Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

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Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has directed officials to study Handigodu disease scientifically. Handigodu disease is a rare osteoarthritic disorder (bone and joint disease) found in Shimoga and Chikmaglur districts. It is an inherited degenerative bone and joint disease, first noticed in Handigodu village. Symptoms include severe joint and hip pain, deformation, dwarfism, and difficulty walking. The disease begins in preadolescence and can severely affect mobility. Over 1,000 people have died from the disease since its discovery in 1975. It is similar to Mseleni Joint Disease in South Africa.

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Scientists at the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) observatory in Namibia detected cosmic rays with record energy levels of 40 teraelectronvolts. HESS is an array of Cherenkov Telescopes in Namibia’s Khomas Highlands, operational since 2003. It observes gamma rays, the most energetic light, produced by violent cosmic events. Located in the southern hemisphere, it focuses on sources in the Milky Way and distant galaxies. HESS indirectly detects gamma rays via air molecule interactions as they cannot penetrate Earth’s atmosphere. Its research includes dark matter and fundamental physics, involving 260 scientists from 40 institutions across 13 countries.

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has requested a response from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) regarding the deteriorating condition of Varkala cliff, a national geo-heritage site. It is located in Varkala, Kerala. The cliff stretches 3 km and exposes sedimentary rocks from the Mio-Pliocene Age (13 lakh to 2.5 crore years ago). Varkala is the only place on India’s west coast where these ancient sediments are visible. The cliff towers up to 80 meters and is home to the Papanasam Beach, known for its therapeutic springs. It supports local biodiversity and is essential for coastal aquifers and fishing communities.

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Uber has launched Asia’s first water transport service, “Uber Shikara,” in Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir. Tourists can now book pre-scheduled shikara rides via Uber’s app. The service was inaugurated by Uber India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh. Uber Shikara blends technology with tradition, improving accessibility and boosting Kashmir’s tourism. It partners with seven local shikara operators, with plans to expand based on demand. The service operates from Nehru Park, with government-regulated fair pricing and no fees charged to shikara partners.

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The 9th International Conference on Waste to Worth, organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), focused on sustainable waste management practices. It brought together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, academics, and researchers to collaborate and exchange knowledge. Discussions revolved around innovative strategies, technologies, and policies promoting waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy principles. The theme, “Enabling & Building Global Tech-Partnerships for Future Ready & Sustainable Growth Environs along with Circular Economies,” emphasized global collaboration. The conference aimed to drive sustainable growth, create a cleaner environment, and support the transition to circular economies for future generations.

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The mass die-off of nearly 400 elephants in Botswana’s Okavango Delta in 2020 was linked to climate change-induced toxic algal blooms. Researchers found that elephants drank from contaminated waterholes where cyanobacteria thrived due to a shift from a very dry year to an extremely wet one. This environmental change led to the proliferation of harmful toxins in stagnant water, resulting in the deaths of elephants across the region. The study emphasizes the need for monitoring water quality to prevent similar ecological disasters. Okavango Delta is located in Botswana. It is both UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland.

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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.

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The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) launched an Air Quality Dashboard offering real-time and forecasted air pollution data. It combines ground sensor data with satellite imagery for insights on local, sub-regional, and regional pollution levels. The dashboard uses the WRF-Chem model to track PM2.5 spread in hotspots like Lahore, New Delhi, and Kolkata and its links with weather patterns. It provides two-day air quality forecasts and cross-border pollution data for policymakers, communities, and researchers. ICIMOD, established in 1983, serves Hindu Kush Himalaya countries with knowledge-sharing and sustainable development solutions.

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India is the most targeted country for mobile malware attacks, with 28% of global attacks occurring there. The Zscaler ThreatLabz 2024 report analyzed mobile, IoT, and OT attacks from June 2023 to May 2024. After India, the U.S., Canada, South Africa, and the Netherlands were the next most targeted countries. India was ranked third for mobile malware attacks globally in the 2023 report. In IoT attacks, the U.S. topped the list, followed by Singapore, the U.K., Germany, and Canada. India accounted for 66.5% of mobile malware attacks in the Asia Pacific region.

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The 16th GRIHA Summit held in New Delhi, focusing on the theme “Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment.” It brings together leaders and experts to discuss sustainable urban development and climate resilience in construction. The summit highlights the importance of sustainability in the built environment for global climate commitments by 2030 and decarbonization by 2050. It aligns with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, integrating sustainability with economic and social progress.GRIHA stands for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment.