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.

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Maharashtra’s ‘Shashan Aaplya Dari’ initiative won the SKOCH Award for its innovation and impact in governance. The program, meaning “government at your doorsteps,” delivers government schemes directly to people. It was launched in Satara in May 2023. More than 280 projects nationwide competed, showcasing its effectiveness. The initiative aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and will evolve into ‘Shashan Aaplya Dari 2.0’ under Eknath Shinde’s guidance for further growth. The SKOCH Award is an award that recognizes people, projects, and institutions that work to improve India. It was established in 2003 and is considered one of the highest civilian honors in the country.

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Ningol Chakouba, a festival of the Meitei community in Manipur, was celebrated near Moodbidri. The event was organized by Alva’s Education Foundation with participation from Northeast students. It highlights and preserves the Meitei community’s rich cultural heritage. The festival symbolizes the bond between mothers, daughters, brothers, and sisters, emphasizing women’s importance in Manipuri society and strengthening family ties.

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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.

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The number of women in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) has nearly tripled from 2014 to 2024. CAPFs include seven paramilitary forces under the Union Home Ministry. Women now make up 4.4% of the 9.48 lakh-strong CAPFs, including the Assam Rifles. The CISF has the highest female representation at 7.02%, followed by other forces with lower percentages (SSB 4.43%, BSF 4.41%, ITBP 4.05%, Assam Rifles 4.01%, CRPF 3.38%).

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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.

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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.

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Jasleen Kaur, a Glasgow-born Scottish Sikh artist of Indian heritage, won the 2024 Turner Prize. Her exhibition Alter Altar explores personal, political, and spiritual themes. The jury praised her evocative use of sound and sculpture to highlight family memory and community struggles. A standout piece featured a Ford car, representing her father’s migrant aspirations. Actor James Norton presented the award at Tate Britain, marking the Turner Prize’s return to the venue after six years.

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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 Indian Navy will commission INS Tushil, a stealth guided missile frigate, in Kaliningrad, Russia. INS Tushil is part of the upgraded Krivak III-class frigates under Russian-designed Project 1135.6. It is the seventh vessel in this series and the first of two upgraded frigates from a 2016 India-Russia contract. “Tushil” means “protector shield,” symbolizing the Navy’s commitment to maritime security. The ship is 125 meters long, displaces 3,900 tons, and features advanced stealth for radar evasion. It includes 26% indigenous technology with 33 systems by Indian manufacturers. Assigned to the Western Fleet, it strengthens India’s naval capabilities.