Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The Sagarmanthan forum, South Asia’s largest maritime event, held in New Delhi and was organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). This forum aims to promote knowledge sharing to transform the blue economy while emphasizing inclusive growth and sustainable practices. It focuses on creating a resilient maritime future through actionable insights, reflecting India’s commitment to advancing the global maritime sector.

Notes:
India is projected to lead the G20 in 2024 with a 7% GDP growth rate, reflecting its robust and fast-growing economy. Indonesia ranks second with 5%, followed by China at 4.8%. Russia (3.6%) and Brazil (3%) rank fourth and fifth, with the African region also at 3%. The US is at 2.8%, while Canada (1.3%) and Australia (1.2%) show slower growth. France, the EU, and the UK are at 1.1%, Italy at 0.7%, and Japan at 0.3%. Germany has zero growth, the lowest among advanced countries. The G20 Summit in Brazil focuses on hunger, poverty, inequality, sustainable development, and governance reforms.

Notes:
The Indian Army conducted the ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ exercise on 18-19 November in Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat. It is an annual multilateral Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise by the Konark Corps of Southern Command. The inaugural event in Ahmedabad included a Table Top Exercise on managing cyclones in Gujarat’s coastal region. The exercise focused on interagency coordination for efficient disaster response. A Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration at Porbandar’s Chowpatty Beach simulated logistics, rapid response, and disaster management in a cyclone scenario.

Notes:
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) published the State of the World’s Children 2024 (SOWC-2024) report. The report highlights that nearly 1 billion children face high risks from climate and environmental hazards. SOWC is UNICEF’s annual flagship report analyzing global issues affecting children, including conflict, child labour, and disabilities. The 2024 report, launched on World Children’s Day (November 20), focuses on “Listen to the Future,” amplifying children’s voices on their aspirations. By 2050, India, China, Nigeria, and Pakistan will account for over one-third of the global child population. India is projected to have 350 million children, the largest share globally, despite a 106 million decline.

Notes:
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 was released by Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International. The first three spots were left empty, with Denmark ranking fourth. India secured the 10th position. CCPI evaluates progress on global greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate policies. It covers 63 countries and the European Union, focusing on the world’s largest emitters.

Notes:
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 started from November 23, 2024. A total of 38 teams participated for the domestic T20 cricket title. It is a Twenty20 championship organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The tournament is named after former Indian Test cricketer Syed Mushtaq Ali.

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:
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the VISION (“Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network”) Portal in New Delhi on November 21, 2024. The portal aims to empower underprivileged youth through education, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods. India has the third-largest startup ecosystem, growing from 350 startups in 2014 to 1.67 lakh in 2024. The Startup India programme, launched in 2016, nurtures innovation and supports startups, particularly for disadvantaged groups like SCs, STs, and women. The VISION Portal was developed by the Utsav Foundation, a Gurugram-based non-profit focusing on youth empowerment and skill development.

Notes:
The Reang community, also known as Bru, demands a holiday in Tripura on Hojagiri Day, celebrating their traditional dance. Reangs are the second-largest tribal community in Tripura and the state’s only Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). They are found in Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam, with a population of around 188,080. The Reangs trace their origins to Shan State in Myanmar and migrated to Tripura in different waves.

Notes:
CBSE has recently introduced the Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child. The scheme supports meritorious female students who are the only children of their parents, have scored 60%+ in Class X, and continue education in Class XI/XII. It encourages parents’ efforts in promoting girls’ education and provides financial aid. Eligibility: Single girl child, Indian national, 60%+ in CBSE Class 10, studying in CBSE-affiliated schools with tuition fees ≤ Rs 1,500/month. Scholarship: ₹500/month for up to 2 years, renewable with 50% marks in Class XI exams. Family income must be ≤ Rs 8 lakh/year.