Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
New Zealand has been recognized as the ‘most sustainable trade economy’ for the third consecutive edition of the Sustainable Trade Index 2024. This index evaluates global economies based on their economic growth, societal advancement, and environmental resilience. The report emphasizes the importance of building resilience in trade systems, especially in the context of post-pandemic recovery and ongoing global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical tensions.

Notes:
SpaceX’s Starship, standing at nearly 400 feet, is the world’s most powerful rocket. It recently underwent its sixth test flight from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas. The mission aimed to achieve a booster catch attempt, but automated health checks aborted it. Despite this, the Starship successfully ignited its Raptor engines in space, marking a significant milestone for future lunar and Martian missions as part of NASA’s Artemis initiative, which plans to utilize Starship as a lunar lander by 2026.

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Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) developed a new technology for detecting HIV-genome derived G-Quadruplex (GQ). Current HIV tests often suffer from false positives and missed early infections. The new technology, GQ Topology-Targeted Reliable Conformational Polymorphism (GQ-RCP), improves reliability by targeting specific GQ structures. It was initially designed for detecting SARS-CoV-2 but has now been adapted for HIV. The fluorometric test offers higher reliability, reducing false positives and improving diagnosis.

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.

Notes:
Bihar will host the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in April, marking its addition to the Khelo India map. For the first time, Bihar will also host the Khelo India Para Games, following the Youth Games with a 10-15 day gap. The first Para Games edition was held in Delhi last year. The Khelo India Youth Games 2023 were in Tamil Nadu. Bihar plays a key role in the Ministry’s infrastructure development and grassroots athlete support.

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The Ustad Bismilliah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2022 and 2023 recently conferred to 82 young artists in a ceremony in New Delhi. It was instituted by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2006, it honors artists under 40 in music, dance, drama, folk arts, and puppetry. The award includes Rs 25,000, a plaque, and an angavastram. The award aims to encourage young artists in India. Ustad Bismillah Khan was a renowned Shehnai musician who performed at India’s first Republic Day in 1950 and was the first Indian at the Lincoln Centre in the USA.

Notes:
The Arkavathy River in Karnataka has been found to contain heavy metals and toxic substances like mercury, DDT, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and fluoride. It is a major tributary of the Kaveri River, originating at Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district. The river flows 190 km and meets the Kaveri River near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district. One-third of Bengaluru is within its 4,150 sq. km basin. The river has three tributaries: Kumudavathi, Suvarnamukhi, and Vrishabhavathi. It feeds two key reservoirs: Hesaraghatta and Thippagondanahalli, both supplying water to Bengaluru.

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The Chinar boat race 2024 was recently held on Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, organized by the Army. Dal Lake, located in Srinagar, is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains. Known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir,” it is the second-largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir. The lake spans 18 sq. km. and is part of a 21.1 sq. km natural wetland. It is divided into four basins: Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin (sometimes considered a separate lake).

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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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South Africa declared food-borne illnesses a national disaster after a rise in food poisoning cases. Nearly 900 cases and 22 child deaths were reported since September, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal most affected. Minister Thembi Simelane announced the declaration in Pretoria, urging adherence to food safety laws. Tuck shops are required to re-register, and local authorities must follow disaster management protocols. The government emphasizes proper waste disposal, recycling, and tackling rat infestations linked to food safety issues.