Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The International Day of Neutrality is observed on December 12 to promote neutrality in intergovernmental relations and support global peace and security. Neutrality means a country abstains from participating in wars and maintains impartiality, emphasizing dialogue over conflict. Switzerland is renowned for its neutrality, avoiding destruction in both World Wars. India’s neutrality was evident during the Cold War, maintaining friendly relations with both the US and Russia without aligning with either. The UN General Assembly declared the day in 2017, following a resolution by Turkmenistan, a permanently neutral state. The UN uses preventive diplomacy, mediation, and peacemaking to resolve and prevent conflicts globally.

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Vijay Diwas is observed on December 16 each year, marking India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. This victory led to the creation of Bangladesh. The day celebrates the bravery, sacrifice, and strength of Indian soldiers during the battle. Schools and educational institutes hold speech competitions to honor the day. The day symbolizes not just military victory but the freedom of millions from oppression. On December 16, 1971, the Pakistani Army surrendered, ending a 13-day war, making it one of the shortest and most impactful wars in history.

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The Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) for electronic negotiable warehouse receipts (e-NWRs) based Pledge Financing was launched to help small farmers avoid distress selling. It aims to provide credit to small farmers to prevent distress selling of crops. A corpus of Rs 1,000 crore is allocated for post-harvest finance. Farmers can avail loans against electronic negotiable warehouse receipts (e-NWRs) after storing commodities in WDRA-accredited warehouses. Loan coverage includes up to Rs 75 lakh for agricultural purposes and up to Rs 200 lakh for non-agricultural purposes. The scheme improves access to credit and supports farmers financially post-harvest.

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The 10th International Forest Fair took place in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from 17 to 23 December. It serves as a platform for collectors, producers, traders, scientists, and policymakers to connect. The fair was inaugurated by Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. Representatives from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Australia participated. The theme was “Women Empowerment through Minor Forest Produce” as 50% of women manage minor forest produce in Madhya Pradesh.

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Science and Technology Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh Kisan Kavach, India’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit to protect farmers from harmful pesticide exposure. Developed by Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC-inStem), Bangalore, Bengaluru, with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., the suit promotes farmer safety and sustainable agriculture. It is washable, reusable for up to a year, and priced at ₹4,000, with plans for greater affordability. The suit uses advanced fabric technology that deactivates pesticides through nucleophilic hydrolysis, preventing health risks like respiratory issues and vision loss. This innovation aims to address pesticide toxicity while empowering farmers and ensuring sustainable farming practices.

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Russia has developed an mRNA-based cancer treatment vaccine, set to launch in early 2025 and offered free to citizens. The vaccine, costing the state 300,000 rubles (USD 2,869) per dose, uses genetic material from a patient’s tumour to train the immune system. It works by stimulating antibodies to target unique proteins (antigens) on cancer cells, effectively destroying them. Cancer rates in Russia are rising, with over 635,000 new cases in 2022, including colon, breast, and lung cancers. Similar personalised vaccines are under trial in the US (glioblastoma) and UK (melanoma), showing promising results.

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India will host the Para Athletics World Championships 2025, marking the first time the event is held in the country. The event will take place from September 26 to October 5 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, also hosting the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in March 2025. This will be the 12th edition of the championships and the fourth time it is held in Asia, featuring over 1,000 athletes from 100+ nations. The event is pivotal for the Los Angeles Paralympic Games 2028 and aims to promote inclusivity and awareness about disabilities in India. India’s success in Para athletics includes 17 medals, including six gold, at the 2023 World Championships in Kobe.

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The Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan government to protect sacred groves, or Orans, as “forests” and conduct district-wise mapping based on their ecological and cultural significance. Orans are traditional sacred groves in Rajasthan managed by rural communities through sacred practices and codes. They are biodiversity-rich spaces often featuring water bodies and are associated with local deities. Communities have conserved Orans for centuries, integrating them into their cultural, social, and agrarian lives. Orans serve as grazing grounds for livestock and venues for communal gatherings, festivals, and rituals, reinforcing environmental conservation efforts.

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The Minister of State for Home Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme. The Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme was launched on 15th August 1972 by the Ministry of Home Affairs. It provides pensions to living freedom fighters, their families, and families of martyrs. Eligible individuals include those imprisoned or underground for over six months, interned or externed for six months or more, or those whose property was confiscated during the freedom struggle. Benefits include free lifetime railway passes, PSU hospital treatments, and free transit stays with meals at State Bhawan, New Delhi. Collectors/SDMs are directed to ensure the well-being of freedom fighters and address pension issues.

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The Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change recently released the ‘India State of Forest Report 2023’ (ISFR 2023) at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun. The report, published biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) since 1987, assesses forest and tree resources using satellite data and National Forest Inventory (NFI). India’s forest and tree cover is 8,27,357 sq km (25.17% of the country’s area), with forest cover at 7,15,343 sq km (21.76%) and tree cover at 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%). There is an increase in forest and tree cover, with states like Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Mizoram, Gujarat, and Odisha showing significant growth. Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra have the largest forest and tree covers. Lakshadweep has the highest forest cover percentage (91.33%). 19 states/UTs have over 33% forest cover, with eight exceeding 75%. Mangrove cover is 4,992 sq km, and bamboo-bearing areas have increased. India’s carbon stock reached 30.43 billion tonnes, surpassing its 2030 carbon sink target.