Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
India is projected to lead the G20 in 2024 with a 7% GDP growth rate, reflecting its robust and fast-growing economy. Indonesia ranks second with 5%, followed by China at 4.8%. Russia (3.6%) and Brazil (3%) rank fourth and fifth, with the African region also at 3%. The US is at 2.8%, while Canada (1.3%) and Australia (1.2%) show slower growth. France, the EU, and the UK are at 1.1%, Italy at 0.7%, and Japan at 0.3%. Germany has zero growth, the lowest among advanced countries. The G20 Summit in Brazil focuses on hunger, poverty, inequality, sustainable development, and governance reforms.

Notes:
The Bihar Cabinet has allocated Rs 225 crore for ‘Mahila Samwad’, an initiative aimed at empowering women by informing them about government policies. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and officials will engage with women at district and block levels, gathering their expectations from the government. This initiative highlights the government’s focus on women’s issues, as women constitute nearly 48% of Bihar’s voters, emphasizing their significant role in governance and policy-making.

Notes:
Three Australian satellites from Curtin University’s Binar Space Program recently burned up in Earth’s atmosphere due to increased solar activity. The program, based in Australia, focuses on Solar System research and reducing barriers to space operations. Binar-1, the first satellite launched in September 2021, lasted 364 days in orbit during low solar activity. The follow-up mission included three CubeSats (Binar-2, 3, and 4) designed with deployable solar arrays but expected to last about six months. Intense solar activity caused the satellites to deorbit much earlier than anticipated.

Notes:
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.

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:
World Television Day is observed on November 21, 2024. The first electronic television was invented in 1927 by 21-year-old Philo Taylor Farnsworth. Television became a global symbol for communication and spreading information. The United Nations held the first World Television Forum on November 21-22, 1996. Television highlights conflicts, raises awareness of peace and security threats, and focuses on social and economic issues. The UN General Assembly established World Television Day to honor television’s role in communication and globalization, not the object itself.

Notes:
An international team of astronomers used the MeerKAT radio telescope to study giant radio galaxies in the Cosmological Evolution Survey (COSMOS) field. MeerKAT is located in South Africa’s Northern Cape province and originally had 20 receptors, but with increased funding, it now has 64. It is part of South Africa’s contribution to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which aims to build the largest radio telescope. MeerKAT is a powerful radio interferometer, consisting of 64 dishes, each 13.5 meters wide, studying the universe’s evolution using radio signals.

Notes:
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a former Defence Minister, and Hamas officials for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC is the only permanent international criminal tribunal, established by the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998. The Rome Statute defines the ICC’s jurisdiction, structures, and functions, coming into force on 1 July 2002. The ICC investigates and tries individuals accused of grave crimes like genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression.

Notes:
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:
Narasapuram lace craft from Andhra Pradesh has received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The craft originated around 150 years ago, created by women from the farming community. It survived the Indian famine of 1899 and the Great Depression of 1929. By the early 1900s, over 2,000 women were involved in this craft. The lace is made with thin threads and crochet needles to create items like doilies, pillow covers, and bedspreads. Narasapur’s lace products are exported to the US, UK, and France.