Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Māori Party MPs performed a haka in New Zealand’s parliament to protest the Treaty Principles Bill, opposing changes to the Treaty of Waitangi. The Māori are an Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. They migrated from East Polynesia to New Zealand between 1320-1350. They developed a unique culture, language, mythology, and arts. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 with the British, established coexistence but remains central to political and economic grievances. Māori are the second-largest ethnic group in New Zealand. The haka, a traditional Māori dance, expresses pride, strength, and unity, and is used in various ceremonies and as a challenge.

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The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) opened with a star-studded ceremony in Panaji, Goa. International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is among Asia’s most significant film festivals and is held annually in Goa. It provides a platform for global filmmakers to showcase excellence, promote cultural understanding, and foster international cooperation. The first edition was held in Mumbai and later moved to various cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram. IFFI is South Asia’s only film festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) as a Competitive Feature Film Festival.

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Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) developed a new technology for detecting HIV-genome derived G-Quadruplex (GQ). Current HIV tests often suffer from false positives and missed early infections. The new technology, GQ Topology-Targeted Reliable Conformational Polymorphism (GQ-RCP), improves reliability by targeting specific GQ structures. It was initially designed for detecting SARS-CoV-2 but has now been adapted for HIV. The fluorometric test offers higher reliability, reducing false positives and improving diagnosis.

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General Upendra Dwivedi, Indian Army Chief, was conferred Honorary General of the Nepal Army by Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel. The ceremony took place at the President House, Sheetal Niwas. This tradition highlights the deep historical, cultural, and military ties between India and Nepal. The practice reflects mutual respect and enduring military cooperation since the 1950s. Honorary generalships are exchanged every three years between Indian and Nepali Army Chiefs. It symbolizes trust, strategic partnership, and shared security interests. The gesture reinforces close ties, transcending formal diplomacy and promoting peace and stability.

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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.

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A new frog species named Raorchestes asakgrensis was discovered in Meghalaya. It is named after the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve in Garo Hills to honor local conservation efforts. The frog is arboreal, found at 174 meters elevation, with a pointed snout and visible tympanum. Males measure 20.49 mm in snout-vent length, and females are slightly larger at 22.8 mm. Males call from shrubs at dusk, perched 1.5 meters or higher, with peak calling activity after the first monsoon rains.

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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 Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland experienced its seventh volcanic eruption since December 2023. It is located in southwest Iceland. It is part of the submarine Reykjanes Ridge on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The region hosts volcanic systems such as Reykjanes, Svartsengi, Fagradalsfjall, Krýsuvík, Brennisteinsfjöll, and Hengill. It features en-echelon fissure systems and attracts tourists for volcano tours, hiking trails, and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. The peninsula has a population of around 27,829 (2020), with Reykjanesbær as its largest settlement.

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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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CBSE has recently introduced the Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child. The scheme supports meritorious female students who are the only children of their parents, have scored 60%+ in Class X, and continue education in Class XI/XII. It encourages parents’ efforts in promoting girls’ education and provides financial aid. Eligibility: Single girl child, Indian national, 60%+ in CBSE Class 10, studying in CBSE-affiliated schools with tuition fees ≤ Rs 1,500/month. Scholarship: ₹500/month for up to 2 years, renewable with 50% marks in Class XI exams. Family income must be ≤ Rs 8 lakh/year.