Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Botanists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) identified a new flowering plant species, Dicliptera srisailamica, in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The plant, named after the temple town of Srisailam, belongs to the Acanthaceae family. It was found in rare patches along stream banks and rocky edges near waterfalls. The plant grows up to 90 cm with four-angled stems, ovate leaves, and pink bi-lipped flowers blooming from October to January. This discovery adds to India’s plant diversity, with Dicliptera representing 27 species, eight of which are endemic.

Notes:
The UAE launched the “Global Energy Efficiency Alliance” at COP29 in Azerbaijan to double global energy efficiency by 2030. This initiative, following the ‘UAE Consensus’ from COP28, unites countries, organizations, and corporations to cut emissions and manage resources sustainably. The UAE will lead by sharing energy efficiency expertise, promoting partnerships with the private sector, and standardizing best practices. The alliance aims to foster public-private collaborations and attract investments in energy efficiency. It will help African countries by providing financing options and technology solutions crucial for sustainable energy development.

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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The 4th National Finswimming Championship 2024 took place in New Delhi with 1500 participants from 26 states and UTs. West Bengal won the team championship with 151 medals (67 gold, 43 silver, 41 bronze). Karnataka was the runner-up with 50 medals (17 gold, 18 silver, 15 bronze). Uttarakhand and Haryana both secured 21 medals, but Uttarakhand placed third due to more gold medals (8 gold, 6 silver, 7 bronze). The event, organized by Underwater Sports Federation of India (USFI) and the Physical Education Foundation of India, highlighted India’s growing finswimming talent.

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:
The third regional event of the ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ campaign was held at IIT Guwahati under the DISHA scheme by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice. The campaign marks the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution’s adoption and India becoming a Republic. It was launched on January 24, 2024, by the Vice President at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the Indian Constitution, promote understanding of legal rights, and emphasize its role as the supreme authority defining governance and safeguarding rights.

Notes:
Six Viragallu (hero stones) were discovered near the Anjaneya Temple between Rukmapur and Kupagal villages in Shorapur, Karnataka. Viragallu are memorial stones honoring heroes who died in battle. The discovery was made by the Surapura Hitarakshana Samiti team, led by Shravanakumar Nayak and researcher Rajgopal Vibhuti, who are working to protect the inscriptions. Shorapur, also known as the Surpur Empire, was a princely state in present-day Yadgir district, Karnataka. The region was ruled by the Nayak Dynasty, with Raja Venkatappa Nayak as its last ruler.

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:
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.