Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) held a global India Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme with the World Bank on November 28-29, 2024, in New Delhi. AEO is part of the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) SAFE Framework to secure global trade and enhance supply chain security. It grants AEO status to businesses that comply with supply chain security standards, offering benefits like simplified procedures and faster customs clearance. It was introduced in India in 2011.

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 4th India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI conducted at Bentong camp, Pahang, Malaysia. It is scheduled from December 2 to 15, 2024. It involves 78 Indian personnel from the MAHAR Regiment and 123 Malaysian personnel from the Royal Malaysian Regiment. The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain under the UN Mandate’s Chapter VII. It includes cross-training, simulated drills like Anti-MT Ambush, Recce Patrol, and terrorist area attacks. This annual event alternates between the two countries, enhancing interoperability, defence cooperation, and bilateral ties.

Notes:
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed annually on December 3. It highlights the importance of inclusivity and recognizing contributions of persons with disabilities (PwDs). This year’s theme is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” IDPD was declared by the United Nations in 1992 to raise awareness and promote the well-being of PwDs. The 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) strengthened global commitments to disability rights. These efforts align with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Notes:
Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, highlighted PRAGATI’s role in transforming India’s infrastructure project delivery. PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is a multi-purpose platform addressing public grievances and monitoring key projects. Launched on March 25, 2015, it was designed in-house by the PMO with support from the National Informatics Center (NIC). It integrates digital data management, video conferencing, and geospatial technology for real-time interactions. PRAGATI promotes cooperative federalism by bringing Central and State officials together for efficient decision-making and monitoring ground-level issues.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways introduced the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, to boost coastal trade and prioritize Indian-flagged vessels for national security and commercial needs. Coastal shipping, covering India’s 7,517 km coastline, is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and reduces pressure on road and rail networks. Outdated laws like the Coasting Vessel Act, 1838, and Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, lacked uniformity in regulating the sector. Key changes include removing the general trading license for Indian vessels, creating a National Coastal Shipping Database, and mandating a strategic growth plan. The Bill ensures compliance with environmental standards, encourages inland vessel participation, and emphasizes job creation and national security.

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:
India has been honored with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Good Practice Award for Asia and Pacific 2024 at the Regional Social Security Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) was recognized for its innovative communication strategies, digital initiatives, and outreach programs like Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0, which enhance service delivery and stakeholder engagement in social security. This award underscores EPFO’s commitment to improving social security systems in line with contemporary needs.

Notes:
The Business for Land Forum, held during COP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, focused on sustainable land solutions and resilience-building. The Business 4 Land Initiative (B4L) was launched by UNCCD, a legally binding global agreement. B4L aims to involve private sector actors in sustainable land management strategies. It is supported by the World Economic Forum, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and Sustainable Fibre Alliance. B4L raises awareness about sustainable land management, encourages business commitments to land restoration, and fosters collaboration among businesses, governments, and civil society.