Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

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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A new frog species named Raorchestes asakgrensis was discovered in Meghalaya. It is named after the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve in Garo Hills to honor local conservation efforts. The frog is arboreal, found at 174 meters elevation, with a pointed snout and visible tympanum. Males measure 20.49 mm in snout-vent length, and females are slightly larger at 22.8 mm. Males call from shrubs at dusk, perched 1.5 meters or higher, with peak calling activity after the first monsoon rains.

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Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Mansukh Mandaviya launched the World Bank report ‘Jobs at Your Doorstep: A Jobs Diagnostics for Young People’, covering six STARS states: Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan. The report analyzes skills gaps, aligns school trades with local industries, and offers a roadmap to improve education and job linkages. It highlights embedding skill-based education from Classes 9-12, aligned with NEP 2020, targeting 50% skill education access by 2025. The initiative supports India’s vision to become a global skills hub and achieve high-income status by 2047 through market-linked, inclusive skill development.

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SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) is facing bribery allegations. It is a major public sector undertaking in India’s renewable energy sector, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Established in 2011, SECI was originally a not-for-profit company and became a commercial entity in 2015. SECI is the only Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) dedicated to renewable energy. It plays a key role in implementing India’s National Solar Mission and renewable energy projects like solar, wind, and hybrid. SECI holds the status of Mini-Ratna Category-I CPSU.

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Over 1.76 crore school students from all 36 States and UTs have participated in Project Veer Gatha 4.0. It was launched in 2021. The project aims to spread stories of courage and sacrifice of Gallantry Awardees among students. It encourages students to create projects based on these heroic tales, fostering patriotism. The project has been held annually since 2021, with editions in 2021, 2022, and 2023. It is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education.

Notes:
A study shows that Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite causing Chagas disease, can survive in dead kissing bugs, even in insecticide-treated dog kennels. Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is found in the feces of triatomine bugs, also known as “kissing bugs.” The disease is common in South America, Central America, and Mexico. If untreated, it can lead to serious heart and digestive issues. Early treatment focuses on killing the parasite, but chronic cases focus on symptom management.

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The Union Minister of Power recently visited Nimoo Bazgo Power Station in Ladakh. It is located in Leh district, Ladakh. This hydropower project operates at high altitudes and challenging terrain. It is developed and operated by NHPC Limited with an installed capacity of 45 MW. The station uses the Indus River’s flow, ensuring eco-friendly and renewable energy generation. It supports Ladakh’s rapid development by providing stable green energy for residential and commercial use. Through CSR initiatives, the station promotes community development, infrastructure improvements, skill development, and environmental conservation.

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The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) released its Half-Yearly Complaints Report for 2024-25, highlighting a significant number of misleading ads, especially in real estate and offshore betting. ASCI, established in 1985, is a non-profit, voluntary self-regulatory body that ensures ads follow its Code for Self-Regulation, promoting legal, decent, honest, and truthful advertisements. ASCI investigates complaints across various media including TV, print, and online. It is mandatory for new TV ads in India to comply with ASCI codes starting June 18, 2024. ASCI is recognized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and is part of the International Council on Ad Self-Regulation (ICAS).

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The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has recognized the indigenously developed Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) under the Hydro Category. SHKT generates electricity using the kinetic energy of flowing water with almost zero potential head, unlike conventional systems requiring dams or barrages. It is easy to install, cost-effective, and has a low generation cost of ₹2-3 per unit. The technology benefits both renewable energy buyers and generators, offering significant opportunities for GW-scale renewable energy production. SHKT can drive the growth of the power sector while promoting sustainable energy solutions.

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Gujarat has introduced the New Cottage Policy 2024, effective for five years, aiming to develop self-sustaining cottage industries. The policy focuses on credit access, market support, infrastructure, skill development, technology upgrades, and innovation for artisans and entrepreneurs. Maximum loan amounts under the scheme have increased from ₹8 lakh to ₹25 lakh, and subsidies have risen from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹3.75 lakh. The policy aims to create 12 lakh jobs over five years, including 3.3 lakh direct and indirect opportunities through enhanced financial support. It seeks to expand access to local and international markets for artisans.