Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Pathogen spillover from managed honey bees to wild pollinators poses a significant threat. Thai Sacbrood Virus (TSBV) affects honeybee larvae, killing them and hindering colony growth, particularly endangering Asiatic honeybees (Apis cerana indica). The virus spreads through the movement of bee colonies for pollination and honey production. TSBV caused a major outbreak in South India in 1991-1992, wiping out about 90% of Asiatic honey bee colonies. The virus resurfaced in Telangana in 2021 and has also been reported in countries like China and Vietnam.

Notes:
Māori Party MPs performed a haka in New Zealand’s parliament to protest the Treaty Principles Bill, opposing changes to the Treaty of Waitangi. The Māori are an Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. They migrated from East Polynesia to New Zealand between 1320-1350. They developed a unique culture, language, mythology, and arts. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 with the British, established coexistence but remains central to political and economic grievances. Māori are the second-largest ethnic group in New Zealand. The haka, a traditional Māori dance, expresses pride, strength, and unity, and is used in various ceremonies and as a challenge.

Notes:
The Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) is now operational, transporting oil, food, and machinery. The EMC links Russia’s east coast with South India, reducing cargo transit time by up to 16 days and distance by 40%. The current Mumbai-St. Petersburg route spans 8,675 nautical miles, taking about 40 days. The Chennai-Vladivostok route is only 5,647 nautical miles, saving 5,608 km and reducing logistical costs. The EMC passes through key seas and straits, including the Sea of Japan and Malacca Straits, with port options in major cities like Shanghai, Singapore, and Colombo.

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:
The Forest Department started evening coaching classes for school children in 10 tribal hamlets in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR). These classes have greatly improved the learning skills of tribal children. STR is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu, at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats. It is contiguous with Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Bandipur and BR Tiger Reserves in Karnataka. The Nilgiris biosphere landscape hosts the world’s largest tiger population, with over 280 tigers.

Notes:
The Assam cabinet has renamed Karimganj as Sribhumi District to reflect its cultural heritage, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s description of the area over a century ago. This change aims to restore the historical identity of the region and fulfill the aspirations of its residents. Additionally, the cabinet approved various initiatives to boost investment and infrastructure development in Assam, including the upcoming Assam Investment and Infrastructure Summit in 2025.

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.

Notes:
Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day is observed on 24 November to honor the ninth Sikh Guru’s sacrifice. Born as Teyag Mal, he was named Teg Bahadur by his father, Guru Hargobind Sahib, due to his battlefield skills. He was known as “Hind ki Chadar” or the ‘Shield of India.’ Guru Tegh Bahadur founded Anandpur Sahib and contributed over 100 hymns to the Granth Sahib. He played a diplomatic role in avoiding war between Raja Bishan Singh and Raja Paranpal. Arrested by Aurangzeb in 1665, he was beheaded in 1675, and his martyrdom is remembered on 24 November.

Notes:
The National Gopal Ratna Awards 2024 winners were announced by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. It is one of the highest national honors in the livestock and dairy sector. The awards are presented to winners of the Best Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds, Best Artificial Insemination Technician and Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/ Milk Producer Company/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organisation in the country.

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.