Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
Arunachal Pradesh launched ‘Mission Arun Himveer’ to enhance market linkages for local agricultural and horticultural produce. An MoU was signed between Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The state will supply fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry to ITBP, sourced from local farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organisations (FPOs), and farmer cooperatives. A similar agreement with the Indian Army in 2022 resulted in procuring 400 tonnes of produce worth ₹72 lakh from farmers. The mission provides markets for remote villages, boosts the economy, and addresses employment issues statewide.

Notes:
Siddharth Kaul, a 34-year-old pacer from Punjab, announced his retirement from Indian cricket. He represented India in 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is during 2018-19 and was part of the 2008 U-19 World Cup-winning team with Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. Kaul played for IPL teams like Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has 297 wickets in First-Class, 199 in List A, and 182 in T20s. Kaul is the highest wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies.

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The World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC) held in Chennai from December 4 to 6, 2024. This marks the first return to India in 15 years, with the previous event held in Mumbai. The conference covers critical topics such as climate change, sustainability, and geopolitical dynamics impacting the maritime industry. The last edition took place in Copenhagen in April 2022, with previous hosts including Shanghai, Houston, and St. Petersburg.

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India presented the Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP) at the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh. The project is inspired by Africa’s Great Green Wall. It aims to combat desertification from the Thar Desert to northern India. The project covers Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, aiming to restore 1.15 million hectares by 2027. It focuses on mitigating soil degradation, erosion, and drought, and rejuvenating 75 water bodies. A 1,400 km long green belt will be created along the Aravalli Range using indigenous afforestation and advanced water management. The project promotes community involvement and green employment.

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The YesToAccess app, developed by the Association of People with Disability (APD), is India’s first AI-enabled tool for conducting accessibility audits. Launched during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it allows users to assess public spaces by photographing structures and analyzing features like ramps and signage. This initiative aims to promote barrier-free environments and enhance inclusivity, empowering citizens to contribute to accessibility improvements across India as part of the Accessible India Campaign.

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The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was introduced in the UK to allow terminally ill patients to seek assistance to end their lives with dignity. It addresses ethical and humanitarian concerns for patients with no hope of recovery. The Bill passed its first vote with a majority of 330 to 275 and will now go to a public bill committee for amendments before further voting in Parliament. Assisted dying involves terminally ill patients self-administering lethal drugs. Assisted suicide and euthanasia differ; they may involve non-terminally ill patients and require a doctor’s or another person’s help.

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India will host the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for Blind Cricket in 2025. The decision was confirmed at the World Blind Cricket Council’s AGM in Multan, attended by representatives from 11 countries. Hosting rights were granted to India last year, but the event gains significance after India withdrew from the Men’s T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan due to security concerns. This event highlights India’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in sports, especially for visually impaired athletes.

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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.

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Nepal and China signed an MoU to develop the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network (THMDCN). THMDCN is an economic corridor under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It includes projects like the China-Nepal railway, restoration of border ports, and highway construction. The initiative aims to enhance connectivity and economic cooperation between the two countries.

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APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) is a lifelong student ID system under the 2020 National Education Policy, enabling seamless tracking of academic progress from pre-primary to higher studies. Each student is assigned a unique APAAR ID linked to the Academic Bank Credit (ABC), a secure digital repository for educational credits and certificates. Integrated with Digilocker, it allows easy digital access to academic documents, reducing reliance on physical records. APAAR prevents fraud and duplication by restricting credit additions to authorized certifying bodies, ensuring authenticity. Several states seek parental consent for its implementation under the “One Nation, One Student ID” program.