Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Telangana has introduced a 100% exemption on road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles (EVs) until December 31, 2026. This initiative aims to promote sustainable transport and reduce air pollution, especially in cities like Hyderabad. The exemption applies to various EVs, including two-wheelers, four-wheelers (both private and commercial), three-wheelers, electric buses, and light goods carriers. Electric buses run by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) receive indefinite tax exemption. Private industry buses for employee transport are also exempted until December 2026. The policy aims to make EVs more affordable and support the state’s sustainability goals.

Notes:
A new genus of freshwater fish, Koima, has been described from the Western Ghats. Two species, Mesonoemacheilus remadevii and Nemacheilus monilis, are reclassified as Koima remadevii and Koima monilis. This is a rare event, as adding a new genus is uncommon. The fish are small, elongated, and used for dietary and ornamental purposes. Both species are endemic to the Western Ghats, particularly in tributaries of the Cauvery River. Koima remadevii is found in fast-flowing streams in Silent Valley National Park. Koima monilis lives in various tributaries of the Cauvery River at elevations of 350-800 meters.

Notes:
World Children’s Day is observed on November 20 each year to promote children’s welfare and protect their rights. It was established in 1954 by the United Nations as Universal Children’s Day. The day advocates for children’s well-being and fosters global togetherness. The theme for 2024, “Listen to the Future,” highlights the importance of including children’s voices in decisions that affect their lives. It emphasizes creating a nurturing and equitable world for the next generation.

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A recent fish kill in Ashtamudi Lake highlights issues like sewage contamination, plastic pollution, encroachments, and uncontrolled weed growth. Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar wetland in Kerala’s Kollam district, is the state’s second-largest lake. Its name means “Eight Braids” in Malayalam, reflecting its palm-shaped topography with eight channels. The lake connects to the sea via the Neendakara estuary and is primarily fed by the Kallada River. Historically significant, it was a major port in the 14th century, as noted by explorer Ibn Battuta. The region hosts diverse mangroves, including endangered species Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang.

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The Arkavathy River in Karnataka has been found to contain heavy metals and toxic substances like mercury, DDT, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and fluoride. It is a major tributary of the Kaveri River, originating at Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district. The river flows 190 km and meets the Kaveri River near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district. One-third of Bengaluru is within its 4,150 sq. km basin. The river has three tributaries: Kumudavathi, Suvarnamukhi, and Vrishabhavathi. It feeds two key reservoirs: Hesaraghatta and Thippagondanahalli, both supplying water to Bengaluru.

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Tripura Forest Department detained an autorickshaw driver near Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for alleged deer poaching involvement. Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, in South Tripura, spans 197.7 sq. km and was established in 1988. The sanctuary features Tropical Semi Evergreen, Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest, and Savanna woodland. It has perennial water rivulets, water bodies, and grasslands.

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Archaeological discoveries in Kerala’s Kanhirapoil, Kasaragod, include 24 pairs of prehistoric rock-cut footprints and a human figure. These artifacts date back to the Megalithic period and likely symbolize the souls of the dead. The craftsmanship demonstrates advanced iron tool usage by ancient civilizations. Similar findings in Udupi, Edakkal Caves in Wayanad, and other north Kerala sites reveal a shared cultural heritage. These discoveries highlight Kerala’s significance in India’s archaeological history and offer insights into prehistoric community life.

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The National Gopal Ratna Awards 2024 winners were announced by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. It is one of the highest national honors in the livestock and dairy sector. The awards are presented to winners of the Best Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds, Best Artificial Insemination Technician and Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/ Milk Producer Company/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organisation in the country.

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Yamandú Orsi, a left-wing politician and former mayor, won Uruguay’s presidential election, marking a return of the centre-left government after five years of conservative leadership. Supported by former president José Mujica, Orsi emphasizes environmental policies, social inclusion, and a balanced approach to economic growth.

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Paleontologists recently discovered a new species of pterosaur, Nipponopterus mifunensis, from Japan’s Late Cretaceous period. Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that thrived throughout the Mesozoic Era. They were the first vertebrates to fly, using strong forelegs to launch into the air. Pterosaurs are not dinosaurs but are archosaurs, sharing a group with birds and crocodiles. The largest flying vertebrate, Quetzalcoatlus, was a pterosaur. They went extinct about 65.5 million years ago during the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event. Birds, descendants of dinosaurs, replaced pterosaurs as dominant flyers.