Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

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:
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:
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh visited Vientiane, Lao PDR, from November 20-22, 2024, for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). ADMM-Plus involves ASEAN nations and eight dialogue partners, including India, US, China, and Russia, to strengthen security cooperation. India became ASEAN’s dialogue partner in 1992, and ADMM-Plus began in 2010. Lao PDR chairs and hosts the 11th ADMM-Plus.

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:
The Forest Department started evening coaching classes for school children in 10 tribal hamlets in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR). These classes have greatly improved the learning skills of tribal children. STR is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu, at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats. It is contiguous with Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Bandipur and BR Tiger Reserves in Karnataka. The Nilgiris biosphere landscape hosts the world’s largest tiger population, with over 280 tigers.

Notes:
The African penguin is the first penguin species listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. They are the only penguin species found in Africa and are among the smallest penguin species. Males are slightly larger than females and have a pink gland above their eyes to cope with heat. They communicate through vocalizations and body language, such as gaping, pointing bills, pecking, and bill-jabbing. Their diet primarily includes pelagic schooling fish like sardines and anchovies.

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.

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:
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.

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.