Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
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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Maharashtra’s ‘Shashan Aaplya Dari’ initiative won the SKOCH Award for its innovation and impact in governance. The program, meaning “government at your doorsteps,” delivers government schemes directly to people. It was launched in Satara in May 2023. More than 280 projects nationwide competed, showcasing its effectiveness. The initiative aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and will evolve into ‘Shashan Aaplya Dari 2.0’ under Eknath Shinde’s guidance for further growth. The SKOCH Award is an award that recognizes people, projects, and institutions that work to improve India. It was established in 2003 and is considered one of the highest civilian honors in the country.

Notes:
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’s sixteenth Conference of Parties (COP16) is started in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the first time West Asia hosts this event. India joins 197 nations, marking UNCCD’s 30th anniversary, with its delegation led by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini. India will present the Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP), targeting restoration of 1.15 million hectares across four states. AGWP integrates indigenous afforestation, biodiversity conservation, GIS tools, water management, and community engagement. The conference, running until December 13, showcases India’s leadership in combating desertification and fostering global sustainable land management.

Notes:
A female elephant recently died of suspected anthrax at Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Anthrax is caused by Bacteria ‘Bacillus anthracis’, a spore-forming bacterium found in soil. It primarily affects livestock and wild animals through contaminated soil, plants, or water. Humans can contract anthrax by contact with infected animals or their products, contaminated food or water, or spores entering the skin. Anthrax is not contagious between people and occurs in three forms: cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and inhalational. The bacteria’s spores can survive in soil for years, posing long-term risks to animals and humans.

Notes:
The Red-Breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva) was recently spotted at Ameenpur Lake in Hyderabad. It is a small bird (11-12 cm) from the Old World Flycatcher family. Males have a reddish-orange throat, while females are brown. The bird has a unique toe arrangement, aiding in clinging to branches. It migrates from Eastern Europe to South Asia to escape harsh winters. Breeds in Eastern Europe and Central Asia during spring and summer, migrating to India from October to March. It is listed as Least Concern by IUCN.

Notes:
The International Conference on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in Guwahati, led by Union Minister Giriraj Singh, addresses environmental pollution and climate change. The event emphasizes sustainable practices in sectors like textiles and promotes carbon neutrality through innovative solutions. It highlights the importance of collaboration among experts and stakeholders to enhance global efforts in sustainability, particularly utilizing the rich biodiversity of Northeast India to foster local and global climate action.

Notes:
The 9th International Conference on Waste to Worth, organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), focused on sustainable waste management practices. It brought together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, academics, and researchers to collaborate and exchange knowledge. Discussions revolved around innovative strategies, technologies, and policies promoting waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy principles. The theme, “Enabling & Building Global Tech-Partnerships for Future Ready & Sustainable Growth Environs along with Circular Economies,” emphasized global collaboration. The conference aimed to drive sustainable growth, create a cleaner environment, and support the transition to circular economies for future generations.

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:
Pavan Kampelli won India’s first medal at the Asian Esports Games, securing a bronze in the e-football event. The games were held in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 25 to December 1, 2024. Kampelli defeated 2022 eFootball World Finals Winner Asgard Azizi from Indonesia 2-1 for the bronze. Kampelli won a $500 cash prize for his achievement. The gold medal was claimed by Nattawat Namburee from Thailand, and silver went to Ahmad Muhaimin Abdul Razak of Malaysia. Esports, played on devices like phones and gaming consoles, is growing in popularity worldwide. The International Olympic Committee will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025.

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.