Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

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Scientists have taken the first zoomed-in image of the Red Supergiant WOH G64 star located in another galaxy. The star was imaged with high sharpness by the ESO’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI). WOH G64 is in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, about 160,000 light years from Earth. A red supergiant, WOH G64 is 2,000 times the size of the Sun and is nearing the end of its life, shedding its outer layer surrounded by gas and dust.

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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.

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The Phlegraean Fields, near Naples, Italy, are a massive supervolcano starting to show signs of activity, raising concerns among scientists. Unlike Mount Vesuvius, it’s a volcanic system with multiple centers within a caldera, a large depression formed by a past eruption 39,000 years ago. The caldera spans 12-15 km and extends under the Tyrrhenian Sea. Phlegraean Fields is Europe’s largest active caldera and more active than Vesuvius. It has been restless since 1950 due to bradyseism and last erupted in 1538, forming Monte Nuovo. It is among the top carbon dioxide emitters worldwide.

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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.

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The World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC) held in Chennai from December 4 to 6, 2024. This marks the first return to India in 15 years, with the previous event held in Mumbai. The conference covers critical topics such as climate change, sustainability, and geopolitical dynamics impacting the maritime industry. The last edition took place in Copenhagen in April 2022, with previous hosts including Shanghai, Houston, and St. Petersburg.

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The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed annually on December 3. It highlights the importance of inclusivity and recognizing contributions of persons with disabilities (PwDs). This year’s theme is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” IDPD was declared by the United Nations in 1992 to raise awareness and promote the well-being of PwDs. The 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) strengthened global commitments to disability rights. These efforts align with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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Indian Railways introduced the AI-powered Linen Inspection and Sorting Assistant (LISA) to improve linen hygiene in air-conditioned coaches. LISA, developed by the Pune Division, operates at the Ghorpadi Integrated Coaching Complex (GICC). It ensures 100% quality inspection by detecting defects, stains, or damages in linens. AI technology enables precise and efficient inspection of large linen volumes. The system reduces manual labor, streamlines operations, and enhances passenger comfort. LISA supports cleaner, more hygienic travel experiences while modernizing linen management.

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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.

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The Ministry of External Affairs received approval to establish nine One-Stop Centres (OSCs) for supporting women in vulnerable situations. Seven OSCs with shelter homes will be set up in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Jeddah, and Riyadh, while Toronto and Singapore will have OSCs without shelters. A dedicated budget line has been introduced to facilitate these initiatives, with support from the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF). ICWF provides emergency aid like boarding, travel, medical care, legal assistance, and repatriation. Legal panels assist abandoned women and resolve minor legal issues for overseas Indian nationals.

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The Indian Men’s Junior Hockey team defeated Pakistan 5-3 in the final of the 11th Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024, held in Muscat, Oman, on 4th December 2024. India won the Junior Asia Cup title for a record fifth time. This year has been successful for Indian men’s hockey, with a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a fifth win in the Asian Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy. The tournament, organized by the Asian Hockey Federation and hosted by Oman.