Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed on December 6 to honor Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on his death anniversary. This year marks the 68th death anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar. The day is observed at Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai, where followers gather to pay tribute. Dr. Ambedkar is known for his role in promoting social justice, equality, and drafting the Indian Constitution. “Mahaparinirvan” refers to the Buddhist concept of ultimate liberation from suffering and death. Dr. Ambedkar’s death anniversary is significant as he converted to Buddhism in 1956 with many followers.

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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.

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The first annual review meeting of Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) 2.0 projects was held at SKUAST, Srinagar, Kashmir. RuTAG, launched in 2004 by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), supports rural development through Science & Technology interventions. It focuses on demand-driven solutions, addressing grassroots technology gaps, upgrading technology, and providing training and demonstrations. RuTAG 2.0, launched in 2023, aims to translate innovations into market-ready products. The initiative seeks to drive transformative changes in rural areas, ensuring sustainable development and empowering communities through accessible and impactful technologies.

Notes:
Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the AP Urjaveer Scheme to promote energy efficiency. The scheme trains 1,12,000 private electricians to handle energy-efficient appliances. A network of Urjaveer-trained workers will promote six appliances: LED inverter lamps, LED tubelights, BLDC ceiling fans, 5-star air conditioners, induction stoves, and LED bulbs. The initiative aims to make energy conservation a lifestyle at the grassroots level. EESL and Andhra Pradesh will jointly run the National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) with the Women Development & Child Welfare Department.

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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 Bihar government hosted a two-day ‘Makhana Mahotsav’ in Bengaluru to expand the market for Bihar’s makhana and other food products in Karnataka. The event aims to establish Bihar as a leader in makhana production and promote its cultural and economic significance. Bihar produces 50% of India’s makhana, with Bengaluru acting as a gateway to South Indian markets. A dedicated research center for improving makhana production has been established, and its GI tag has boosted international recognition. Makhana production has created significant employment, with the market reaching Rs 150 crore in 2023-2024.

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:
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:
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated the Indian team for their 55-medal haul at the 10th Asia-Pacific Deaf Games in Kuala Lumpur. The 68-member team won 8 gold, 18 silver, and 29 bronze medals, finishing fifth among 21 countries. This was India’s best performance in the history of the tournament, surpassing their 2015 achievement of 5 medals. The 2019 edition was canceled due to political unrest in Hong Kong. The team competed in 7 disciplines, with athletics contributing the most medals (28 total). The Sports Authority of India (SAI) supported training camps and provided financial assistance for travel and accommodation.

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The Telangana government has introduced the Bhumata portal to replace the controversial Dharani system, which faced numerous complaints from farmers. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has taken over the management of Bhumata to ensure a user-friendly experience. This change follows a study that indicated the need for a complete revamp of the previous system. The new legislation aims to restore local revenue administration and provide a clear appeal process for farmers, addressing the issues that arose under Dharani.