Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
India aims to develop the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a tuna export hub under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Department of Fisheries has already notified the formation of a Tuna Cluster in the region. The global tuna market is valued at $41.94 billion; the Indian Ocean is the second-largest producer, supplying 21% of global tuna. Andaman and Nicobar primarily harvest neritic tuna, with smaller quantities of skipjack, big-eye, and yellowfin. Tuna is a large, agile fish, part of the Thunnini tribe, found in tropical and temperate oceans. Rich in protein, omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals, tuna promotes heart and brain health.

Notes:
Recent research has identified Candidatus Phytoplasma as the causative agent of a peculiar disease in sesame fields in Midnapore, West Bengal. Sesame, known as the “Queen of Oil,” is an ancient oilseed crop with medicinal properties. The disease causes disfigurement and virescence in the plants, impacting their yield. Researchers, led by Prof. Gaurab Gangopadhyay, have been studying this issue and aim to improve sesame varieties through molecular marker-assisted breeding to combat this threat and enhance the crop’s benefits.

Notes:
Japan will be the official ‘Partner Country’ for the 25th Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. The festival is held annually from December 1–10, showcasing Nagaland’s culture through music, dance, art, and indigenous games. Started in 2000, its goal is to promote the state’s culture, encourage inter-tribal interaction, and preserve Naga heritage. Organized by the state’s Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, with support from the Union Government. It is named after the Indian Hornbill, a colorful bird central to the folklore of many Naga tribes.

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 Ustad Bismilliah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2022 and 2023 recently conferred to 82 young artists in a ceremony in New Delhi. It was instituted by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2006, it honors artists under 40 in music, dance, drama, folk arts, and puppetry. The award includes Rs 25,000, a plaque, and an angavastram. The award aims to encourage young artists in India. Ustad Bismillah Khan was a renowned Shehnai musician who performed at India’s first Republic Day in 1950 and was the first Indian at the Lincoln Centre in the USA.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a 100 TPD cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Gwalior. The plant is located in Adarsh Gaushala, Laltipara, Gwalior, operated by the Gwalior Municipal Corporation. Adarsh Gaushala is home to over 10,000 cattle and is India’s first modern, self-sufficient gaushala. The plant converts cattle dung and organic waste, like vegetable and fruit scraps, into biogas. It is the first CBG plant in Madhya Pradesh, promoting the “Waste to Wealth” initiative and sustainability.

Notes:
Harsha Vardhan Agarwal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Emami Group, became the President of FICCI for 2024-25, succeeding Anish Shah. FICCI’s new office bearers include Senior Vice President Anant Goenka (Vice Chairman of RPG Group) and Vice President Vijay Sankar (Chairman of Sanmar Group). FICCI is a major business lobby group in India, representing business interests and lobbying for favorable policies. Founded in 1927, FICCI claims to be the largest business organization in India.

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:
China has increased the range of its supersonic cruise missile DF-100 (Dongfeng-100 or Changjian-100). It was introduced during China’s 70th National Day parade on October 1, 2019. DF-100 is designed for precision strikes on diverse targets, including land-based infrastructure, bunkers, and large warships. It is a land-based system with a range of 3,000–4,000 km and can also be launched from bombers. The missile is over 9 meters long, with a payload capacity of 500+ kg. Powered by a ramjet engine, it reaches Mach 5 speeds in its terminal phase.

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.