Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) held a global India Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme with the World Bank on November 28-29, 2024, in New Delhi. AEO is part of the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) SAFE Framework to secure global trade and enhance supply chain security. It grants AEO status to businesses that comply with supply chain security standards, offering benefits like simplified procedures and faster customs clearance. It was introduced in India in 2011.

Notes:
The Union government has approved loans under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme to develop the Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit in Telangana. The Ramappa Temple, also known as the Rudreshwara Temple, is a Kakatiya-style Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Built in 1213 AD, it was commissioned by Kakati Ganapathi Deva and his Chief Commander Rudra Samani. The temple is named after its chief sculptor, Ramappa, making it unique as a temple named after an architect.

Notes:
World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1 since 1988 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and show solidarity against the pandemic. It reflects on progress in prevention, treatment, and care while highlighting ongoing challenges. The day commemorates lives lost to AIDS, celebrates healthcare milestones, and spreads awareness globally. It emphasizes the link between combating AIDS and achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Right to Health. The 2024 theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” focuses on healthcare access, individual empowerment, and addressing inequalities in HIV prevention and treatment.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The 1st edition of Joint Table Top Exercise, CINBAX, conducted at Foreign Training Node, Pune, between the Indian and Cambodian Armies. The exercise focuses on joint Counter Terrorism (CT) operations under the UN Charter, with personnel from both armies participating. The exercise has three phases: orientation, Table Top exercises, and finalization of plans. It aims to enhance trust, interoperability, and showcase India’s indigenous defense capabilities.

Notes:
The National Tiger Conservation Authority has approved Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh as a tiger reserve. The park is located in the northern Central Highlands, part of the Upper Vindhyan Hills, with plateaus and valleys. It includes two lakes, Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar, supporting aquatic biodiversity and terrestrial species. The park’s drainage flows north and northeast, forming the catchment for the Amarnadi and Sind rivers. The eastern part has Vindhyan system sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, shale, and limestone.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) is a fungal lung infection caused by the mold Aspergillus, commonly found in indoor and outdoor environments. CPA affects people with chronic lung diseases like emphysema, bronchitis, or tuberculosis. CPA is not contagious and cannot spread between individuals. Early symptoms may be absent; common signs include coughing up blood, weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, and wheezing. CPA is usually a lifelong condition requiring long-term antifungal treatment. Surgery may be needed to remove fungal masses causing lung bleeding. CPA claims over 340,000 lives annually, highlighting its severe impact.

Notes:
The YesToAccess app, developed by the Association of People with Disability (APD), is India’s first AI-enabled tool for conducting accessibility audits. Launched during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it allows users to assess public spaces by photographing structures and analyzing features like ramps and signage. This initiative aims to promote barrier-free environments and enhance inclusivity, empowering citizens to contribute to accessibility improvements across India as part of the Accessible India Campaign.

Notes:
Oxford University Press named ‘brain rot’ as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024. It describes cognitive decline caused by consuming trivial social media content. The term gained popularity amid trends like digital detoxes to counter mental fatigue. It reflects concerns about technology’s impact on human thought and habits. Public voting chose ‘brain rot’ over contenders like ‘heat domes’ and ‘neurospicy.’ Over 37,000 people participated in the voting, highlighting its cultural relevance. The term’s casual tone appeals to younger audiences and raises awareness about mental health. Past winners include ‘goblin mode’ (2022) and ‘climate emergency’ (2019).