Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has directed officials to study Handigodu disease scientifically. Handigodu disease is a rare osteoarthritic disorder (bone and joint disease) found in Shimoga and Chikmaglur districts. It is an inherited degenerative bone and joint disease, first noticed in Handigodu village. Symptoms include severe joint and hip pain, deformation, dwarfism, and difficulty walking. The disease begins in preadolescence and can severely affect mobility. Over 1,000 people have died from the disease since its discovery in 1975. It is similar to Mseleni Joint Disease in South Africa.

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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.

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The National Tiger Conservation Authority has approved Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh as a tiger reserve. The park is located in the northern Central Highlands, part of the Upper Vindhyan Hills, with plateaus and valleys. It includes two lakes, Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar, supporting aquatic biodiversity and terrestrial species. The park’s drainage flows north and northeast, forming the catchment for the Amarnadi and Sind rivers. The eastern part has Vindhyan system sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, shale, and limestone.

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The 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship held from 3 to 10 December 2024, in New Delhi, India. This is the first time the Handball Association India (HAI) is hosting the event. Initially planned for Almaty, Kazakhstan, the championship was moved to New Delhi. It serves as a qualifier for the 27th IHF Women’s Handball World Championship in 2025 in Germany and the Netherlands.

Notes:
The PENCiL portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to enforce the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. It has five components: Central Government, State Government, District Project Societies, Child Tracking System, and Complaint Corner. District Nodal Officers (DNOs) are appointed to ensure strict implementation of the Act. A model State Action Plan (SAP) guides State Governments in eradicating child labour, focusing on migrant, girl, and SC/ST children. The portal promotes efficient monitoring and grievance redressal to combat child labour effectively.

Notes:
The Union Minister of State for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change launched Nano Bubble Technology at Delhi’s National Zoological Park. Nano Bubble Technology uses ultra-small bubbles, 70-120 nanometers in size, to purify water. These bubbles stay suspended in water for months, enabling effective gas transfer and cleaning. They remove algae, digest biological waste, separate particles, and transfer oxygen efficiently. This technology is chemical-free, sustainable, and improves aquatic health. It benefits wastewater treatment, fermentation, and biological processes in various industries. Nano Bubble Technology ensures cleaner water and healthier ecosystems.

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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).

Notes:
World Wildlife Conservation Day is observed on December 4 to raise awareness about protecting endangered flora and fauna. The day emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation and encourages action to safeguard endangered species. India hosts four global biodiversity hotspots: Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, and Sundaland. With only 2.4% of the world’s land area, India supports 7-8% of recorded species, making it a megadiverse country.

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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.

Notes:
The Hornbill Festival, celebrated annually since 2000 in Nagaland, marks its 25th year. Named after the Hornbill bird, symbolizing boldness in Naga folklore, it takes place at Kisama Heritage Village, showcasing 17 indigenous houses representing Nagaland’s tribes. The festival promotes inter-tribal interaction, preserving the state’s rich heritage. Nagaland, known as the “Land of Festivals,” is home to 17 major tribes, each with its unique traditions. The festival highlights India’s unity in diversity, where diverse cultural practices coexist, strengthening the nation’s identity.