Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh government declared Maha Kumbh Mela area in Prayagraj as a new district on December 1, 2024. This decision, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to streamline management for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. The district, named Maha Kumbh Mela, ensures smooth administration for the grand religious event from January 13 to February 26, 2025. The district’s boundaries cover revenue villages and the parade area. The Mela Adhikari will have powers of Executive Magistrate, District Magistrate, and Additional District Magistrate. This move is to ensure smooth operations for the grand religious event, promoting Indian culture.

Notes:
Ningol Chakouba, a festival of the Meitei community in Manipur, was celebrated near Moodbidri. The event was organized by Alva’s Education Foundation with participation from Northeast students. It highlights and preserves the Meitei community’s rich cultural heritage. The festival symbolizes the bond between mothers, daughters, brothers, and sisters, emphasizing women’s importance in Manipuri society and strengthening family ties.

Notes:
The 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship held from 3 to 10 December 2024, in New Delhi, India. This is the first time the Handball Association India (HAI) is hosting the event. Initially planned for Almaty, Kazakhstan, the championship was moved to New Delhi. It serves as a qualifier for the 27th IHF Women’s Handball World Championship in 2025 in Germany and the Netherlands.

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Indian Railways introduced the AI-powered Linen Inspection and Sorting Assistant (LISA) to improve linen hygiene in air-conditioned coaches. LISA, developed by the Pune Division, operates at the Ghorpadi Integrated Coaching Complex (GICC). It ensures 100% quality inspection by detecting defects, stains, or damages in linens. AI technology enables precise and efficient inspection of large linen volumes. The system reduces manual labor, streamlines operations, and enhances passenger comfort. LISA supports cleaner, more hygienic travel experiences while modernizing linen management.

Notes:
Pavan Kampelli won India’s first medal at the Asian Esports Games, securing a bronze in the e-football event. The games were held in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 25 to December 1, 2024. Kampelli defeated 2022 eFootball World Finals Winner Asgard Azizi from Indonesia 2-1 for the bronze. Kampelli won a $500 cash prize for his achievement. The gold medal was claimed by Nattawat Namburee from Thailand, and silver went to Ahmad Muhaimin Abdul Razak of Malaysia. Esports, played on devices like phones and gaming consoles, is growing in popularity worldwide. The International Olympic Committee will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025.

Notes:
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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The 63rd Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine (ISAM) held at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), Bengaluru, from December 5–7, 2024. Established in 1952, ISAM is India’s only registered society dedicated to aerospace medicine. The conference theme is “Collaborate for Research,” focusing on interdisciplinary cooperation in aviation and space medicine. The event features more than 300 attendees, including experts from DRDO, ISRO, and aerospace medicine professionals.

Notes:
The number of women in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) has nearly tripled from 2014 to 2024. CAPFs include seven paramilitary forces under the Union Home Ministry. Women now make up 4.4% of the 9.48 lakh-strong CAPFs, including the Assam Rifles. The CISF has the highest female representation at 7.02%, followed by other forces with lower percentages (SSB 4.43%, BSF 4.41%, ITBP 4.05%, Assam Rifles 4.01%, CRPF 3.38%).

Notes:
The World Drought Atlas predicts that 75% of the global population will face drought impacts by 2050. It was launched by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and European Commission Joint Research Centre. The Atlas links worsening drought risks to human activities and highlights five impact areas: water supply, agriculture, hydropower, inland navigation, and ecosystems. Featuring 21 global case studies, it emphasizes that no country is immune to drought but all can prepare better. It suggests measures under governance (e.g., early warning systems), land-use management (e.g., agroforestry), and water management (e.g., wastewater reuse).

Notes:
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.