Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has directed officials to study Handigodu disease scientifically. Handigodu disease is a rare osteoarthritic disorder (bone and joint disease) found in Shimoga and Chikmaglur districts. It is an inherited degenerative bone and joint disease, first noticed in Handigodu village. Symptoms include severe joint and hip pain, deformation, dwarfism, and difficulty walking. The disease begins in preadolescence and can severely affect mobility. Over 1,000 people have died from the disease since its discovery in 1975. It is similar to Mseleni Joint Disease in South Africa.

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:
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) flagged “glaring lapses” in the planning and execution of the new Pamban rail bridge. The Pamban Bridge connects the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island to the town of Mandapam in mainland India. It is a state-of-the-art vertical lift bridge, allowing ships to pass underneath. The bridge is vital for connecting the mainland to Rameswaram, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site.

Notes:
PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won the women’s and men’s titles at the 2024 Syed Modi International badminton tournament. This marked Sindhu’s first BWF (Badminton World Federation) title since the 2022 Singapore Open, ending her title drought. Sindhu defeated China’s Wu Luo Yu 21-14, 21-16 in the final. The tournament was held at Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium, Lucknow, from November 26 to December 1, 2024.

Notes:
A female elephant recently died of suspected anthrax at Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Anthrax is caused by Bacteria ‘Bacillus anthracis’, a spore-forming bacterium found in soil. It primarily affects livestock and wild animals through contaminated soil, plants, or water. Humans can contract anthrax by contact with infected animals or their products, contaminated food or water, or spores entering the skin. Anthrax is not contagious between people and occurs in three forms: cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and inhalational. The bacteria’s spores can survive in soil for years, posing long-term risks to animals and humans.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, has been overtaken by Islamist rebel factions for the first time in over a decade. Located in northern Syria, about 30 miles from the Turkish border, Aleppo is a significant ancient trade hub. The Quwayq River runs through Aleppo, often drying up due to heavy water usage in Turkey. The terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is involved in the takeover. Aleppo is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site “Old City of Aleppo,” known for its medieval Islamic architecture, including the iconic citadel.

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:
World Wildlife Conservation Day is observed on December 4 to raise awareness about protecting endangered flora and fauna. The day emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation and encourages action to safeguard endangered species. India hosts four global biodiversity hotspots: Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, and Sundaland. With only 2.4% of the world’s land area, India supports 7-8% of recorded species, making it a megadiverse country.

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The 63rd Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine (ISAM) held at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), Bengaluru, from December 5–7, 2024. Established in 1952, ISAM is India’s only registered society dedicated to aerospace medicine. The conference theme is “Collaborate for Research,” focusing on interdisciplinary cooperation in aviation and space medicine. The event features more than 300 attendees, including experts from DRDO, ISRO, and aerospace medicine professionals.