Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The Ministry of Health designated snakebite cases and deaths as a notifiable disease to improve monitoring and response. Notifiable diseases are legally required to be reported to authorities for better surveillance and outbreak prevention. States are responsible for implementing and notifying such diseases. The National Action Plan for Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) aims to reduce snakebite deaths and disabilities by 50% by 2030. Other notifiable diseases include AIDS, hepatitis, and dengue. WHO’s International Health Regulations mandate reporting certain diseases to WHO for global health monitoring.

Notes:
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) held a global India Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme with the World Bank on November 28-29, 2024, in New Delhi. AEO is part of the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) SAFE Framework to secure global trade and enhance supply chain security. It grants AEO status to businesses that comply with supply chain security standards, offering benefits like simplified procedures and faster customs clearance. It was introduced in India in 2011.

Notes:
Gujarat’s iconic handicraft ‘Gharchola’ has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, bringing the state’s GI count to 27, with 23 focused on handicrafts. The GI tag was awarded at the ‘GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak’ event in New Delhi. This recognition enhances Gharchola’s prestige and market presence globally.

Notes:
Dr. Basant Goel was honored at the United Nations Global Excellence Award in Dubai and received an honorary doctorate from the USA International University. He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy, a Ph.D. in Diabetes, and a Doctorate in Health Science from prestigious U.S. institutions. His humanitarian work gained recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning a World Book of Records (London) mention. On July 6, 2024, he set a Guinness World Record for the most blood donations in a single camp, ensuring 200 daily units in India. Named “Blood Man of India” by the President, he was hosted at the President’s House for four days. The International Book of Honour (England) recognized his contributions on October 26, 2024.

Notes:
The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) will be held from December 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi, India, hosted by the India Meteorological Department. This conference aims to promote satellite observations, enhance remote sensing science, and facilitate collaboration among satellite operators and users. It will feature presentations, discussions, and a training workshop with around 150 participants from various countries, highlighting the importance of satellite data in meteorology and climatology.

Notes:
The 1st edition of Joint Table Top Exercise, CINBAX, conducted at Foreign Training Node, Pune, between the Indian and Cambodian Armies. The exercise focuses on joint Counter Terrorism (CT) operations under the UN Charter, with personnel from both armies participating. The exercise has three phases: orientation, Table Top exercises, and finalization of plans. It aims to enhance trust, interoperability, and showcase India’s indigenous defense capabilities.

Notes:
The government has set up the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) to improve urban infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It is funded through the priority sector lending shortfall. The fund supports public agencies in providing basic services like sewerage, waste management, water supply, sanitation, and drainage. It aims to supplement state governments’ efforts and is managed by the National Housing Bank. The initial corpus of the fund is ₹10,000 crore. The UIDF is modeled after the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).

Notes:
National Pollution Control Day is observed annually on December 2 in India. It commemorates the lives lost in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and raises awareness about pollution. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred on December 2, 1984, due to a methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leak from a pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The incident killed around 2,259 people immediately, with fatalities rising to 25,000 over time, as per government reports. Around 500,000 people suffered severe health issues, including respiratory and reproductive problems, blindness, and nervous system diseases.

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Uber introduced Uber Shikara booking on Dal Lake in Srinagar in December 2024. The service lets passengers reserve rides on traditional shikara boats through its app.

Notes:
Oxford University Press named ‘brain rot’ as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024. It describes cognitive decline caused by consuming trivial social media content. The term gained popularity amid trends like digital detoxes to counter mental fatigue. It reflects concerns about technology’s impact on human thought and habits. Public voting chose ‘brain rot’ over contenders like ‘heat domes’ and ‘neurospicy.’ Over 37,000 people participated in the voting, highlighting its cultural relevance. The term’s casual tone appeals to younger audiences and raises awareness about mental health. Past winners include ‘goblin mode’ (2022) and ‘climate emergency’ (2019).