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.

Notes:
The central government announced that corporate exits are now processed in 70-90 days under the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE). It was established by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It operates under the Registrar of Companies (RoC) and is supervised by the Director General of Corporate Affairs (DGCoA). It is located at the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Gurgaon. It aims to ease doing business, reduce registry burden, and provide hassle-free, timely company closures.

Notes:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has requested a response from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) regarding the deteriorating condition of Varkala cliff, a national geo-heritage site. It is located in Varkala, Kerala. The cliff stretches 3 km and exposes sedimentary rocks from the Mio-Pliocene Age (13 lakh to 2.5 crore years ago). Varkala is the only place on India’s west coast where these ancient sediments are visible. The cliff towers up to 80 meters and is home to the Papanasam Beach, known for its therapeutic springs. It supports local biodiversity and is essential for coastal aquifers and fishing communities.

Notes:
The Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs in Peru, have seen a surge in discoveries thanks to AI technology. A recent study utilized drones and AI to analyze over 600 sq km of the Nazca Pampa, leading to the identification of 303 new geoglyphs in just six months. This advancement marks a significant increase in archaeological discoveries, highlighting AI’s potential to revolutionize the field, similar to the impact of aerial imaging in the past. Nazca Lines (Pampa de Nazca) is located in the South American country Peru.

Notes:
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 YesToAccess app, developed by the Association of People with Disability (APD), is India’s first AI-enabled tool for conducting accessibility audits. Launched during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it allows users to assess public spaces by photographing structures and analyzing features like ramps and signage. This initiative aims to promote barrier-free environments and enhance inclusivity, empowering citizens to contribute to accessibility improvements across India as part of the Accessible India Campaign.

Notes:
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was introduced in the UK to allow terminally ill patients to seek assistance to end their lives with dignity. It addresses ethical and humanitarian concerns for patients with no hope of recovery. The Bill passed its first vote with a majority of 330 to 275 and will now go to a public bill committee for amendments before further voting in Parliament. Assisted dying involves terminally ill patients self-administering lethal drugs. Assisted suicide and euthanasia differ; they may involve non-terminally ill patients and require a doctor’s or another person’s help.

Notes:
The International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience was launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) to ensure the resilience of submarine cables, vital for the global digital economy. The body consists of 40 members, including ministers, regulators, and telecom experts, representing diverse global perspectives. It will meet bi-annually to discuss international policies, infrastructure, and best practices. The body aims to promote best practices, reduce risks of cable damage, and ensure swift repairs and deployment. It addresses challenges like increasing traffic, aging infrastructure, and environmental threats, benefiting livelihoods and industries reliant on submarine cables.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
India has been chosen to chair the 68th Session of the UN’s Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, has officially assumed the role. CND is the main policy-making body for global drug-related issues under the UN. It monitors global drug trends, supports balanced policy-making, and oversees major drug conventions. CND operates under the UN Economic and Social Council and governs the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This is India’s first time chairing the CND, showcasing its growing leadership and commitment to global issues.