Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

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:
World Toilet Day is observed annually on 19 November. The day aims to raise awareness about the global sanitation crisis, affecting 3.5 billion people without safe sanitation. Founded by the World Toilet Organization in 2001, it became a UN observance in 2013. It aligns with SDG 6: Water and sanitation for all by 2030. The 2024 theme, “Toilets – A Place for Peace,” focuses on the importance of sanitation and sustainable solutions. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is hosting a two-day workshop on advancing safely managed sanitation in urban areas, with experts in sanitation and water management.

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The 2023 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development was awarded to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad. Ali Abu Awwad is a Palestinian peace activist promoting peaceful conflict resolution in the Middle East. Daniel Barenboim, an Argentine-born classical pianist, uses music to foster harmony in West Asia. The prize, established in 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, includes ₹25 lakh and a citation. It honors individuals or institutions for exemplary contributions to humanity and the planet. In 2022, it was awarded to the Indian Medical Association and the Trained Nurses Association of India for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) developed a new technology for detecting HIV-genome derived G-Quadruplex (GQ). Current HIV tests often suffer from false positives and missed early infections. The new technology, GQ Topology-Targeted Reliable Conformational Polymorphism (GQ-RCP), improves reliability by targeting specific GQ structures. It was initially designed for detecting SARS-CoV-2 but has now been adapted for HIV. The fluorometric test offers higher reliability, reducing false positives and improving diagnosis.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Guyana’s highest national award, “The Order of Excellence,” on November 19, 2024, in Georgetown, conferred by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Modi became the fourth foreign dignitary to receive this prestigious award. He was also honored with Dominica’s highest national award, the “Dominica Award of Honour,” by President Sylvanie Burton on November 20, 2024. The Dominica award was presented during the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown. Modi is the second foreign leader after Queen Elizabeth (1969) to receive Dominica’s highest national award.

Notes:
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the VISION (“Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network”) Portal in New Delhi on November 21, 2024. The portal aims to empower underprivileged youth through education, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods. India has the third-largest startup ecosystem, growing from 350 startups in 2014 to 1.67 lakh in 2024. The Startup India programme, launched in 2016, nurtures innovation and supports startups, particularly for disadvantaged groups like SCs, STs, and women. The VISION Portal was developed by the Utsav Foundation, a Gurugram-based non-profit focusing on youth empowerment and skill development.

Notes:
World Fisheries Day 2024 was celebrated on November 21 in New Delhi. The Department of Fisheries honoured states, districts, and individuals for their contributions. Kerala won the Best Marine State award. Telangana was recognised as the Best Inland State. Uttarakhand received the Best Himalayan and Northeastern State award. Jammu & Kashmir was awarded Best Union Territory.

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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.

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November is celebrated as Adoption Awareness Month, led by Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The 2024 theme is “Rehabilitation of Older Children through Foster Care and Foster Adoption,” focusing on older and special-needs children. A key event is being held in Lucknow on 21st November 2024. Activities include offline events like interactive sessions, cultural programs, and Q&A with adoptive parents and stakeholders. Online initiatives with MyGov India involve storytelling, poster-making, slogans, and surveys. CARA uses social media to promote legal adoption and foster care, ensuring brighter futures for children in need.

Notes:
Archaeological discoveries in Kerala’s Kanhirapoil, Kasaragod, include 24 pairs of prehistoric rock-cut footprints and a human figure. These artifacts date back to the Megalithic period and likely symbolize the souls of the dead. The craftsmanship demonstrates advanced iron tool usage by ancient civilizations. Similar findings in Udupi, Edakkal Caves in Wayanad, and other north Kerala sites reveal a shared cultural heritage. These discoveries highlight Kerala’s significance in India’s archaeological history and offer insights into prehistoric community life.