Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit in Jaipur, showcasing Rajasthan as a key investment hub. Rajasthan, with its rich resources, heritage, and skilled youth, offers opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing, and tourism. Rajasthan contributes Rs 84,000 crore in exports, supported by the Make in India initiative and MSME policies, strengthening its manufacturing sector. Rajasthan excels in renewable energy, mineral reserves, and unique cultural assets, enhancing tourism and economic growth. Initiatives like e-visa, Udan Yojana, and heritage tourism have transformed Rajasthan into a vibrant investment destination.

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Tata Power has started building the ₹6,900 crore Khorlochhu Hydropower Project in Bhutan, aiming for completion by September 2029. Located on the Kholongchhu River in Trashiyangtse, Bhutan, the 600 MW project supports Bhutan’s electricity needs and India’s renewable energy goals. It is the first joint energy project between India and Bhutan, executed by Khorlochhu Hydro Power Limited (KHPL), a partnership of Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and Tata Power.

Notes:
The Markhor, a wild goat with spiral-shaped horns, was recently spotted in Noorkha village, Baramulla, North Kashmir. Markhors are large wild goats known for their thick fur, flowing beard, and corkscrew horns. They are diurnal animals, active in early mornings and late afternoons. Found in mountain areas of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. In Jammu and Kashmir, they inhabit Shopian, Banihal, Shamsbari, Kazinag Uri, and Pir Panjal ranges. The Markhor is Pakistan’s national animal and is listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN.

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The Maharashtra government plans to propose Lonar Lake for UNESCO World Heritage status. Located in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, it is a lagoon created by a meteorite impact 50,000 years ago. It is the only known saline crater lake in the world, with water seven times saltier than seawater. The lake spans 1.2 kilometers in diameter and is 150 meters deep, surrounded by hills. Its color changes from green to pink due to microorganisms that thrive in the lake’s saline and alkaline environment.

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The Prime Minister launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana in Panipat, Haryana. The scheme is an initiative by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to empower women aged 18-70 with Class 10 education. Women will receive specialized training, financial literacy, and insurance awareness. They will get a stipend of Rs. 7,000 in the first year, Rs. 6,000 in the second, and Rs. 5,000 in the third year. Female agents will also earn commissions, starting with Rs. 48,000 in the first year. The goal is to appoint 2 lakh Bima Sakhis in three years, with the possibility of future development officer roles.

Notes:
Scientists in India successfully used gene therapy to treat severe hemophilia A, a rare inherited blood disorder. Hemophilia A is caused by a lack of clotting factor VIII, leading to difficulty in blood clotting. It is a sex-linked disorder carried on the X chromosome, resulting in prolonged bleeding from minor cuts or injuries. Treatment typically involves boosting or replacing missing clotting factors. Gene therapy offers a potential breakthrough by addressing the root cause of the disorder, improving clotting abilities in patients.

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Arvind Kejriwal announced the launch of the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana, providing Rs 1,000 monthly assistance to eligible women in Delhi. If AAP wins the upcoming Assembly elections, the amount will be increased to Rs 2,100. The scheme was approved by the Delhi Cabinet and will start after the elections, with registration beginning on Friday. The scheme was initially announced in the 2024-25 Delhi Budget with Rs 2,000 crore allocated for 5 million beneficiaries. 12 states already have similar schemes providing monthly stipends to women.

Notes:
The 22nd Divya Kala Mela was organized at India Gate, New Delhi. The 11-day event, organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, features 100 artisans, entrepreneurs, and artists from 20 states and union territories. It promotes the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement with handicrafts, eco-friendly products, and cultural performances. The event helps Divyangjan achieve economic independence and affirms their place in India’s progress.

Notes:
The white-winged wood duck, Assam’s state bird, was recently spotted in Neelmoni Beel, an artificial pond at Nameri Tiger Reserve. It is one of the world’s most endangered ducks, with only about 800 surviving globally and 450 found in India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. In India, it inhabits Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, preferring dense tropical forests and swampy areas. Known as ‘Deo Hans’ or Spirit Duck for its ghostly call, it has a black body, white-spotted head, red-orange eyes, and averages 81 cm in length. The duck is crepuscular, omnivorous, and listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN.

Notes:
The Malwa Canal project in Punjab will require the felling of nearly 1.30 lakh trees and plants for its 150-km length. It is Punjab’s first major irrigation and water management project since independence, with an estimated cost of ₹2,300 crore. The canal will originate from the Harike headworks on the Sutlej River in Ferozepur and end at Waring Khera village in Muktsar, near Haryana’s border. It will run parallel to the Sirhind and Rajasthan Feeder canals, carrying 2,000 cusecs of water.