Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

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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.

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ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) developed the Rangeen Machhli app with support from Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to boost the ornamental fish industry. The app provides multilingual, reliable guidance on ornamental fish care, breeding, and maintenance in eight Indian languages. It supports hobbyists, farmers, and professionals, promoting informed fish-keeping practices and fostering community engagement. Key features include detailed fish care information, a “Find Aquarium Shops” tool for locating businesses, and educational modules on aquarium basics and ornamental aquaculture. The app promotes local businesses, empowers farmers, ensures reliable products, and fosters sustainability in the ornamental fish trade.

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The Indian Navy will commission INS Tushil, a stealth guided missile frigate, in Kaliningrad, Russia. INS Tushil is part of the upgraded Krivak III-class frigates under Russian-designed Project 1135.6. It is the seventh vessel in this series and the first of two upgraded frigates from a 2016 India-Russia contract. “Tushil” means “protector shield,” symbolizing the Navy’s commitment to maritime security. The ship is 125 meters long, displaces 3,900 tons, and features advanced stealth for radar evasion. It includes 26% indigenous technology with 33 systems by Indian manufacturers. Assigned to the Western Fleet, it strengthens India’s naval capabilities.

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1,500 members of the Angami Naga tribe recently participated in a cultural ceremony at Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival. The Angami Naga tribe, residing mainly in Kohima, Nagaland, migrated from Myanmar and is recognized in Manipur. They belong to the Mongoloid race and speak Tenyidie, with Nagamese as a common spoken language. Known for terrace wet cultivation, shifting cultivation, and animal husbandry, they also excel in cane and bamboo basketry. Their society is patriarchal and patrilineal, with most members practicing Christianity. The tribe celebrates the Sekrenyi festival.

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The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day. The initiative was led by a core group of countries, including India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra. The date coincides with the Winter Solstice and the start of ‘Uttarayana’ in Indian tradition. Meditation is recognized for its stress-reducing and cognitive benefits. India played a key role, recalling the success of International Day of Yoga. The resolution promotes meditation for global peace and well-being, reflecting India’s commitment to wellness and harmony.

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Bird enthusiasts spotted a marbled duck, a rare winter migrant, at Sultanpur National Park after 30 years. The Marbled Duck (Marmaronetta angustirostris) is a small duck with a black bill, gray-brown plumage, and a dark eye patch. It is found in fragmented populations from Central Asia to northwest Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. During winter, it migrates south to regions like North Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Prefers shallow, brackish wetlands with well-structured vegetation. Marbled ducks are monogamous. They are classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List.

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Recently, a flu-like illness named Disease X has emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, causing alarm due to its high infection and mortality rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively investigating the outbreak, which has affected over 400 individuals, with 143 reported deaths, primarily among children. Complications arise from severe malnutrition in patients, hindering diagnosis. The WHO is deploying teams to collect samples and study transmission patterns in remote areas like Kwango province.

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IIT Delhi has ranked first in India in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025, followed by IIT Kharagpur and IIT Bombay. These engineering institutions are recognized globally for their commitment to sustainability goals. The University of Toronto holds the top position for sustainability worldwide this year. The QS Sustainability Rankings highlight universities that prioritize environmental and social responsibility in their practices.

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Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel launched the Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana under the Suposhit Gujarat Mission to provide nutritious snacks to students. Daily breakfast will include sukhdi, chana chaat, and mixed beans, in addition to mid-day meals. The scheme will benefit 41 lakh students from Balwatika to Class 8 in 32,277 government and grant-in-aid primary schools. It aligns with PM Modi’s Padhai Bhi, Poshan Bhi programme and emphasizes calorie-protein-rich snacks made from Shree Anna (millets). The state government allocated ₹617 crore annually and increased honorariums by 50% for staff involved in preparing meals.

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The United States has developed the Dark Eagle, a long-range hypersonic anti-missile system. It successfully completed a test flight and is nearing operational readiness. Dark Eagle intercepts ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles mid-air. Its operational range exceeds 2,775 km, allowing deep strikes in enemy territory. The system has a two-stage ballistic missile with a hypersonic glide warhead (C-HGB). The C-HGB can reach speeds of Mach 17 (3,000–3,700 m/s) at altitudes below 50 km. It aims to counter advanced air defense systems like Russia’s S-300V4, S-400, and S-500.