Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies hosted the FISU World University Championship Shooting 2024. The event took place from November 9 to 13, 2024, at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi. India finished the FISU World University Championship Shooting 2024 with a total of 24 medals. The medal tally included nine gold, nine silver, and six bronze medals. Athletes from 23 countries participated in various shooting disciplines. The FISU Flag was handed over to the organizing committee of Chinese Taipei, the next host. International University Sports Federation (FISU) governs international competitions for student-athletes aged 17-25.

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Chinese astronauts recently reared four zebrafish in space as part of the Shenzhou-18 mission. Zebrafish are small freshwater fish (2-3 cm) with horizontal blue stripes, native to South Asia’s Indo-Gangetic plains. They are important in developmental biology due to their ability to regenerate organs like the brain, heart, and spinal cord. Zebrafish have transparent embryos, making them ideal for live imaging studies. With 70% of their genes similar to humans, they are valuable in studying vertebrate development and diseases. The species is listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

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Mass vaccination of stray dogs has begun around Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Madhya Pradesh to prevent the spread of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in wild animals. Panna Tiger Reserve is located in the Vindhyan mountain range, Madhya Pradesh. It is the only Tiger Reserve in Bundelkhand, declared in 1994 as a Project Tiger Reserve. The reserve has a ‘Table Top’ topography with plateaus and gorges, and the Ken River flows through it.

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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.

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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.

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The Assam cabinet has renamed Karimganj as Sribhumi District to reflect its cultural heritage, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s description of the area over a century ago. This change aims to restore the historical identity of the region and fulfill the aspirations of its residents. Additionally, the cabinet approved various initiatives to boost investment and infrastructure development in Assam, including the upcoming Assam Investment and Infrastructure Summit in 2025.

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World Fisheries Day is celebrated annually on November 21 to promote sustainable fisheries and recognize the role of small-scale fishers in food security and livelihoods. It originated in 1997 during the World Forum on Fish Harvesters and Fish Workers (WFF) in New Delhi, which led to the creation of the World Fisheries Forum. The FAO and WFF proposed the day, which was adopted by the FAO General Assembly in 2003. Fisheries provide over 20% of animal protein for 3 billion people globally but face threats like overfishing, climate change, and pollution. The day promotes responsible fisheries management and conservation.

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El Cajas National Park in Ecuador’s highlands near Cuenca is severely affected by wildfires due to a prolonged drought. The Ecuadorian government declared a 60-day national emergency to combat forest fires threatening the park’s ecology and water resources. The park spans 285.44 km², with altitudes ranging from 3100m to 4450m, and was declared a National Park on November 5, 1996. It features páramo vegetation, jagged hills, valleys, and 270 lakes, with Luspa as the largest. Rivers Tomebamba and Yanuncay originate here, feeding the Amazon Basin and draining to the Pacific.

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The Ministry of Science and Technology launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Bank to drive innovation and strengthen national security. It provides researchers, startups, and developers access to diverse, high-quality datasets for scalable AI solutions. The launch was by Minister Jitendra Singh at the 7th ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024, themed “AI for India: Advancing AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance.” The AI Data Bank supports real-time analytics for satellite, drone, and IoT data to enhance national security. It also aids predictive analytics in disaster management and cyber security, aligning with India’s AI roadmap.

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Over 1.76 crore school students from all 36 States and UTs have participated in Project Veer Gatha 4.0. It was launched in 2021. The project aims to spread stories of courage and sacrifice of Gallantry Awardees among students. It encourages students to create projects based on these heroic tales, fostering patriotism. The project has been held annually since 2021, with editions in 2021, 2022, and 2023. It is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education.