Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 700 kg of Methamphetamine during Operation Sagar-Manthan. Methamphetamine is a potent, addictive stimulant that impacts the central nervous system. Operation Sagar-Manthan was launched by NCB in coordination with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The operation aims to target drug trafficking through maritime routes and enhance national security. It also aligns with the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India) by 2047.

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The Red-Headed Vulture, also called the Asian King vulture or Pondicherry Vulture, was sighted for the first time at Manhampothikunnu near Mavungal in Kasaragod, Kerala. It is a dark, medium-sized vulture with a reddish head and loose neck flaps. It is found in Central India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

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The first-ever Indian Bison (Gaur) census was conducted in Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Bargarh district near the Hirakud dam. This sanctuary, declared in 1985, is noted for its historical link to freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. The sanctuary has dry deciduous forests with flora like Sal and Bija trees and fauna including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and gaurs. Indian Bisons are one of the largest wild cattle, mainly found in India, Burma, and Thailand.

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West Bengal has launched the Taruner Swapna Scheme. The Taruner Swapna scheme is a government initiative that provides eligible higher secondary students from government schools with Rs 10,000 to buy a tablet or mobile phone. Students from at least 15 districts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, have been affected by the scheme. There have been allegations of irregularities in the scheme, including some students receiving the grant twice, while others did not receive it at all.

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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).

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The Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024) was inaugurated by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). The 12-day exercise aims to strengthen India’s cybersecurity resilience. It focuses on leadership engagement and capacity building for tackling cyber challenges. Key activities include immersive training on cyber defense, live-fire simulations of attacks on IT and OT systems, and collaboration among government and industry stakeholders. A Strategic Decision-Making Exercise will simulate national-level cyber crises to improve strategic decision-making under high-pressure scenarios.

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The Global Soils Conference 2024 was inaugurated in New Delhi on 19 November and runs until 22 November. It serves as a key global platform for soil scientists, government, industry leaders, and farmers. The conference focuses on the importance of soils, addressing soil degradation, and promoting sustainable soil management. It is organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science, New Delhi, under the International Union of Soil Sciences, Italy. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the National Academy of Agricultural Science are collaborating in the event.

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India will host the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup from January 13 to 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) are collaborating to organize the event. IOA President PT Usha pledged full support, emphasizing the cultural heritage and sportsmanship promoted by Kho Kho. Teams from 24 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Ghana, and Brazil, will participate. The event aims to elevate Kho Kho’s global appeal and inspire athletes worldwide.

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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.

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The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 started from November 23, 2024. A total of 38 teams participated for the domestic T20 cricket title. It is a Twenty20 championship organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The tournament is named after former Indian Test cricketer Syed Mushtaq Ali.