Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

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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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The government has abolished windfall tax on crude oil, aviation turbine fuel (ATF), petrol, and diesel exports. Windfall tax targets industries earning unusually high profits due to favorable economic conditions. India introduced a windfall tax on domestic crude oil production in July 2022 after global crude prices surged. Such taxes are used to fund public projects, reduce deficits, or redistribute wealth.

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The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme. The aim is to support retired athletes’ career development through education, internships, and skill enhancement. Eligibility includes retired athletes aged 20-50, with achievements in recognized events. The program offers 16 specialized courses like Strength & Conditioning, Sports Nutrition, Yoga, and Sports Entrepreneurship. It combines academic learning with internships to provide practical exposure. The objective is to fill the human resource gap in the sports sector and offer career paths for retired athletes.

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The 29th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit was held on 2-3 December 2024 in New Delhi. It brought together 61 countries, 30 global speakers, and 11 international ministers. The summit focused on building partnerships and promoting global cooperation for a sustainable future. It was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with support from Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) , Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The summit has been held annually since 1995. The previous summit in March 2023 saw participation from 67 countries, over 2000 business delegates, and 400 international representatives.

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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 is the most targeted country for mobile malware attacks, with 28% of global attacks occurring there. The Zscaler ThreatLabz 2024 report analyzed mobile, IoT, and OT attacks from June 2023 to May 2024. After India, the U.S., Canada, South Africa, and the Netherlands were the next most targeted countries. India was ranked third for mobile malware attacks globally in the 2023 report. In IoT attacks, the U.S. topped the list, followed by Singapore, the U.K., Germany, and Canada. India accounted for 66.5% of mobile malware attacks in the Asia Pacific region.

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Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), under the NITI Aayog and the Swedish Embassy’s Office of Science & Innovation concluded SheSTEM 2024. SheSTEM celebrates women in STEM and inspires students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The event invited students from grades 6-12 across India to submit ideas on Battery Technology and Energy Storage (BEST) systems. It was part of the India-Nordic BEST project, aiming to advance sustainable energy solutions. Over 1000 submissions were received, showcasing India’s youth creativity and problem-solving skills. Participants presented their prototypes or concepts in a two-minute video, contributing to global sustainability efforts.

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The World Drought Atlas predicts that 75% of the global population will face drought impacts by 2050. It was launched by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and European Commission Joint Research Centre. The Atlas links worsening drought risks to human activities and highlights five impact areas: water supply, agriculture, hydropower, inland navigation, and ecosystems. Featuring 21 global case studies, it emphasizes that no country is immune to drought but all can prepare better. It suggests measures under governance (e.g., early warning systems), land-use management (e.g., agroforestry), and water management (e.g., wastewater reuse).

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The Inland Waterways Authority of India’s Kalughat Intermodal Terminal in Bihar received a five-star SVAGRIHA rating. SVAGRIHA stands for Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA. SVAGRIHA promotes green buildings and sustainability through the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) system for small buildings. The rating applies to projects under 2500 sq.m. with 14 criteria across five categories: architecture & energy, water & waste, materials, landscape, and lifestyle. The terminal achieved this rating by using recyclable materials like fibre, recyclable glass, and eco-friendly fixtures. This project is part of the IWAI’s efforts to enhance National Waterway 1 on the River Ganga.

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Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched PMeVIDYA Channel 31, a 24×7 platform dedicated to Indian Sign Language (ISL). The channel promotes ISL as both a language and school subject, ensuring inclusivity for children with hearing impairments. NEP 2020 prioritizes education for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) and standardizes ISL nationally while respecting local sign languages. ISL-based learning content covers school curricula, career guidance, skill training, and mental health, accessible on TV and YouTube. The initiative fosters inclusivity, aligns with constitutional rights, and aims to create global benchmarks and employment opportunities for the hearing-impaired community.