.

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Indian Institute of Science (IISc) introduced STRONG (STring Representation Of Nanopore Geometry), a new language for encoding nanopore shapes as character sequences. STRONG helps machine learning models predict nanopore properties accurately. It assigns letters to atomic configurations, improving understanding of nanopore geometries. This tool supports applications like gas separation and enhances data analysis. STRONG’s integration with neural networks boosts prediction accuracy. This breakthrough marks a significant advancement in materials science and computational research.

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Over 1.76 crore school students from all 36 States and UTs have participated in Project Veer Gatha 4.0. It was launched in 2021. The project aims to spread stories of courage and sacrifice of Gallantry Awardees among students. It encourages students to create projects based on these heroic tales, fostering patriotism. The project has been held annually since 2021, with editions in 2021, 2022, and 2023. It is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education.

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Italy won the Billie Jean King Cup 2024, defeating Slovakia 2-0 in the final. Jasmine Paolini secured the victory by beating Rebecca Sramkova. The Billie Jean King Cup, originally called the Federation Cup, began in 1963 to mark the 50th anniversary of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The 61st edition of the tournament was held in Malaga, Spain, from 14 to 20 November 2024. The Billie Jean King Cup is the top international team competition in women’s tennis.

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The National Gopal Ratna Awards 2024 winners were announced by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. It is one of the highest national honors in the livestock and dairy sector. The awards are presented to winners of the Best Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds, Best Artificial Insemination Technician and Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/ Milk Producer Company/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organisation in the country.