Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
High temperatures and reduced salinity in Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan, may have triggered avian botulism, causing mass deaths of migratory birds. Avian botulism results from a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, leading to paralysis and death in birds. These bacterial spores are common in wetland sediments and affect various wildlife, especially under high temperatures and low oxygen levels. Wild birds are primarily affected by botulism toxin types C and E. Sambhar Lake, India’s largest saltwater lake, spans over 200 sq. km in Nagaur and Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Notes:
The Red-Headed Vulture, also called the Asian King vulture or Pondicherry Vulture, was sighted for the first time at Manhampothikunnu near Mavungal in Kasaragod, Kerala. It is a dark, medium-sized vulture with a reddish head and loose neck flaps. It is found in Central India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
Typhoon Man-yi was among six major storms to hit northern Philippines in a month. It had powerful winds reaching 195 km/h (125 mph) and struck Catanduanes province. The typhoon left at least three villagers missing, destroyed houses, and caused widespread power outages. Entire towns lost power, and many villagers were displaced. Man-yi worsened the crisis already caused by five earlier storms.

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 ranked 23rd on the Sustainable Trade Index 2024. The index was created in 2022 by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Center and the Hinrich Foundation. It assesses 30 economies on readiness for global trade, focusing on economic, environmental, and societal pillars. Sustainable trade ensures mutual benefits for partners while balancing economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. New Zealand, the UK, and Australia are the top-performing nations on the index.

Notes:
The Forest Department started evening coaching classes for school children in 10 tribal hamlets in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR). These classes have greatly improved the learning skills of tribal children. STR is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu, at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats. It is contiguous with Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Bandipur and BR Tiger Reserves in Karnataka. The Nilgiris biosphere landscape hosts the world’s largest tiger population, with over 280 tigers.

Notes:
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu urged all FAO Members and partners to join the newly launched Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. The initiative was officially launched by Brazil at the G20 Leader’s Summit. It aims to accelerate progress toward eradicating poverty and hunger by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2. The alliance also focuses on reducing inequalities as part of SDG 10. It is an ambitious platform, created under Brazil’s G20 presidency, to drive urgent action towards these global goals.

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:
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.

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.