Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The Ministry of External Affairs received approval to establish nine One-Stop Centres (OSCs) for supporting women in vulnerable situations. Seven OSCs with shelter homes will be set up in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Jeddah, and Riyadh, while Toronto and Singapore will have OSCs without shelters. A dedicated budget line has been introduced to facilitate these initiatives, with support from the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF). ICWF provides emergency aid like boarding, travel, medical care, legal assistance, and repatriation. Legal panels assist abandoned women and resolve minor legal issues for overseas Indian nationals.

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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.

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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.

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ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) developed the Rangeen Machhli app with support from Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to boost the ornamental fish industry. The app provides multilingual, reliable guidance on ornamental fish care, breeding, and maintenance in eight Indian languages. It supports hobbyists, farmers, and professionals, promoting informed fish-keeping practices and fostering community engagement. Key features include detailed fish care information, a “Find Aquarium Shops” tool for locating businesses, and educational modules on aquarium basics and ornamental aquaculture. The app promotes local businesses, empowers farmers, ensures reliable products, and fosters sustainability in the ornamental fish trade.

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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.

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The third Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite was launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The Copernicus Programme is an Earth Observation initiative managed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with the European Union (EU). It integrates data from satellites, ground stations, airborne, and sea-borne sensors to provide near-real-time information services. The programme offers free and open access to data for various applications. The Sentinel satellites are tailored to meet the needs of Copernicus services in areas like atmosphere, marine, land, climate, emergency response, and security. Copernicus aims to deploy nearly 20 satellites by 2030, funded and managed by the European Commission.

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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.

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The Polavaram Multipurpose Project has sparked disputes among Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana over its potential impacts. The Polavaram Multipurpose Project is located on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. It aims to support irrigation, drinking water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. The project was conceived in 1980 on the Godavari River to address irrigation and power needs. Odisha raises concerns about the submergence of 162 villages and impacts on tribal populations. Chhattisgarh worries about environmental damage and submergence downstream. Telangana questions the project’s feasibility and its ecological and water resource impact. Odisha seeks a new backwater study, but the Central Water Commission has denied it.

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A new glacier was discovered in Uttarakhand’s Niti Valley, near the India-Tibet border. The glacier, about 10 km long and 48 sq km in size, is located next to the Randolph and Rekana glaciers. The discovery was made by scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology using satellite data. The glacier is ‘surging,’ meaning it is rapidly expanding in size. The phenomenon could be caused by hydrological imbalance, weakening the ice layers.

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Bangladesh defeated India by 59 runs in the 11th Asian Cricket Council U19 Men’s Asia Cup Final on December 8, 2024, in Dubai, successfully defending its title. Bangladesh secured its second consecutive U19 Men’s Asia Cup victory, having won the previous edition in 2023. Iqbal Hossain Emon from Bangladesh was named Player of the Final and Player of the Tournament. The tournament, organized by the Asian Cricket Council, was held in the UAE from November 29 to December 8, 2024.