Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
French President praised over 1,000 craftspeople who rebuilt Notre-Dame Cathedral after a devastating fire in 2019. Notre-Dame is a famous Gothic cathedral in located in Paris, France. It is known for its size, age, and architectural features. Its construction began in 1163 and continued throughout the Gothic period, completed by 1250. It was the site of significant events, including Napoleon’s coronation and royal weddings. A fire on April 15, 2019, severely damaged the roof and spire. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing naturalistic sculptures and stained-glass windows.

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India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan to boost access to disease-free planting materials for horticulture farmers under the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme. The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP) is related to horticulture and aims to provide farmers with access to high-quality, virus-free planting material. It includes nine advanced Clean Plant Centers with diagnostic and tissue culture labs and a robust certification system for accountability and traceability. It ensures affordable access, engages women farmers, and develops region-specific plant varieties. It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture through National Horticulture Board (NHB) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, it aims to strengthen India’s global fruit market position.

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Maharashtra’s ‘Shashan Aaplya Dari’ initiative won the SKOCH Award for its innovation and impact in governance. The program, meaning “government at your doorsteps,” delivers government schemes directly to people. It was launched in Satara in May 2023. More than 280 projects nationwide competed, showcasing its effectiveness. The initiative aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and will evolve into ‘Shashan Aaplya Dari 2.0’ under Eknath Shinde’s guidance for further growth. The SKOCH Award is an award that recognizes people, projects, and institutions that work to improve India. It was established in 2003 and is considered one of the highest civilian honors in the country.

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The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) will be held from December 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi, India, hosted by the India Meteorological Department. This conference aims to promote satellite observations, enhance remote sensing science, and facilitate collaboration among satellite operators and users. It will feature presentations, discussions, and a training workshop with around 150 participants from various countries, highlighting the importance of satellite data in meteorology and climatology.

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The Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs in Peru, have seen a surge in discoveries thanks to AI technology. A recent study utilized drones and AI to analyze over 600 sq km of the Nazca Pampa, leading to the identification of 303 new geoglyphs in just six months. This advancement marks a significant increase in archaeological discoveries, highlighting AI’s potential to revolutionize the field, similar to the impact of aerial imaging in the past. Nazca Lines (Pampa de Nazca) is located in the South American country Peru.

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The World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC) held in Chennai from December 4 to 6, 2024. This marks the first return to India in 15 years, with the previous event held in Mumbai. The conference covers critical topics such as climate change, sustainability, and geopolitical dynamics impacting the maritime industry. The last edition took place in Copenhagen in April 2022, with previous hosts including Shanghai, Houston, and St. Petersburg.

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Researchers discovered a new ancient human species named Homo juluensis, meaning “big head,” based on a large skull found in China. The species lived 300,000 years ago, surviving in small groups across eastern Asia before vanishing 50,000 years ago. Homo juluensis includes links to mysterious groups like the Denisovans. Fossils show facial and jaw features similar to Neanderthals and braincases 30% larger than modern humans. They hunted wild horses, made stone tools, and possibly processed animal hides for survival.

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Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed on December 6 to honor Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on his death anniversary. This year marks the 68th death anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar. The day is observed at Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai, where followers gather to pay tribute. Dr. Ambedkar is known for his role in promoting social justice, equality, and drafting the Indian Constitution. “Mahaparinirvan” refers to the Buddhist concept of ultimate liberation from suffering and death. Dr. Ambedkar’s death anniversary is significant as he converted to Buddhism in 1956 with many followers.

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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is excavating the 80-pillar assembly hall at Kumhrar, Patna. The Kumhrar site is linked to Emperor Ashoka’s third Buddhist Council. The site highlights Pataliputra’s role as the Mauryan capital and a cultural-political hub. The hall had 80 sandstone pillars with a wooden roof and floor, showcasing Mauryan architectural skill. Materials were transported via the Sone-Ganga river route, reflecting advanced planning and resource management. The project renews global interest in Mauryan art and architecture.

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The Supreme Court will hear a petition in January on reducing the permissible water level of the Mullaperiyar Dam. Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River in Thekkady, Idukki district, Kerala. Built between 1887 and 1895 by the British Corps of Royal Engineers led by Pennycuick, it is 155 ft high and 1200 ft long. Made with limestone and “Surkhi,” it stands 881 m above sea level in the Western Ghats’ Cardamom Hills. The dam diverts water from Periyar River to Tamil Nadu’s Vaigai River basin, irrigating 685,000 hectares in five districts. It also created an artificial lake central to Periyar National Park. While located in Kerala, Tamil Nadu operates the dam under a 999-year British-era lease agreement.