Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Three Australian satellites from Curtin University’s Binar Space Program recently burned up in Earth’s atmosphere due to increased solar activity. The program, based in Australia, focuses on Solar System research and reducing barriers to space operations. Binar-1, the first satellite launched in September 2021, lasted 364 days in orbit during low solar activity. The follow-up mission included three CubeSats (Binar-2, 3, and 4) designed with deployable solar arrays but expected to last about six months. Intense solar activity caused the satellites to deorbit much earlier than anticipated.

Notes:
Recent research has identified Candidatus Phytoplasma as the causative agent of a peculiar disease in sesame fields in Midnapore, West Bengal. Sesame, known as the “Queen of Oil,” is an ancient oilseed crop with medicinal properties. The disease causes disfigurement and virescence in the plants, impacting their yield. Researchers, led by Prof. Gaurab Gangopadhyay, have been studying this issue and aim to improve sesame varieties through molecular marker-assisted breeding to combat this threat and enhance the crop’s benefits.

Notes:
Japan will be the official ‘Partner Country’ for the 25th Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. The festival is held annually from December 1–10, showcasing Nagaland’s culture through music, dance, art, and indigenous games. Started in 2000, its goal is to promote the state’s culture, encourage inter-tribal interaction, and preserve Naga heritage. Organized by the state’s Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, with support from the Union Government. It is named after the Indian Hornbill, a colorful bird central to the folklore of many Naga tribes.

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:
Ecuador declared a national emergency for 60 days due to forest fires, water shortages, and severe drought. The country is experiencing its worst drought in 60 years. The drought has caused losses of 40,000 hectares of crops and over 44,000 farm animals. The emergency aims to address the crisis and provide relief to affected areas.

Notes:
The 9th Amur Falcon Festival was celebrated in Tamenglong, Manipur, to raise awareness about Amur falcons, the world’s longest-traveling birds. These falcons roost in Tamenglong during October-November, migrating to southern and eastern Africa. Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis) are small raptors named after the Amur River, bordering Russia and China. They breed in southeastern Siberia and northern China and migrate across India to Africa, returning to Mongolia and Siberia.

Notes:
The Oreshnik hypersonic missile, recently tested by Russia, has a range of 3,000-5,500 km and can strike targets in Europe and the western US. Its unique feature is the ability to carry multiple warheads, akin to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). President Vladimir Putin indicated that this missile’s deployment was a response to Ukraine’s use of Western missiles, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The missile is designed to be highly accurate and currently lacks effective countermeasures against it.

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:
Kurram district in Pakistan is experiencing sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni Muslims. Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Kurram borders Afghanistan’s Logar and Nangarhar provinces. Its strategic position includes important border crossings along the Durand Line, such as the Peiwar Kotal Pass, a key route to Kabul. The Durand Line is the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, established by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand to protect British Empire interests from Tsarist Russia.

Notes:
Italy won the Billie Jean King Cup 2024, defeating Slovakia 2-0 in the final. Jasmine Paolini secured the victory by beating Rebecca Sramkova. The Billie Jean King Cup, originally called the Federation Cup, began in 1963 to mark the 50th anniversary of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The 61st edition of the tournament was held in Malaga, Spain, from 14 to 20 November 2024. The Billie Jean King Cup is the top international team competition in women’s tennis.