Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

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Scientists have taken the first zoomed-in image of the Red Supergiant WOH G64 star located in another galaxy. The star was imaged with high sharpness by the ESO’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI). WOH G64 is in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, about 160,000 light years from Earth. A red supergiant, WOH G64 is 2,000 times the size of the Sun and is nearing the end of its life, shedding its outer layer surrounded by gas and dust.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, has been overtaken by Islamist rebel factions for the first time in over a decade. Located in northern Syria, about 30 miles from the Turkish border, Aleppo is a significant ancient trade hub. The Quwayq River runs through Aleppo, often drying up due to heavy water usage in Turkey. The terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is involved in the takeover. Aleppo is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site “Old City of Aleppo,” known for its medieval Islamic architecture, including the iconic citadel.

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Researchers found Subabul seed pods can help manage insulin resistance in type II diabetes. A marker-assisted fraction and four active compounds were developed from Subabul. Subabul is a fast-growing leguminous tree native to Mexico, now common in tropical and subtropical regions. It was introduced in India for plantations, fodder, and fuel. It is found in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu in India. Its leaves and seeds, rich in protein and fibre, are eaten raw or cooked. Subabul wood is used for charcoal, furniture, and paper pulp.

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Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, highlighted PRAGATI’s role in transforming India’s infrastructure project delivery. PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is a multi-purpose platform addressing public grievances and monitoring key projects. Launched on March 25, 2015, it was designed in-house by the PMO with support from the National Informatics Center (NIC). It integrates digital data management, video conferencing, and geospatial technology for real-time interactions. PRAGATI promotes cooperative federalism by bringing Central and State officials together for efficient decision-making and monitoring ground-level issues.

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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.

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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 Union Minister launched ‘Anna Chakra’ and SCAN portal to optimize the Public Distribution System (PDS) supply chain. Developed with the World Food Programme and IIT-Delhi, it uses advanced algorithms for route optimization and efficient food grain movement. It integrates with PM Gati Shakti and Railways’ FOIS portal, covering 4.37 lakh Fair Price Shops and 6700 warehouses. Optimization for 30 states shows potential cost savings of ₹250 crore annually. Benefits include faster food distribution, reduced logistics costs, lower fuel consumption, and reduced carbon emissions, supporting 81 crore beneficiaries under the world’s largest food security program.