Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India hosted the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC) in Delhi. The event was organized by the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT). APT is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1979 to promote ICT development in the Asia-Pacific. APT was established with support from UNESCAP and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). APT currently has 38 member countries, 4 associate members, and over 140 affiliate members, including private companies and academic institutions involved in ICT.

Notes:
World Pneumonia Day is observed on November 12 to raise awareness about pneumonia, a serious but preventable respiratory disease. It focuses on protecting vulnerable groups, especially children under five and the elderly. The day promotes prevention methods, improved treatment options, and efforts to lower pneumonia-related deaths. Health organizations, governments, and communities hold events and campaigns to spread awareness and promote vaccination. The 2024 theme, “Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its Track,” stresses the urgency of timely detection, treatment, and preventive care.

Notes:
The National Book Trust (NBT) of India displayed a prestigious replica of the original handwritten Indian Constitution manuscript at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which took place from November 6 to 17, 2024. This event highlighted India’s literary contributions with participation from over 2,500 publishers worldwide. The fair also featured various workshops and international speakers, promoting cultural exchange and literary diversity.

Notes:
Kerala’s first seaplane service trial run at Mattupetty Dam in Idukki has raised ecological concerns due to its proximity to wildlife habitats. Mattupetty Dam is located near Munnar in Idukki district, built for water conservation and hydroelectric power. The dam is near the confluence of the Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai, and Kundale rivers. It is ecologically significant, providing habitat for wildlife, including elephants and birds, raising concerns about the potential impact of the seaplane service on these ecosystems.

Notes:
India exported its first Akash weapon system battery to Armenia, marking a new defense export milestone. Akash, a DRDO-developed surface-to-air missile, targets fighter jets, missiles, drones, and other aerial threats within a 25km range. The system includes a Rajendra 3D radar and four launchers with three missiles each, interlinked for coordinated operation. The export reflects India’s growing defense manufacturing, with the Akash system comprising over 96% indigenous components. Armenia is the first foreign buyer; India previously signed a major defense export deal with the Philippines for BrahMos missiles, with the first batch delivered in April 2023.

Notes:
Panje Wetland in Navi Mumbai, a 289-hectare site, has dried up due to blocked tidal flow, despite state orders to maintain it. It is located in Uran taluka, Maharashtra. Panje is a major migratory bird site and one of the best birding locations in the state. It hosts 50 bird species, with around 30 migratory species like flamingos, Northern Pintail, and Ruddy Turnstone. The wetland supports local fishing communities, who are now facing diminishing resources due to its drying.

Notes:
A recent conference by CSIR-NIScPR (National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research) and Gurugram University highlighted the SVASTIK initiative. SVASTIK stands for “Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge.” SVASTIK aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science. Launched by CSIR-NIScPR, it focuses on validating traditional practices in fields like agriculture, medicine, and environment.

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:
The Cao Bang crocodile newt, or Tylototriton koliaensis, is a newly discovered species found in Vietnam. It inhabits mountainous forests at elevations over 3,300 feet, experiencing both dry and rainy seasons. These medium-sized newts are around 5 inches long, with stout, rough bodies and crocodile-like, knobby skin. They are entirely black, with bright orange markings on their fingertips, toes, and an orange stripe down the center of their gray belly and tail. They breed in slow-moving streams or pools in the rainy season and hide under rocks during winter. Known as “crocodile newts” for their textured skin, they belong to a genus of Asian salamanders.

Notes:
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is held annually from November 18-24 to raise AMR awareness. This year’s WAAW theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act now,” stresses the urgent need for AMR action. WHO estimates AMR caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths globally. Key AMR risk factors in developing nations include high population, limited healthcare, and misuse of antimicrobials. The 2024 UN Political Declaration on AMR aims for 60% of countries to have funded AMR action plans by 2030. Immediate global action is needed to educate, advocate, and commit resources to tackle AMR for future health security.