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:
Gujarat’s iconic handicraft ‘Gharchola’ has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, bringing the state’s GI count to 27, with 23 focused on handicrafts. The GI tag was awarded at the ‘GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak’ event in New Delhi. This recognition enhances Gharchola’s prestige and market presence globally.

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:
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 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.

Notes:
Pavan Kampelli won India’s first medal at the Asian Esports Games, securing a bronze in the e-football event. The games were held in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 25 to December 1, 2024. Kampelli defeated 2022 eFootball World Finals Winner Asgard Azizi from Indonesia 2-1 for the bronze. Kampelli won a $500 cash prize for his achievement. The gold medal was claimed by Nattawat Namburee from Thailand, and silver went to Ahmad Muhaimin Abdul Razak of Malaysia. Esports, played on devices like phones and gaming consoles, is growing in popularity worldwide. The International Olympic Committee will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025.

Notes:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk foods,” enhancing safety measures. This follows the removal of mandatory BIS certification, with a focus on regular inspections and audits by FSSAI. High-risk foods require strict safety protocols to prevent public health issues. The classification aims to ensure consumer safety through rigorous testing and monitoring. The regulation falls under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, simplifying the certification process.

Notes:
The Union Minister launched ‘Anna Chakra’ and SCAN portal to optimize the Public Distribution System (PDS) supply chain. Developed with the World Food Programme and IIT-Delhi, it uses advanced algorithms for route optimization and efficient food grain movement. It integrates with PM Gati Shakti and Railways’ FOIS portal, covering 4.37 lakh Fair Price Shops and 6700 warehouses. Optimization for 30 states shows potential cost savings of ₹250 crore annually. Benefits include faster food distribution, reduced logistics costs, lower fuel consumption, and reduced carbon emissions, supporting 81 crore beneficiaries under the world’s largest food security program.

Notes:
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched PMeVIDYA Channel 31, a 24×7 platform dedicated to Indian Sign Language (ISL). The channel promotes ISL as both a language and school subject, ensuring inclusivity for children with hearing impairments. NEP 2020 prioritizes education for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) and standardizes ISL nationally while respecting local sign languages. ISL-based learning content covers school curricula, career guidance, skill training, and mental health, accessible on TV and YouTube. The initiative fosters inclusivity, aligns with constitutional rights, and aims to create global benchmarks and employment opportunities for the hearing-impaired community.

Notes:
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.