Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
India’s GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) communication satellite was launched by SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket. It was developed by New Space India Limited (NSIL), under ISRO’s Department of Space. GSAT-N2 operates in the Ka-band and supports high-throughput communication with a capacity of 48 Gbps. It offers data and internet services to remote areas and in-flight connectivity across India. The satellite features 32 user beams: 8 for the Northeast and 24 for the rest of India. It weighs 4,700 kg, has a mission life of 14 years, and supports India’s Smart Cities Mission.

Notes:
India is ranked 23rd on the Sustainable Trade Index 2024. The index was created in 2022 by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Center and the Hinrich Foundation. It assesses 30 economies on readiness for global trade, focusing on economic, environmental, and societal pillars. Sustainable trade ensures mutual benefits for partners while balancing economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. New Zealand, the UK, and Australia are the top-performing nations on the index.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The “Bhu-Neer” portal, launched on September 19, 2024, aims to improve groundwater management in India. Introduced by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil during India Water Week 2024, it replaces the older NOCAP system. Developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), it features a PAN-based single ID system and QR-coded No Objection Certificates (NOCs). This initiative enhances transparency and efficiency in groundwater usage, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of Ease of Doing Business. The portal serves as a vital resource for stakeholders in groundwater regulation.

Notes:
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.

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:
Narasapuram lace craft from Andhra Pradesh has received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The craft originated around 150 years ago, created by women from the farming community. It survived the Indian famine of 1899 and the Great Depression of 1929. By the early 1900s, over 2,000 women were involved in this craft. The lace is made with thin threads and crochet needles to create items like doilies, pillow covers, and bedspreads. Narasapur’s lace products are exported to the US, UK, and France.

Notes:
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) celebrates National Milk Day on November 26, 2024, at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The event honors the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the “Father of the White Revolution.” The event celebrates India’s leadership in the global dairy sector, focusing on sustainability and collaboration.

Notes:
The Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 42nd amendment, which added ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ to the Preamble during the Emergency in 1976. The court stated these terms have gained widespread acceptance and clarified that the Parliament’s power under Article 368 allows for amendments, including those to the Preamble. The ruling emphasized that the Constitution is a living document, reflecting the evolving interpretation of these concepts in Indian society.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with a ₹2,750 crore allocation until March 31, 2028. AIM, launched by NITI Aayog in 2016, aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in schools, research institutes, MSMEs, and industries. It has two main goals: promoting entrepreneurship through financial support and mentorship, and promoting innovation by creating a platform for idea generation. AIM supports four programs: Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, Atal Challenges, and Mentor India. It collaborates with academia, industries, and NGOs, and monitors initiatives via real-time MIS systems.