Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The Union government has approved loans under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme to develop the Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit in Telangana. The Ramappa Temple, also known as the Rudreshwara Temple, is a Kakatiya-style Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Built in 1213 AD, it was commissioned by Kakati Ganapathi Deva and his Chief Commander Rudra Samani. The temple is named after its chief sculptor, Ramappa, making it unique as a temple named after an architect.

Notes:
Russia plans to deploy the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, also called “Satan 2,” to replace older models. The RS-28 Sarmat is a three-stage, liquid-fueled missile with an 18,000 km range and a 208.1 metric ton launch weight. It measures 35.3 meters in length and 3 meters in diameter, carrying a 10-ton payload. The missile can carry up to 10 heavy nuclear warheads, 16 smaller ones, or hypersonic glide vehicles. It features a short initial boost phase, making it harder for enemy systems to track and intercept.

Notes:
The Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs in Peru, have seen a surge in discoveries thanks to AI technology. A recent study utilized drones and AI to analyze over 600 sq km of the Nazca Pampa, leading to the identification of 303 new geoglyphs in just six months. This advancement marks a significant increase in archaeological discoveries, highlighting AI’s potential to revolutionize the field, similar to the impact of aerial imaging in the past. Nazca Lines (Pampa de Nazca) is located in the South American country Peru.

Notes:
Uber has launched Asia’s first water transport service, “Uber Shikara,” in Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir. Tourists can now book pre-scheduled shikara rides via Uber’s app. The service was inaugurated by Uber India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh. Uber Shikara blends technology with tradition, improving accessibility and boosting Kashmir’s tourism. It partners with seven local shikara operators, with plans to expand based on demand. The service operates from Nehru Park, with government-regulated fair pricing and no fees charged to shikara partners.

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:
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 All India Home Price Index (HPI) is released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Reserve Bank of India’s All-India Home Price Index (HPI) rose by 4.34%, reaching 322 in September 2024, compared to 308.6 in September 2023. Over the last decade, the HPI has increased by nearly 67%. The HPI tracks changes in residential property prices across cities and regions in India, offering insights into the housing market. All eight major cities reported an annual rise in housing prices. Delhi NCR recorded the highest increase at 32%, followed by Bengaluru with a 24% rise.

Notes:
The Rajya Sabha passed the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024, replacing the Aircraft Act, 1934, with the Lok Sabha’s prior approval. The Bill regulates aircraft design, manufacture, operation, sale, and related matters while retaining the core structure of the Aircraft Act. Certification for the Radiotelephone Operator’s Restricted certificate shifts from the Department of Telecom to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), streamlining aviation processes. DGCA gains expanded powers to regulate aircraft design and related facilities. A second level of appeal for penalty adjudications ensures better grievance redressal.

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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.

Notes:
Wisdom, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross, is the world’s oldest known wild bird and has laid her 60th egg. Laysan albatrosses (Phoebastria immutabilis) are large seabirds inhabiting the North Pacific. 99.7% of the population is found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, mainly on Laysan Island and Midway Atoll. They nest on sandy or grassy islands, including Oahu, Kauai, and some sites in Japan and Mexico. Known for their exceptional soaring ability, they travel hundreds of miles with minimal wing movement. They are monogamous, mate for life, and are listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN.