Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

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.

Notes:
SpaceX’s Starship, standing at nearly 400 feet, is the world’s most powerful rocket. It recently underwent its sixth test flight from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas. The mission aimed to achieve a booster catch attempt, but automated health checks aborted it. Despite this, the Starship successfully ignited its Raptor engines in space, marking a significant milestone for future lunar and Martian missions as part of NASA’s Artemis initiative, which plans to utilize Starship as a lunar lander by 2026.

Notes:
The Ministry of Science and Technology launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Bank to drive innovation and strengthen national security. It provides researchers, startups, and developers access to diverse, high-quality datasets for scalable AI solutions. The launch was by Minister Jitendra Singh at the 7th ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024, themed “AI for India: Advancing AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance.” The AI Data Bank supports real-time analytics for satellite, drone, and IoT data to enhance national security. It also aids predictive analytics in disaster management and cyber security, aligning with India’s AI roadmap.

Notes:
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, will have India’s first night safari at Kukrail Night Safari Park and Wildlife Centre. The 900-acre park will offer both night and day safaris, promoting eco-tourism and wildlife conservation. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targets project completion by June 2026 with a focus on sustainability and solar energy. The initiative aims to boost tourism and provide a unique wildlife experience for visitors. Kukrail will be the fifth night safari destination globally.

Notes:
Gabon held a referendum to approve a new constitution with major reforms. The constitution introduces a 2-term presidential limit, each term lasting 7 years. It abolishes the position of prime minister and bans family succession to the presidency. Ousted leader Ali Bongo is disqualified from running due to nationality and spouse-related rules. The reforms received overwhelming support, with 91.8% of voters in favor.

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The RS-26 Rubezh is a mobile intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched by Russia, marking its first use in the Ukraine conflict. With a range of 5,000–6,000 kilometers, it can deliver nuclear warheads, posing a significant threat to Europe and the U.S. This strike follows Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, escalating tensions further. The missile is derived from the RS-24 Yars and represents a modernized capability in Russia’s arsenal, reinforcing its deterrent posture against NATO and Western involvement in the ongoing war.

Notes:
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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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.

Notes:
Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day is observed on 24 November to honor the ninth Sikh Guru’s sacrifice. Born as Teyag Mal, he was named Teg Bahadur by his father, Guru Hargobind Sahib, due to his battlefield skills. He was known as “Hind ki Chadar” or the ‘Shield of India.’ Guru Tegh Bahadur founded Anandpur Sahib and contributed over 100 hymns to the Granth Sahib. He played a diplomatic role in avoiding war between Raja Bishan Singh and Raja Paranpal. Arrested by Aurangzeb in 1665, he was beheaded in 1675, and his martyrdom is remembered on 24 November.

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The UN Alliance of Civilizations’ 10th Global Forum, held in Cascais, Portugal under the theme “United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future” . It focuses on uniting diverse cultures for peace. It features discussions on pressing global issues, including artificial intelligence and sports, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity, youth engagement, and innovative solutions for sustainable development. The event aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among nations to address contemporary challenges and promote a more inclusive future.