Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

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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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.

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India and Sweden co-chaired the 6th Annual Summit of the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) in Baku, Azerbaijan, during COP29. LeadIT was launched in September 2019 at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York. LeadIT2.0, launched at COP28 in 2023, sets new targets for 2024-26. The summit was co-chaired by India’s Kirit Vardhan Singh and Sweden’s Romina Pourmokhtari. Attended by 41 member countries and various stakeholders from industry and academia. LeadIT, supported by the World Economic Forum, targets carbon emissions reduction in energy-intensive industries to achieve net zero by 2050.

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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.

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The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a former Defence Minister, and Hamas officials for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC is the only permanent international criminal tribunal, established by the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998. The Rome Statute defines the ICC’s jurisdiction, structures, and functions, coming into force on 1 July 2002. The ICC investigates and tries individuals accused of grave crimes like genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression.

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The “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi” campaign, initiated on November 25, aims to eliminate gender-based violence in India. It is a collaborative effort involving the Ministries of Women and Child Development and Rural Development, supported by UN Women. Coinciding with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the campaign underscores a national zero-tolerance stance and calls for accountability from all stakeholders, emphasizing the urgent need for action against violence towards women and girls.

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The World Bank’s report ‘Choosing Our Future: Education for Climate Action’ highlights how climate change disrupts education and emphasizes its role in climate action. Climate change causes school closures, with affected schools losing an average of 11 instruction days yearly, particularly in low-income countries. Climate awareness is only about 65% in low- and middle-income countries, indicating a significant information gap. Global green transitions need skilled workers for 100 million new jobs, upskilling for existing jobs, and reskilling for 78 million disappearing jobs. In India, climate education boosts pro-climate behaviors among children and their parents by 13%.

Notes:
India’s is set to launch Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) the world’s first parallel satellite to study the Sun’s corona under Proba-3 mission. Proba-3 is an European Space Agency (ESA) mission to observe the Sun’s outer atmosphere using two satellites in parallel formation, creating an artificial eclipse in space. The mission could lead to future multi-satellite missions and enhance space weather understanding. It highlights international collaboration, with contributions from ESA member states and ISRO. Data from the mission will aid solar research and improve space weather forecasting, benefiting satellite operations.

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Pune will host the Army Day Parade for the first time on 15 January 2025. The parade honors Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, India’s first Army Commander-in-Chief in 1949. Traditionally held in Delhi, the event began rotating cities in 2023, with Bengaluru and Lucknow hosting in 2023 and 2024. Pune’s selection highlights its military heritage and role as Southern Command HQ. Events include marching contingents, mechanized columns, defense tech exhibits, combat demos, and martial arts. A “Know Your Army” exhibition in January will showcase advanced weaponry and soldier interactions. This initiative fosters unity and connects citizens with the Armed Forces.