Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The Ministry of Health designated snakebite cases and deaths as a notifiable disease to improve monitoring and response. Notifiable diseases are legally required to be reported to authorities for better surveillance and outbreak prevention. States are responsible for implementing and notifying such diseases. The National Action Plan for Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) aims to reduce snakebite deaths and disabilities by 50% by 2030. Other notifiable diseases include AIDS, hepatitis, and dengue. WHO’s International Health Regulations mandate reporting certain diseases to WHO for global health monitoring.

Notes:
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has directed officials to study Handigodu disease scientifically. Handigodu disease is a rare osteoarthritic disorder (bone and joint disease) found in Shimoga and Chikmaglur districts. It is an inherited degenerative bone and joint disease, first noticed in Handigodu village. Symptoms include severe joint and hip pain, deformation, dwarfism, and difficulty walking. The disease begins in preadolescence and can severely affect mobility. Over 1,000 people have died from the disease since its discovery in 1975. It is similar to Mseleni Joint Disease in South Africa.

Notes:
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) flagged “glaring lapses” in the planning and execution of the new Pamban rail bridge. The Pamban Bridge connects the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island to the town of Mandapam in mainland India. It is a state-of-the-art vertical lift bridge, allowing ships to pass underneath. The bridge is vital for connecting the mainland to Rameswaram, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site.

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:
Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) is a fungal lung infection caused by the mold Aspergillus, commonly found in indoor and outdoor environments. CPA affects people with chronic lung diseases like emphysema, bronchitis, or tuberculosis. CPA is not contagious and cannot spread between individuals. Early symptoms may be absent; common signs include coughing up blood, weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, and wheezing. CPA is usually a lifelong condition requiring long-term antifungal treatment. Surgery may be needed to remove fungal masses causing lung bleeding. CPA claims over 340,000 lives annually, highlighting its severe impact.

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:
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme. The aim is to support retired athletes’ career development through education, internships, and skill enhancement. Eligibility includes retired athletes aged 20-50, with achievements in recognized events. The program offers 16 specialized courses like Strength & Conditioning, Sports Nutrition, Yoga, and Sports Entrepreneurship. It combines academic learning with internships to provide practical exposure. The objective is to fill the human resource gap in the sports sector and offer career paths for retired athletes.

Notes:
The 29th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit was held on 2-3 December 2024 in New Delhi. It brought together 61 countries, 30 global speakers, and 11 international ministers. The summit focused on building partnerships and promoting global cooperation for a sustainable future. It was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with support from Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) , Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The summit has been held annually since 1995. The previous summit in March 2023 saw participation from 67 countries, over 2000 business delegates, and 400 international representatives.

Notes:
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s vice president, has been elected as the country’s first female president, securing 57% of the votes. She defeated Panduleni Itula of IPC, who received 26%, and SWAPO continues its 34-year dominance. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory ensures SWAPO retains power since Namibia’s independence in 1990. She has held key roles, including foreign minister, and is seen as a unifying figure. SWAPO also won 51 out of 96 National Assembly seats. Namibia faces challenges like high unemployment and inequality, despite political stability.

Notes:
The 16th GRIHA Summit held in New Delhi, focusing on the theme “Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment.” It brings together leaders and experts to discuss sustainable urban development and climate resilience in construction. The summit highlights the importance of sustainability in the built environment for global climate commitments by 2030 and decarbonization by 2050. It aligns with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, integrating sustainability with economic and social progress.GRIHA stands for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment.