Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The National Tiger Conservation Authority has approved Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh as a tiger reserve. The park is located in the northern Central Highlands, part of the Upper Vindhyan Hills, with plateaus and valleys. It includes two lakes, Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar, supporting aquatic biodiversity and terrestrial species. The park’s drainage flows north and northeast, forming the catchment for the Amarnadi and Sind rivers. The eastern part has Vindhyan system sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, shale, and limestone.

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:
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.

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:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
World Bank released the 2024 International Debt Report (IDR). It covers external debt for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Total external debt of LMICs rose by 2.4% in 2023, reaching $8.8 trillion. Key factors driving this rise include high interest rates due to tight monetary policies in high-income countries, inflation, depreciating currencies, and global economic uncertainty. Countries like Bangladesh and India saw over 90% increases in interest payments. The rising debt strains budgets, affecting critical sectors like health, education, and environmental programs.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Gujarat is the first state to generate “Farmer IDs” for 25% of its targeted farmers under the Digital Agriculture Mission launched in September 2024. Farmer IDs are unique digital identities based on Aadhaar, dynamically linked to state land records for real-time updates. Other states like Madhya Pradesh (9%), Maharashtra (2%), Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and others have also initiated Farmer ID generation. Farmer IDs enable seamless access to government schemes, instant crop loans, personalized agricultural services, and enhanced market connectivity. The initiative supports efficient policy-making, sustainable agriculture, and improved farmer incomes through a digital ecosystem. Modes for ID generation include self-registration, assisted registration, camps, and Common Service Centres (CSCs).

Notes:
The 2nd Edition of the Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam Music Festival celebrated at the Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetra Auditorium in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The three-day festival features over 140 artists and 35 programs celebrating Carnatic music and Andhra Pradesh’s cultural legacy. The festival showcases GI-tagged handicrafts and handlooms from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), Tirupati, highlights Andhra Pradesh’s culinary traditions with regional delicacies. The event integrates music, crafts, and cuisine, promoting Music Tourism and celebrating the state’s cultural heritage and traditions.