Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2021

Notes:
The UNESCO has conferred Award of Excellence and Special Recognition for Sustainable Development Award, for conservation efforts at Nizamuddin Basti in the Indian capital. The Nizamuddin Area comprises the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, the centuries-old settlement of Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti among others,
The conservation is being undertaken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in partnership with the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, Archaeological Survey of India, Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation, and the community groups of Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti.

Notes:
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), is an intelligence and enforcement agency of the Government of India on anti-smuggling matters.
The Union Finance Minister Ms Nirmala Sitharaman was addressing the 64th ‘Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Foundation Day’. DRI released a report on the occasion, which said that gold smuggling shifted from the Middle East to Myanmar during 2020-21.

Notes:
Semeru is the tallest mountain on Java Island, Indonesia, spewed up towers of ash and hot clouds. The eruption of Semeru volcano has killed at least 14 people and injured many people in the island.
The eruption also destroyed buildings and damaged a strategic bridge connecting two areas in the district of Lumajang with the city of Malang. Around 1,300 people have been evacuated, while nine people were unaccounted for.

Notes:
World Soil Day is celebrated every year on December 5, to highlight people’s attention to the importance of soil and its sustainable management.
This year’s campaign is based on the theme of “Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity”. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being. The international observance was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002.

Notes:
The 11th edition of Exercise EKUVERIN between India and Maldives will be conducted at Kadhdhoo Island, Maldives.
The exercise will enhance synergy and inter-operability between the Armed Forces of both countries. It helps in understanding transnational terrorism both on land and at sea, conducting Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations.

Notes:
Union Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh announced that the third phase of the Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana will be completed by the year 2025.
The scheme would focus on providing easy access to markets, hospitals and schools. The first phase of the central scheme focused on connectivity and the next phase on upgradation of rural roads.

Notes:
National Commission for Women (NCW) launched a pan-India capacity building programme, ‘She is a Changemaker’.
The programme has been launched for women representatives at all levels, gram panchayats to parliament members and political workers. It aims to improve leadership skills,  decision making and communication skills of women political leaders.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Rural) for another three years till March 2024.
The extension of the scheme will help in the construction of the remaining 155.75 lakh houses. It will help achieve the target of 2.95 crore ‘pucca’ houses.

Notes:
Asian Development Bank has approved a Rs 2,644.85 crore (USD 350 million) loan for India to help improve its urban services.
The loan supports the policies set up by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to provide universal coverage of piped water supply and improved sanitation. This is part of the recently launched Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0

Notes:
Kerala recently reported bird flu cases in the Alappuzha district and a total of 12,000 ducks were culled in Thakazhi gram panchayat, which has been declared as a containment zone.
More samples from different areas have also been sent to ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal for testing and the identification of bird flu cases.