Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The Dolphin Ambulance initiative was launched by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to protect Ganga Dolphins, India’s national aquatic animal. The project, with a budget of Rs 1 crore, focuses on rescuing dolphins and raising awareness about their conservation. It aims to train communities to handle dolphin emergencies and restore the Ganga’s ecological balance. The initiative supports biodiversity preservation and aquatic life conservation through innovative measures to protect the Ganga’s ecosystem.

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 Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023 was released by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). It was conceptualized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances based on recommendations from the Parliamentary Standing Committee. The index evaluates grievance redressal mechanisms of central ministries and departments using four dimensions: efficiency, feedback, domain, and organizational commitment, with 11 indicators. Its objective is to identify strengths and areas for improvement in grievance handling. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare ranked first, followed by the Department of Posts (Group A).

Notes:
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.

Notes:
India’s first Constitution Museum was inaugurated on November 23, 2024, at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) in Sonipat, Haryana. The museum was launched by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during the National Convention on the Constitution of India. It celebrates the 75-year journey of the Indian Constitution and pays tribute to its architects. The museum features sections dedicated to the Constitution’s parts, their significance, and the historical debates behind its creation. The initiative aims to enhance public understanding of the Constitution and serve as a key educational destination.

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:
Narasapuram lace craft from Andhra Pradesh has received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The craft originated around 150 years ago, created by women from the farming community. It survived the Indian famine of 1899 and the Great Depression of 1929. By the early 1900s, over 2,000 women were involved in this craft. The lace is made with thin threads and crochet needles to create items like doilies, pillow covers, and bedspreads. Narasapur’s lace products are exported to the US, UK, and France.

Notes:
Lebanon’s UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites—Baalbek, Tyre, and Anjar—are facing threats from repeated assaults. Baalbek is a prime example of Imperial Roman architecture, showcasing massive structures. Tyre, a historic Phoenician city, once dominated the seas and founded colonies like Cadiz and Carthage, and is linked to the invention of purple dye. Anjar, founded by Caliph Walid I in the 8th century, has ruins that display remarkable city planning from the Umayyad era, resembling ancient palace cities.

Notes:
The third edition of Nayi Chetna 3.0 – Pahal Badlaav Ki was launched to combat gender-based violence. It is organized by DAY-NRLM under the Ministry of Rural Development, it runs from 25th November to 23rd December 2024 across India. The campaign is led by the Self-Help Group network and aims to raise awareness and promote grassroots action. It embodies a people’s movement with the slogan “Ek Saath, Ek Awaaz, Hinsa Ke Khilaaf” (United Voice Against Violence). The initiative involves collaboration across nine key Ministries and Departments.

Notes:
The Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 42nd amendment, which added ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ to the Preamble during the Emergency in 1976. The court stated these terms have gained widespread acceptance and clarified that the Parliament’s power under Article 368 allows for amendments, including those to the Preamble. The ruling emphasized that the Constitution is a living document, reflecting the evolving interpretation of these concepts in Indian society.