Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Archaeological discoveries in Kerala’s Kanhirapoil, Kasaragod, include 24 pairs of prehistoric rock-cut footprints and a human figure. These artifacts date back to the Megalithic period and likely symbolize the souls of the dead. The craftsmanship demonstrates advanced iron tool usage by ancient civilizations. Similar findings in Udupi, Edakkal Caves in Wayanad, and other north Kerala sites reveal a shared cultural heritage. These discoveries highlight Kerala’s significance in India’s archaeological history and offer insights into prehistoric community life.

Notes:
The Rejang Dewa is a sacred Balinese dance central to the Ngusaba Goreng festival. This two-week thanksgiving festival celebrates a bountiful harvest in Bali, Indonesia. “Rejang” means offering or devotion, while “Dewa” refers to divine entities in Hinduism. The festival features traditional dances performed by young girls and women. It emphasizes the spiritual connection between humans, nature, and the divine. The festival also promotes social cohesion, fostering community harmony and collective identity.

Notes:
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, is seeing a rise in migratory bird arrivals with the onset of winter. The sanctuary was declared a reserve forest in 1971 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1987. It has the highest density of Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, with around 102 rhinos in 38.8 sq. km. The landscape is dominated by alluvial lowlands and marshland, with the Brahmaputra River to the north and Garanga Beel to the south.

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The Chinar boat race 2024 was recently held on Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, organized by the Army. Dal Lake, located in Srinagar, is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains. Known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir,” it is the second-largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir. The lake spans 18 sq. km. and is part of a 21.1 sq. km natural wetland. It is divided into four basins: Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin (sometimes considered a separate lake).

Notes:
Chikkamagaluru health officials are on alert to prevent Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also called Monkey Fever. KFD is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic disease first reported in Karnataka’s Kyasanur Forest in 1957. The disease is caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus, part of the tick-borne encephalitis complex. It spreads through tick bites or contact with infected animals, especially monkeys, but not between humans. Symptoms include high fever, nausea, diarrhea, and sometimes neurological or haemorrhagic issues. With a 5–10% fatality rate, there is no cure; supportive care is vital. A vaccine is available in affected regions.

Notes:
The World Bank’s report ‘Choosing Our Future: Education for Climate Action’ highlights how climate change disrupts education and emphasizes its role in climate action. Climate change causes school closures, with affected schools losing an average of 11 instruction days yearly, particularly in low-income countries. Climate awareness is only about 65% in low- and middle-income countries, indicating a significant information gap. Global green transitions need skilled workers for 100 million new jobs, upskilling for existing jobs, and reskilling for 78 million disappearing jobs. In India, climate education boosts pro-climate behaviors among children and their parents by 13%.

Notes:
Pune will host the Army Day Parade for the first time on 15 January 2025. The parade honors Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, India’s first Army Commander-in-Chief in 1949. Traditionally held in Delhi, the event began rotating cities in 2023, with Bengaluru and Lucknow hosting in 2023 and 2024. Pune’s selection highlights its military heritage and role as Southern Command HQ. Events include marching contingents, mechanized columns, defense tech exhibits, combat demos, and martial arts. A “Know Your Army” exhibition in January will showcase advanced weaponry and soldier interactions. This initiative fosters unity and connects citizens with the Armed Forces.

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The Indian Coast Guard hosted SAREX-24 in Kochi from November 27-30, 2024, under the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board. The event aims to validate the National Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) framework through an inclusive, collaborative approach. It addresses India’s vast 4.6 million sq km Search and Rescue Region (ISRR), emphasizing cooperation with agencies, littorals, and friendly nations. The focus will be on Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) during large-scale sea contingencies. The theme, “Enhancing Search and Rescue capabilities through Regional Collaboration,” highlights ICG’s dedication to providing aid across ISRR.

Notes:
A migrant boat sank near the Greek island of Samos, claiming eight lives, including six children. Samos, in the eastern Aegean Sea, is one of Greece’s largest and easternmost islands, just 1.7 km from the Turkish coast. The island spans 478 sq. km and features steep mountains, sandy beaches, olive groves, and pine forests. Mount Kerketeus is its highest peak at 1,433 meters. Samos has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. It hosts UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Pythagoreion and Heraion. Samos is the birthplace of Pythagoras and astronomer Aristarchus.