Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

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The central government announced that corporate exits are now processed in 70-90 days under the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE). It was established by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It operates under the Registrar of Companies (RoC) and is supervised by the Director General of Corporate Affairs (DGCoA). It is located at the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Gurgaon. It aims to ease doing business, reduce registry burden, and provide hassle-free, timely company closures.

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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.

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Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed on December 6 to honor Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on his death anniversary. This year marks the 68th death anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar. The day is observed at Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai, where followers gather to pay tribute. Dr. Ambedkar is known for his role in promoting social justice, equality, and drafting the Indian Constitution. “Mahaparinirvan” refers to the Buddhist concept of ultimate liberation from suffering and death. Dr. Ambedkar’s death anniversary is significant as he converted to Buddhism in 1956 with many followers.

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The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) launched its 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD). The initiative is led by CGIAR centers International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The initiative focuses on food security, biodiversity conservation, and resilient livelihoods. It targets 2.7 billion people living in drylands, especially in Asia and Africa. The strategy was launched at COP16 in Riyadh, after consultations with national research organizations, governments, private sector, and civil society. It aims to address the specific needs of different dryland regions and enhance sustainability and resilience in these areas.

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The Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) is a crucial mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scheduled for December 26, 2024. It aims to demonstrate the autonomous docking of two satellites, named Chaser and Target, at an altitude of approximately 700 kilometers. This complex procedure is essential for future interplanetary missions, human spaceflight, and the establishment of a space station. The experiment will validate key technologies for operations like refueling and crew exchange in orbit, marking a significant advancement in India’s space capabilities.

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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.

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The State Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC) in Kerala recommended urgent projects to stop illegal biowaste and faecal sludge discharge into Ashtamudi Lake. Preliminary findings show excessive algae blooms caused by biowaste and septage pollution. Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar site in Kollam, Kerala, is vital to the backwater ecosystem and spans 170 sq km with an eight-armed shape. The lake is fed by the Kallada River and drains into the Arabian Sea. It has historical significance as a trade hub and is renowned for its traditional coir industry.

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Uttar Pradesh is the first state in India to fully integrate its procurement system with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). The state abolished its old tendering system, making service providers comply with central government regulations. The state issued a government order on Nov 26, 2024, to abolish over 33 old procurement rules. This integration will help save over Rs 2,000 crore annually and improve procurement efficiency. The state recently used GeM to procure materials for 18 Atal Residential Schools, ensuring quality and competitive pricing.

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A new glacier was discovered in Uttarakhand’s Niti Valley, near the India-Tibet border. The glacier, about 10 km long and 48 sq km in size, is located next to the Randolph and Rekana glaciers. The discovery was made by scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology using satellite data. The glacier is ‘surging,’ meaning it is rapidly expanding in size. The phenomenon could be caused by hydrological imbalance, weakening the ice layers.

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December 9th marks International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness about corruption and promote collective action against it. Corruption in India affects both public and private sectors, manifesting as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and misuse of power. It undermines economic growth, erodes public trust, weakens the rule of law, and impacts citizens’ welfare. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index ranks India 80th among 180 countries, highlighting the issue’s seriousness.