Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024
1. Which country is the host of 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14)?
[A] Oman
[B] China
[C] Cambodia
[D] India
[B] China
[C] Cambodia
[D] India
Correct Answer: D [India]
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.
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.
2. Which international organization recently declared West Bengal a top destination for heritage tourism?
[A] World Bank
[B] United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
[C] United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
[D] International Air Transport Association (IATA)
[B] United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
[C] United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
[D] International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Correct Answer: B [United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)]
Notes:
UNESCO has recognized West Bengal as a top destination for heritage tourism. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted the state’s progress in religious, heritage, and tea tourism. This recognition has boosted tourism and created thousands of jobs for youth. West Bengal is focusing on enhancing iconic religious sites and heritage spots. The state’s efforts are elevating its tourism sector, making it a key player in India’s tourism industry.
UNESCO has recognized West Bengal as a top destination for heritage tourism. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted the state’s progress in religious, heritage, and tea tourism. This recognition has boosted tourism and created thousands of jobs for youth. West Bengal is focusing on enhancing iconic religious sites and heritage spots. The state’s efforts are elevating its tourism sector, making it a key player in India’s tourism industry.
3. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been elected as the first female president of which country?
[A] Cameroon
[B] Malawi
[C] Namibia
[D] Botswana
[B] Malawi
[C] Namibia
[D] Botswana
Correct Answer: C [Namibia]
Notes:
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s vice president, has been elected as the country’s first female president, securing 57% of the votes. She defeated Panduleni Itula of IPC, who received 26%, and SWAPO continues its 34-year dominance. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory ensures SWAPO retains power since Namibia’s independence in 1990. She has held key roles, including foreign minister, and is seen as a unifying figure. SWAPO also won 51 out of 96 National Assembly seats. Namibia faces challenges like high unemployment and inequality, despite political stability.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s vice president, has been elected as the country’s first female president, securing 57% of the votes. She defeated Panduleni Itula of IPC, who received 26%, and SWAPO continues its 34-year dominance. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory ensures SWAPO retains power since Namibia’s independence in 1990. She has held key roles, including foreign minister, and is seen as a unifying figure. SWAPO also won 51 out of 96 National Assembly seats. Namibia faces challenges like high unemployment and inequality, despite political stability.
4. What is the name of portal developed by Department of Consumer Affairs for fair trade and consumer protection?
[A] Metrology net portal
[B] National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap)
[C] National Legal Trade Portal (eTrade)
[D] MY Gov portal
[B] National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap)
[C] National Legal Trade Portal (eTrade)
[D] MY Gov portal
Correct Answer: B [National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap)]
Notes:
The Department of Consumer Affairs is developing the National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) to unify State Legal Metrology systems. eMaap will streamline licensing, verification, and compliance processes, eliminating the need for multiple State portal registrations. Currently, enforcement activities and compounding are not online, but eMaap will integrate all functions, including enforcement, into one system. Hybrid meetings have involved industry associations and state representatives to refine the portal. eMaap simplifies procedures, reduces compliance burdens, ensures accuracy in market transactions, and supports data-driven government decisions.
The Department of Consumer Affairs is developing the National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) to unify State Legal Metrology systems. eMaap will streamline licensing, verification, and compliance processes, eliminating the need for multiple State portal registrations. Currently, enforcement activities and compounding are not online, but eMaap will integrate all functions, including enforcement, into one system. Hybrid meetings have involved industry associations and state representatives to refine the portal. eMaap simplifies procedures, reduces compliance burdens, ensures accuracy in market transactions, and supports data-driven government decisions.
5. Which state/UT is the host of International Gita Mahotsav-2024?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Haryana
[D] Ladakh
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Haryana
[D] Ladakh
Correct Answer: C [Haryana]
Notes:
Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya inaugurated the International Gita Mahotsav on 5 December 2024 in Kurukshetra, Haryana. The festival celebrates the birth of the ‘Srimad Bhagwat Gita,’ where Lord Krishna advised Arjuna during the Mahabharata war. This year, Tanzania is the foreign partner country, and Odisha is the State partner.
Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya inaugurated the International Gita Mahotsav on 5 December 2024 in Kurukshetra, Haryana. The festival celebrates the birth of the ‘Srimad Bhagwat Gita,’ where Lord Krishna advised Arjuna during the Mahabharata war. This year, Tanzania is the foreign partner country, and Odisha is the State partner.
6. Trouessartia thalassina and Proterothrix sibillae, which were seen in news, belongs to which species?
[A] Feather Mite
[B] Fish
[C] Spider
[D] Bat
[B] Fish
[C] Spider
[D] Bat
Correct Answer: A [Feather Mite]
Notes:
Researchers in Meghalaya’s subtropical forests discovered two new feather mite species: Trouessartia thalassina and Proterothrix sibillae. Trouessartia thalassina was found on the Verditer Flycatcher, named for its sea-green plumage; it has unique semi-ovate structures in males and non-sclerotized lacunae in females. Proterothrix sibillae, found on the Small Niltava, is larger and named after naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian. Feather mites are microscopic arachnids that feed on oils and debris in bird feathers, usually benefiting their hosts but sometimes turning parasitic. They spread through close bird contact, especially during nesting.
Researchers in Meghalaya’s subtropical forests discovered two new feather mite species: Trouessartia thalassina and Proterothrix sibillae. Trouessartia thalassina was found on the Verditer Flycatcher, named for its sea-green plumage; it has unique semi-ovate structures in males and non-sclerotized lacunae in females. Proterothrix sibillae, found on the Small Niltava, is larger and named after naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian. Feather mites are microscopic arachnids that feed on oils and debris in bird feathers, usually benefiting their hosts but sometimes turning parasitic. They spread through close bird contact, especially during nesting.
7. Which organization has launched the World Drought Atlas?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
[C] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[D] World Bank
[B] United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
[C] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[D] World Bank
Correct Answer: B [United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)]
Notes:
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).
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).
8. What is the theme of 16th GRIHA Summit held in New Delhi?
[A] Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment
[B] Empowering Sustainable and Resilient Communities
[C] Fostering Partnerships for Sustainable Habitats
[D] Approach to Integrated Sustainability
[B] Empowering Sustainable and Resilient Communities
[C] Fostering Partnerships for Sustainable Habitats
[D] Approach to Integrated Sustainability
Correct Answer: A [Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment]
Notes:
The 16th GRIHA Summit held in New Delhi, focusing on the theme “Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment.” It brings together leaders and experts to discuss sustainable urban development and climate resilience in construction. The summit highlights the importance of sustainability in the built environment for global climate commitments by 2030 and decarbonization by 2050. It aligns with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, integrating sustainability with economic and social progress.GRIHA stands for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment.
The 16th GRIHA Summit held in New Delhi, focusing on the theme “Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment.” It brings together leaders and experts to discuss sustainable urban development and climate resilience in construction. The summit highlights the importance of sustainability in the built environment for global climate commitments by 2030 and decarbonization by 2050. It aligns with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, integrating sustainability with economic and social progress.GRIHA stands for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment.
9. What is the name of scheme that recently exceeded its target of training 6 crore rural individuals in digital literacy?
[A] Pradhan Mantri BharatNet Scheme
[B] Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan
[C] Aadhar Digital Programme
[D] Digital India Internship Scheme
[B] Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan
[C] Aadhar Digital Programme
[D] Digital India Internship Scheme
Correct Answer: B [Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan ]
Notes:
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) was launched to promote digital literacy in rural India. The scheme aimed to train one individual per household in 6 crore rural households. It successfully exceeded its target, training 6.39 crore individuals by March 31, 2024. The initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen IT skills and digital infrastructure, supporting the government’s vision to empower rural communities and foster economic growth through technology.
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) was launched to promote digital literacy in rural India. The scheme aimed to train one individual per household in 6 crore rural households. It successfully exceeded its target, training 6.39 crore individuals by March 31, 2024. The initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen IT skills and digital infrastructure, supporting the government’s vision to empower rural communities and foster economic growth through technology.
10. Ashtamudi Lake is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Odisha
[D] Tamil Nadu
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Odisha
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
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.
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.