Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Botanists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) identified a new flowering plant species, Dicliptera srisailamica, in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The plant, named after the temple town of Srisailam, belongs to the Acanthaceae family. It was found in rare patches along stream banks and rocky edges near waterfalls. The plant grows up to 90 cm with four-angled stems, ovate leaves, and pink bi-lipped flowers blooming from October to January. This discovery adds to India’s plant diversity, with Dicliptera representing 27 species, eight of which are endemic.

Notes:
Indian tennis player Prajnesh Gunneswaran, 35, announced his retirement on November 15, 2024. He won a singles bronze at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and peaked at world No. 75 in ATP rankings in 2019. Gunneswaran turned pro in 2010, achieving a singles record of 11–28 and a doubles record of 1-1. His highest doubles ranking was 248, reached in 2018. Competed in all four Grand Slams, with his best performance at the Australian Open in 2019 and 2020. His career highlight includes defeating world No. 18 Nikoloz Basilashvili at the Indian Wells Masters in 2019.

Notes:
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recommended notifying Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary as a core and critical area of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, but it hasn’t been implemented yet. The sanctuary, which is about 30.32 sq km, supports a high density of wildlife and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which includes other protected areas like Bandipur and Nagarahole in Karnataka, Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu, and Wayanad in Kerala, highlighting its importance in conservation efforts.

Notes:
Odisha won its first Hockey India Senior Men National Championship title with a 5-1 win over Haryana in the final at SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Chennai. Shilanand Lakra scored a hat-trick in the 48th, 57th, and 60th minutes, sealing Odisha’s victory. Rajat Akash Tirkey gave Odisha an early lead in the 11th minute. Pratap Lakra doubled the lead in the third quarter with a penalty stroke in the 39th minute. Joginder Singh scored the only goal for Haryana in the 55th minute.

Notes:
Department of Investment and Capital Asset Management (DIPAM) has issued revised capital restructuring norms for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Financial sector CPSEs like NBFCs must pay a minimum annual dividend of 30% of net profit or 4% of net worth, whichever is higher. These guidelines do not apply to public sector banks, insurance companies, or body corporates. DIPAM operates under the Ministry of Finance and manages Central Government investments in CPSEs. Its key functions include strategic disinvestment, privatisation, minority stake sales, and matters related to capital restructuring, bonuses, and dividends.

Notes:
India will host the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup from January 13 to 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) are collaborating to organize the event. IOA President PT Usha pledged full support, emphasizing the cultural heritage and sportsmanship promoted by Kho Kho. Teams from 24 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Ghana, and Brazil, will participate. The event aims to elevate Kho Kho’s global appeal and inspire athletes worldwide.

Notes:
Armenia became the 104th full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on November 15, 2024. ISA is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization founded by India and France to promote solar energy globally. The alliance aims to mobilize over USD 1000 billion by 2030 for large-scale solar energy deployment. Armenia’s membership was formalized with the exchange of the ratified Framework Agreement between Armenian Ambassador Vahagn Afyan and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Notes:
The Australian government has introduced a bill that aims to ban social media access for children under 16 years of age. This legislation requires platforms like TikTok and Facebook to implement age verification measures. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasized the need for social media companies to take responsibility for user safety, citing concerns about the mental health impacts on children. This reform is seen as one of the strictest globally regarding social media access for minors.

Notes:
The 4th edition of Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) was inaugurated at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. CMOT is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It aims to identify, nurture, and promote young filmmakers, fostering collaboration, skill-building, and mentorship. Recognized as India’s largest fully supported platform for emerging media talent. The 2024 edition runs from November 20 to 28, with support from Netflix and Pearl Academy. CMOT envisions a thriving future for Indian cinema on the global stage.

Notes:
The Union Minister of Power recently visited Nimoo Bazgo Power Station in Ladakh. It is located in Leh district, Ladakh. This hydropower project operates at high altitudes and challenging terrain. It is developed and operated by NHPC Limited with an installed capacity of 45 MW. The station uses the Indus River’s flow, ensuring eco-friendly and renewable energy generation. It supports Ladakh’s rapid development by providing stable green energy for residential and commercial use. Through CSR initiatives, the station promotes community development, infrastructure improvements, skill development, and environmental conservation.