Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The World Energy Employment 2024 report by the International Energy Agency highlights global energy employment surpassing broader labor market trends in 2023. Clean energy remains the main driver of job growth. In India, energy jobs account for over 8.5 million, or 1.5% of the total employment (566 million) in 2023. India’s energy sector relies heavily on informal labor. The clean energy workforce in India is expected to grow further, supported by government initiatives that promote job creation.

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:
The UAE launched the “Global Energy Efficiency Alliance” at COP29 in Azerbaijan to double global energy efficiency by 2030. This initiative, following the ‘UAE Consensus’ from COP28, unites countries, organizations, and corporations to cut emissions and manage resources sustainably. The UAE will lead by sharing energy efficiency expertise, promoting partnerships with the private sector, and standardizing best practices. The alliance aims to foster public-private collaborations and attract investments in energy efficiency. It will help African countries by providing financing options and technology solutions crucial for sustainable energy development.

Notes:
New Zealand has been recognized as the ‘most sustainable trade economy’ for the third consecutive edition of the Sustainable Trade Index 2024. This index evaluates global economies based on their economic growth, societal advancement, and environmental resilience. The report emphasizes the importance of building resilience in trade systems, especially in the context of post-pandemic recovery and ongoing global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical tensions.

Notes:
World Toilet Day is observed annually on 19 November. The day aims to raise awareness about the global sanitation crisis, affecting 3.5 billion people without safe sanitation. Founded by the World Toilet Organization in 2001, it became a UN observance in 2013. It aligns with SDG 6: Water and sanitation for all by 2030. The 2024 theme, “Toilets – A Place for Peace,” focuses on the importance of sanitation and sustainable solutions. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is hosting a two-day workshop on advancing safely managed sanitation in urban areas, with experts in sanitation and water management.

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:
The India Women’s Hockey Team won their third Asian Champions Trophy title with a 1-0 victory over China. Deepika scored the decisive goal in the third quarter at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar. This marks India’s second consecutive Asian Champions Trophy title, won on home soil. The final was a closely contested match, showcasing strong performances from both teams.

Notes:
World Fisheries Day 2024 was celebrated on November 21 in New Delhi. The Department of Fisheries honoured states, districts, and individuals for their contributions. Kerala won the Best Marine State award. Telangana was recognised as the Best Inland State. Uttarakhand received the Best Himalayan and Northeastern State award. Jammu & Kashmir was awarded Best Union Territory.

Notes:
Around 500 miners protested against the privatization of the Cayirhan coal mine and power plant near Ankara, Turkey. The Cayirhan mine is located in Ankara Province, Turkey and produces lignite, a low-grade coal. It supplies the nearby 620 MW Cayirhan coal-fired power station. The mine is vital for Turkey’s energy production and local employment. Proposed extensions have raised concerns over inefficiency, pollution, and environmental impact.

Notes:
A migrant boat sank near the Greek island of Samos, claiming eight lives, including six children. Samos, in the eastern Aegean Sea, is one of Greece’s largest and easternmost islands, just 1.7 km from the Turkish coast. The island spans 478 sq. km and features steep mountains, sandy beaches, olive groves, and pine forests. Mount Kerketeus is its highest peak at 1,433 meters. Samos has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. It hosts UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Pythagoreion and Heraion. Samos is the birthplace of Pythagoras and astronomer Aristarchus.