Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is excavating the 80-pillar assembly hall at Kumhrar, Patna. The Kumhrar site is linked to Emperor Ashoka’s third Buddhist Council. The site highlights Pataliputra’s role as the Mauryan capital and a cultural-political hub. The hall had 80 sandstone pillars with a wooden roof and floor, showcasing Mauryan architectural skill. Materials were transported via the Sone-Ganga river route, reflecting advanced planning and resource management. The project renews global interest in Mauryan art and architecture.

Notes:
Human Rights Day is observed on December 10 every year to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted in 1948. The UDHR promotes human rights principles like freedom, equality, right to life, liberty, security, and freedom of thought and expression. India’s Constitution and the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993 reflect these values, leading to the formation of the NHRC on October 12, 1993. The NHRC organizes a Human Rights Day programme at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on December 10, 2024.

Notes:
The Abathsahayeshwarar Temple in Thukkatchi, Tamil Nadu won UNESCO’s 2023 Award of Distinction for heritage conservation. Built by Kings Vikrama Chola and Kulothunga Chola, the temple originally had five prakarams. It houses shrines for deities like Soundaryanayaki Ambal, Aadhi Sarabeshwarar, and others. The temple was restored using traditional and modern conservation methods, completing kumbhabhishekam in September 2023. UNESCO praised the project for blending engineering and traditional techniques while preserving vernacular artistry. Tamil Nadu’s CM granted ₹100 crore annually for restoring ancient temples, ensuring no changes to their original features.

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The Central Government has revised food item prices under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana, earlier called the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Renamed in September 2021, it serves hot meals to students in Balvatika and classes I-VIII in Government and Government-aided schools. The scheme aims to combat hunger, improve nutrition, boost school attendance, and enhance focus in classroom activities. It also supports children during summer vacations in drought or disaster-affected areas. Recently, the Ministry of Education raised the ‘Material Cost’ by 13.70% based on the inflation index from the Labour Bureau. The scheme is centrally sponsored and managed by the Ministry of Education.

Notes:
A study published in Food Frontiers highlighted the anti-obesity effects of a traditional fermented bamboo shoot from Tripura, called ‘Melye-amiley’. The extract reduces lipid accumulation and increases fatty acid β-oxidation. In vitro studies showed that it reduces intracellular lipid buildup and increases the expression of genes related to fat burning and metabolism. The extract activates thermogenic proteins via the AMPK signaling pathway, stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis and enhancing fat oxidation. These findings suggest that Melye-amiley offers a promising approach to weight management and metabolic health.

Notes:
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched six welfare schemes on his government’s two-year completion. The launch event took place in Bilaspur, where financial assistance was distributed to beneficiaries. One key scheme, Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, was rolled out with Rs 1.38 crore disbursed to 5,145 beneficiaries. Eligible children under 18 receive Rs 1,000 monthly and financial aid for higher education. With a Rs 53.21 crore annual budget, the scheme aims to prevent child exploitation and support vulnerable families.

Notes:
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 10th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo 2024 in Dehradun on December 12, 2024. The first Ayurveda Conference was held in Kochi, Kerala, in 2002, and it is organized every two years. The 9th edition was held in Goa from December 8-11, 2022. The 2024 event, held from December 12-15, is organized by the Union Ministry of Ayush and the World Ayurveda Foundation. The theme is “Digital Health – An Ayurveda Perspective,” focusing on integrating technology like telemedicine and health apps. The Congress promotes Ayurveda globally, featuring research presentations.

Notes:
Thousands of political prisoners were released from Syria’s Saydnaya Prison, infamous for inhumane conditions. Saydnaya Prison, near Damascus, was established in the 1980s and operated by the Syrian military police since 1987. The prison was notorious for being a “human slaughterhouse” with severe human rights violations. Syria, located in the Middle East, shares borders with Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and the Mediterranean Sea. Its strategic location connects the Levant region to the broader Arab world.

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FIFA announced Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 men’s football World Cup. Saudi Arabia is the second Middle Eastern nation to host the event, after Qatar in 2022. Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup, where Argentina won the trophy. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with additional matches in three South American countries. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the decision during a virtual extraordinary Congress. This marks a significant moment for the Middle East and global football.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the fourth National Conference of Chief Secretaries on December 14-15 in New Delhi. The conference strengthens Centre-state partnerships and reinforces cooperative federalism. Previous conferences were held in Dharamshala (June 2022) and New Delhi (January, December 2023). The 2024 conference focuses on a unified development agenda and strategic growth plan.