Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won the women’s and men’s titles at the 2024 Syed Modi International badminton tournament. This marked Sindhu’s first BWF (Badminton World Federation) title since the 2022 Singapore Open, ending her title drought. Sindhu defeated China’s Wu Luo Yu 21-14, 21-16 in the final. The tournament was held at Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium, Lucknow, from November 26 to December 1, 2024.

Notes:
Vadhavan greenfield port near Dahanu, Maharashtra, will double India’s container trade upon completion. It is an all-weather deep draft major port located in Palghar district, Maharashtra. It is developed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL). VPPL is a joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (74% share) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (26%). The project cost is ₹76,220 crore, with completion targeted by 2034. It will feature nine container terminals, multipurpose, liquid cargo, Ro-Ro, and Coast Guard berths.

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:
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:
World Wildlife Conservation Day is observed on December 4 to raise awareness about protecting endangered flora and fauna. The day emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation and encourages action to safeguard endangered species. India hosts four global biodiversity hotspots: Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, and Sundaland. With only 2.4% of the world’s land area, India supports 7-8% of recorded species, making it a megadiverse country.

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:
World Bank released the 2024 International Debt Report (IDR). It covers external debt for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Total external debt of LMICs rose by 2.4% in 2023, reaching $8.8 trillion. Key factors driving this rise include high interest rates due to tight monetary policies in high-income countries, inflation, depreciating currencies, and global economic uncertainty. Countries like Bangladesh and India saw over 90% increases in interest payments. The rising debt strains budgets, affecting critical sectors like health, education, and environmental programs.

Notes:
India and Bhutan discussed hydropower projects, including the nearing completion of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II project. Punatsangchhu-II is a 1 GW run-of-the-river hydropower project in Bhutan’s Wangdue Phodrang district. Developed under an Inter-Government Agreement between Bhutan and India, it is funded by India with 30% grant and 70% loan. The project includes a 91m-high concrete gravity dam, a diversion tunnel, and two cofferdams. It will generate 4,357 million units of electricity annually, and ownership will transfer to Bhutan two years after commissioning.

Notes:
The Hornbill Festival, celebrated annually since 2000 in Nagaland, marks its 25th year. Named after the Hornbill bird, symbolizing boldness in Naga folklore, it takes place at Kisama Heritage Village, showcasing 17 indigenous houses representing Nagaland’s tribes. The festival promotes inter-tribal interaction, preserving the state’s rich heritage. Nagaland, known as the “Land of Festivals,” is home to 17 major tribes, each with its unique traditions. The festival highlights India’s unity in diversity, where diverse cultural practices coexist, strengthening the nation’s identity.

Notes:
The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day. The initiative was led by a core group of countries, including India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra. The date coincides with the Winter Solstice and the start of ‘Uttarayana’ in Indian tradition. Meditation is recognized for its stress-reducing and cognitive benefits. India played a key role, recalling the success of International Day of Yoga. The resolution promotes meditation for global peace and well-being, reflecting India’s commitment to wellness and harmony.