Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

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The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed on December 2 to raise awareness about modern slavery, human trafficking, and promote human rights. It marks the adoption of the UN Convention to suppress trafficking and exploitation in 1949. Slavery today includes forced labor, sexual exploitation, child labor, and forced marriage. The UN reports one in ten children work globally, mostly for economic exploitation. India has the highest number of modern slaves, with over 11 million affected.

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Chhattisgarh launched the ‘Bus Sangwari App’ to simplify bus travel, especially for remote areas. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai introduced the app, highlighting its role in improving governance and public convenience. The app offers access to bus schedules and route information without visiting bus stands. Currently, it provides data on over 5,000 buses operating across the state. GPS integration allows real-time bus tracking, with plans to include interstate bus details soon.

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The Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs in Peru, have seen a surge in discoveries thanks to AI technology. A recent study utilized drones and AI to analyze over 600 sq km of the Nazca Pampa, leading to the identification of 303 new geoglyphs in just six months. This advancement marks a significant increase in archaeological discoveries, highlighting AI’s potential to revolutionize the field, similar to the impact of aerial imaging in the past. Nazca Lines (Pampa de Nazca) is located in the South American country Peru.

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Researchers found Subabul seed pods can help manage insulin resistance in type II diabetes. A marker-assisted fraction and four active compounds were developed from Subabul. Subabul is a fast-growing leguminous tree native to Mexico, now common in tropical and subtropical regions. It was introduced in India for plantations, fodder, and fuel. It is found in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu in India. Its leaves and seeds, rich in protein and fibre, are eaten raw or cooked. Subabul wood is used for charcoal, furniture, and paper pulp.

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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.

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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 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.

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A team from JNU’s Special Centre for Molecular Medicine identified Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) as a key factor in diseases like malaria and Covid-19. Hsp70 is a molecular chaperone that helps proteins fold correctly and protects them from stress. It becomes elevated during cellular stress, aiding protein folding, preventing aggregation, and maintaining cell survival. The team found that Hsp70 interacts with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2 receptors, aiding viral entry. Inhibiting Hsp70 blocked viral replication in lab tests, suggesting it could help prevent drug resistance in infections.

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The All India Home Price Index (HPI) is released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Reserve Bank of India’s All-India Home Price Index (HPI) rose by 4.34%, reaching 322 in September 2024, compared to 308.6 in September 2023. Over the last decade, the HPI has increased by nearly 67%. The HPI tracks changes in residential property prices across cities and regions in India, offering insights into the housing market. All eight major cities reported an annual rise in housing prices. Delhi NCR recorded the highest increase at 32%, followed by Bengaluru with a 24% rise.

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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.