Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
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.

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National Energy Conservation Day is observed annually in India on December 14, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. It highlights the importance of conserving energy and adopting sustainable practices for a greener future. Introduced in 1991, it is led by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power. Energy conservation focuses on reducing unnecessary energy use through efficient practices and technologies, ensuring resource availability for future generations. The day features the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA), honoring industries and institutions for reducing energy consumption while maintaining efficiency.

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Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations released the report, titled The Global Status of Salt-Affected Soils on December 11, 2024. The report highlights that 1.4 billion hectares of land (10.7% of global land) are salt-affected, with another billion hectares at risk due to climate change and mismanagement. Globally, 10% of irrigated and rainfed croplands are salinity-affected, with worst impacts in developing nations and countries like Australia, Argentina, and China. India has 6.72 million hectares of salt-affected soils, with hotspots in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, affecting 20% of agricultural land. FAO recommends strategies like breeding salt-tolerant crops, bioremediation, and better water management to combat salinity.

Notes:
Switzerland will suspend the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause in its Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India from January 1, 2025. This may lead to higher tax burdens for Indian companies in Switzerland and Swiss investors in India, affecting bilateral investments. MFN means trade concessions granted to one partner must be extended to all partners, promoting fairness. It aims to replace power-based policies with a rules-based system. Exemptions include bilateral agreements, special access for developing countries, and trade blocs like the EU. MFN can be removed without formal procedure, as seen when India revoked it for Pakistan in 2019.

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Manipur recently commemorated Nupi Lal Numit 2024, honoring women who fought for justice and freedom, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The Nupi Lal uprisings of 1904 and 1939 were key moments in Manipuri history when women protested against British colonial injustices, showing remarkable courage. The Chief Minister announced initiatives like the Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme for unemployed women and Ima markets in districts to boost women’s economic participation. Financial support is also provided to women athletes and aspiring sports talent.

Notes:
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.

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The Gadhimai Mahotsav, held every five years at the Gadhimai Temple in Bariyarpur, Nepal, is known for the world’s largest animal sacrifice. More than two crore people attended the festival this year, despite decades of criticism from animal activists. The festival features the largest animal sacrifice, with devotees sacrificing buffaloes, goats, cocks, and ducks during Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami. Devotees also release doves in the temple when their wishes are believed to be fulfilled. The festival takes place at the Gadhimai Temple in Bara district, near the Indo-Nepal border.

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Shennongjia National Park, located in Hubei Province, China, is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve known for its rich biodiversity and sustainable conservation efforts. The park has successfully integrated community welfare with ecological preservation, transforming local livelihoods through eco-tourism and sustainable practices. The park’s initiatives have led to the recovery of endangered species like the golden snub-nosed monkey, showcasing a model of community-driven environmental restoration and the balance between economic development and nature conservation.

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December 18 is celebrated as Minority Rights Day to commemorate the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to Minorities, adopted in 1992. This day raises awareness about minority rights, highlights their contributions to society, and promotes their protection and empowerment. The non-binding Declaration ensures the right to culture, religion, and language for minorities, shaping global human rights discussions. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights for all citizens, promoting equality and protecting minorities from discrimination.

Notes:
Hindi writer Suryabala won the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for her novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary, published in 2018. The novel explores cultural conflicts and identity struggles of Indian youth in America. Vyas Samman, instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991, honors outstanding Hindi literary works from the past decade with ₹4 lakh, a citation, and a plaque. Suryabala, born in 1943 in Varanasi, has written over 50 socially themed works, reflecting cultural insights. The novel highlights the alienation and identity crisis faced by overseas Indians, struggling to connect with their roots.