Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan to boost access to disease-free planting materials for horticulture farmers under the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme. The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP) is related to horticulture and aims to provide farmers with access to high-quality, virus-free planting material. It includes nine advanced Clean Plant Centers with diagnostic and tissue culture labs and a robust certification system for accountability and traceability. It ensures affordable access, engages women farmers, and develops region-specific plant varieties. It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture through National Horticulture Board (NHB) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, it aims to strengthen India’s global fruit market position.

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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.

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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).

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The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) launched an Air Quality Dashboard offering real-time and forecasted air pollution data. It combines ground sensor data with satellite imagery for insights on local, sub-regional, and regional pollution levels. The dashboard uses the WRF-Chem model to track PM2.5 spread in hotspots like Lahore, New Delhi, and Kolkata and its links with weather patterns. It provides two-day air quality forecasts and cross-border pollution data for policymakers, communities, and researchers. ICIMOD, established in 1983, serves Hindu Kush Himalaya countries with knowledge-sharing and sustainable development solutions.

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India will host the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for Blind Cricket in 2025. The decision was confirmed at the World Blind Cricket Council’s AGM in Multan, attended by representatives from 11 countries. Hosting rights were granted to India last year, but the event gains significance after India withdrew from the Men’s T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan due to security concerns. This event highlights India’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in sports, especially for visually impaired athletes.

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk foods,” enhancing safety measures. This follows the removal of mandatory BIS certification, with a focus on regular inspections and audits by FSSAI. High-risk foods require strict safety protocols to prevent public health issues. The classification aims to ensure consumer safety through rigorous testing and monitoring. The regulation falls under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, simplifying the certification process.

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The Business for Land Forum, held during COP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, focused on sustainable land solutions and resilience-building. The Business 4 Land Initiative (B4L) was launched by UNCCD, a legally binding global agreement. B4L aims to involve private sector actors in sustainable land management strategies. It is supported by the World Economic Forum, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and Sustainable Fibre Alliance. B4L raises awareness about sustainable land management, encourages business commitments to land restoration, and fosters collaboration among businesses, governments, and civil society.

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The latest Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) shows weakened consumer confidence in the economy, employment, income, and spending. The survey indicates that consumer optimism drives higher spending, while pessimism can lead to recession. It is released bi-monthly by RBI. It uses the Current Situation Index (CSI) and Future Expectation Index (FEI) as key indicators. The FEI improved by 0.5 points to 121.9, indicating higher optimism for future spending. The CSI declined by 0.7 points to 94 in November 2024, reflecting weaker sentiments, except in household spending.

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Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu unveiled the new logo for the 4th Eaglenest Bird Festival, set for January 17-19, 2025, in West Kameng District. The festival celebrates Arunachal Pradesh’s rich biodiversity and promotes community-led conservation and sustainable eco-tourism. It highlights the state’s commitment to preserving nature and fostering environmental awareness through engaging events and initiatives.

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iHub – AWaDH (Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub) at IIT Ropar launched the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Gateway and Node System under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems. It is a cost-effective system that connects Bluetooth-enabled sensors to cloud platforms. The system supports real-time data transmission and environmental monitoring. It enables advanced analytics across sectors like agriculture, logistics, and environmental resilience, offering efficient and seamless operation for various applications.