Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The Prime Minister launched the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot for Mahakumbh Mela 2025. Mahakumbh Mela 2025 will be held in Prayagraj from January 13th to February 26th, 2025. The chatbot blends culture and technology to enhance devotees’ experience. It offers text and voice interactions for a smooth and engaging experience. It aims to guide and update millions of attendees during the mega event.

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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.

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The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) will submit a survey report to the Supreme Court on religious structures in Delhi’s Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Mehrauli Archaeological Park spans over 200 acres near the Qutb Complex and reflects India’s heritage from Pre-Islamic to Colonial periods. It contains 440+ monuments, including remains of Delhi’s first city, the Tomar rulers’ capital from the 11th century.

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Birhor tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Jharkhand, has joined a movement against child marriage in Giridih for the first time. Traditionally nomadic, they primarily reside in Jharkhand but are also found in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal. The term “Birhor” means “jungle people,” and their language belongs to the Munda group of the Austroasiatic family, related to Santali, Mundari, and Ho. They practice a mix of animism and Hinduism, with beliefs tracing their descent from the Sun. Economically, they engage in hunting, rope-making, and agriculture, with groups divided into nomadic Uthlus and settled Janghis.

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NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope discovered a distant galaxy named Firefly Sparkle, 13 billion light-years away. This galaxy offers insights into the Milky Way’s early appearance, forming 100-400 million years before the observed stage. Firefly Sparkle contains 10 star clusters with a mass equivalent to 10 million suns, spanning 1,000 light-years in its visible region. It is part of a system with two smaller galaxies, Firefly-Best Friend and Firefly-New Best Friend. The discovery highlights the early stages of galaxy formation and evolution, providing a glimpse into cosmic history.

Notes:
ISRO successfully conducted the sea-level hot test of its CE20 cryogenic engine. It is developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO. This engine powers the upper stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle and operates at a thrust level of 19 tonnes, already proven in six missions. For the Gaganyaan mission, it has been qualified at 20 tonnes thrust and is upgraded to 22 tonnes for future missions to enhance LVM3’s payload capacity. It features a new Nozzle Protection System, simplifying engine testing.

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The Vice President of India recently felicitated winners of the National Energy Conservation Award (NECA). NECA is organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power. Instituted in 1991, it coincides with National Energy Conservation Day on December 14. These awards recognize industries, institutions, and establishments for reducing energy consumption while maintaining or improving efficiency. Applications are reviewed by a Technical Committee chaired by the Member (Thermal), CEA, and include experts from ministries and agencies. The Award Committee, led by the Secretary (Power), gives final approval, and winners are honored annually.

Notes:
The Russian team won the team event of the 13th Admiral Cup sailing regatta. The Admiral Cup is an offshore Laser Radial boat race organized by the Indian Navy. The event is held in the Arabian Sea near Ettikulam Beach, Kerala, where the Indian Naval Academy (INA) is located. The 13th edition took place from December 9-13, 2024. The Admiral Cup was first organized by the Indian Navy in 2010. It is inspired by the Admiral Cup of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, England, regarded as the unofficial World Cup for offshore racing.

Notes:
Renowned Baiga tribal artist and Padma Shri awardee Jodhaiya Bai passed away on December 15, 2024, at 86 in Lodha village, Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh. The Baiga Tribe is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) primarily residing in central and eastern Indian states. Jodhaiya Bai gained international recognition for her artwork, showcasing Baiga tribal culture on canvas. She was honored with the Padma Shri in 2023 for her significant contributions to the arts. Her art has been exhibited globally, highlighting the rich traditions and heritage of the Baiga community.

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The Indian Army inaugurated the AI Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) in Bengaluru, led virtually by General Upendra Dwivedi. The centre reflects the Army’s focus on using Artificial Intelligence for operational excellence. It aims to foster innovation in military technology with AI-driven solutions. The initiative seeks to enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and preparedness for future conflicts.