Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) launched the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Program to enhance research in Indian universities. PAIR uses a hub-and-spoke model, pairing top universities (hubs) with emerging ones (spokes) for mentorship. Hub institutions include the top 25 NIRF-ranked universities and 50 Institutions of National Importance. The program aims to bridge research gaps, promote regional diversity, and foster innovation, aligning with NEP 2020. ANRF, established under the ANRF 2023 Act, provides strategic direction for scientific research, replacing the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).

Notes:
Delhi and surrounding areas are experiencing severe smog, with the AQI exceeding 400, classifying the air quality as “Severe.” The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) called this a “episodic event” and expects conditions to improve soon. To tackle the pollution, Stage III of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP) has been enforced. GRAP has four stages, with Stage III applied when AQI reaches 401-450 (Severe air quality). CAQM, along with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), oversees GRAP implementation.

Notes:
The 2024 Asia Pacific Economic Summit was hosted in Lima, Peru. US and Chinese leaders recently warned of challenging times ahead at an Asia-Pacific economic summit in Lima. Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), formed in 1989, promotes free trade, investment, and economic cooperation for sustainable growth. APEC streamlines cross-border movement of goods, services, investments, and people by improving customs and aligning regulations. It has reduced trade barriers, boosting regional growth and trade. APEC has 21 “economies,” including the US, China, Japan, and others, covering 40% of the world’s population and 60% of global GDP. Annual meetings are held with decisions made by consensus and commitments taken voluntarily. APEC Secretariat is based in Singapore.

Notes:
Nepal started exporting electricity to Bangladesh for the first time on November 15, 2024, using India’s electricity grid. The inauguration involved Union Minister Manohar Lal (India), Nepal’s Minister Dipak Khadka, and Bangladesh’s Energy Adviser Fouzal Kabir Khan. This initiative is expected to enhance sub-regional connectivity in the power sector. Nepal, a Himalayan country with significant untapped hydropower potential, has long sought cross-border electricity cooperation. The power export marks a key step in regional energy collaboration.

Notes:
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh visited Vientiane, Lao PDR, from November 20-22, 2024, for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). ADMM-Plus involves ASEAN nations and eight dialogue partners, including India, US, China, and Russia, to strengthen security cooperation. India became ASEAN’s dialogue partner in 1992, and ADMM-Plus began in 2010. Lao PDR chairs and hosts the 11th ADMM-Plus.

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:
World Fisheries Day is celebrated annually on November 21 to promote sustainable fisheries and recognize the role of small-scale fishers in food security and livelihoods. It originated in 1997 during the World Forum on Fish Harvesters and Fish Workers (WFF) in New Delhi, which led to the creation of the World Fisheries Forum. The FAO and WFF proposed the day, which was adopted by the FAO General Assembly in 2003. Fisheries provide over 20% of animal protein for 3 billion people globally but face threats like overfishing, climate change, and pollution. The day promotes responsible fisheries management and conservation.

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:
The India Women’s Hockey Team won their third Asian Champions Trophy title with a 1-0 victory over China. Deepika scored the decisive goal in the third quarter at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar. This marks India’s second consecutive Asian Champions Trophy title, won on home soil. The final was a closely contested match, showcasing strong performances from both teams.

Notes:
Karnataka is the first state in India to launch a dedicated GCC (Global Capability Centers) policy. The policy aims to establish 500 new GCCs by 2029, creating 3.5 lakh jobs and $50 billion in economic output. The ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative promotes GCC growth in tier-2 and tier-3 cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi-Dharwad. India’s GCC market is valued at $64.6 billion, with Bengaluru hosting over 875 GCCs contributing $22.2 billion.