Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The Phlegraean Fields, near Naples, Italy, are a massive supervolcano starting to show signs of activity, raising concerns among scientists. Unlike Mount Vesuvius, it’s a volcanic system with multiple centers within a caldera, a large depression formed by a past eruption 39,000 years ago. The caldera spans 12-15 km and extends under the Tyrrhenian Sea. Phlegraean Fields is Europe’s largest active caldera and more active than Vesuvius. It has been restless since 1950 due to bradyseism and last erupted in 1538, forming Monte Nuovo. It is among the top carbon dioxide emitters worldwide.

Notes:
Sikkim has been declared the partner state for the Hornbill Festival 2024. The Hornbill Festival is an annual cultural event in Nagaland, named after the Indian hornbill bird featured in tribal folklore. It is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, 12 km from Kohima, Nagaland. The festival is organized by Nagaland’s Tourism and Art & Culture Departments. Its objective is to promote cultural heritage and foster inter-tribal interaction in Nagaland.

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:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk foods,” enhancing safety measures. This follows the removal of mandatory BIS certification, with a focus on regular inspections and audits by FSSAI. High-risk foods require strict safety protocols to prevent public health issues. The classification aims to ensure consumer safety through rigorous testing and monitoring. The regulation falls under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, simplifying the certification process.

Notes:
The Department of Consumer Affairs is developing the National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) to unify State Legal Metrology systems. eMaap will streamline licensing, verification, and compliance processes, eliminating the need for multiple State portal registrations. Currently, enforcement activities and compounding are not online, but eMaap will integrate all functions, including enforcement, into one system. Hybrid meetings have involved industry associations and state representatives to refine the portal. eMaap simplifies procedures, reduces compliance burdens, ensures accuracy in market transactions, and supports data-driven government decisions.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Inland Waterways Authority of India’s Kalughat Intermodal Terminal in Bihar received a five-star SVAGRIHA rating. SVAGRIHA stands for Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA. SVAGRIHA promotes green buildings and sustainability through the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) system for small buildings. The rating applies to projects under 2500 sq.m. with 14 criteria across five categories: architecture & energy, water & waste, materials, landscape, and lifestyle. The terminal achieved this rating by using recyclable materials like fibre, recyclable glass, and eco-friendly fixtures. This project is part of the IWAI’s efforts to enhance National Waterway 1 on the River Ganga.

Notes:
December 7 is celebrated as Armed Forces Flag Day in India to honor soldiers who lost their lives in duty. It has been observed since 1949, dedicated to raising funds for the welfare of Indian Armed Forces. The day commemorates the bravery of soldiers, sailors, and airmen and supports the rehabilitation of war victims and ex-servicemen. In 1993, various welfare funds were merged into the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). The day emphasizes the importance of citizen donations to aid soldiers’ welfare and their families.

Notes:
A new species of damselfish was recently discovered off the Maldives. Damselfish are small, tropical marine fish from the family Pomacentridae, found in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans. They are deep-bodied, with forked tails and resemble cichlids. They are usually brightly colored in red, orange, yellow, or blue, and most are under 15 cm in length. Damselfish can be herbivores, omnivores, or carnivores, feeding on plants or small animals. They mostly inhabit reefs, with some, like anemone fish, living among sea anemones’ stinging tentacles.

Notes:
Union Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the “Amrit Gyaan Kosh” Portal. It is jointly developed by the Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat. It aims to promote self-reliance in governance training. Built on the iGOT platform, it serves as a repository for best practices in governance and policy implementation. The portal aligns with 15 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), covering areas like health, education, agriculture, and digital governance. It provides resources to help faculty align their teaching with global standards while addressing India’s administrative challenges.