Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
Israel plans to double its population in the occupied Golan Heights, a hilly region overlooking the upper Jordan River valley. The Golan Heights, originally Syrian territory, was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed in 1981, though this is not internationally recognized. It spans 71 km north to south, 43 km wide, and covers 1,150 sq. km. The region has 30+ Israeli settlements with 20,000 settlers, considered illegal under international law, alongside 20,000 Druze Arabs who remained after the occupation. The Golan Heights is strategically important for water resources, overlooks Damascus, and borders Jordan and Lebanon.

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The bilateral naval exercise SLINEX 2024 was held from December 17 to 20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam. SLINEX, launched in 2005, aims to enhance maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise includes two phases: a Harbour Phase for professional exchanges and a Sea Phase for joint operations. Sea Phase activities involve Special Forces exercises and navigation drills. This annual event strengthens ties between the two nations and promotes a secure maritime environment in the region.

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The report Waste to Worth: Managing India’s Urban Water Crisis through Wastewater Reuse was released jointly by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). It focuses on using wastewater treatment for water sustainability and circularity. India’s per capita freshwater availability is now below 1,700 cubic metres. Around 72% of urban wastewater remains untreated and ends up in rivers and lakes. 20% of groundwater blocks in India are overexploited or in critical condition. 55% of households have open or no drainage systems, adding to the water management challenges. The report stresses the importance of wastewater reuse to address the water crisis.

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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 Shanan Hydel Project is at the center of a legal and political dispute among Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. It is located in Jogindernagar, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, on the Uhl River, a tributary of the Beas River. Leased to Punjab for 99 years in 1925 by Raja Joginder Bahadur and British Chief Engineer Col. BC Batty. Initially supplied electricity to undivided Punjab, Lahore, and Delhi but shifted focus to Amritsar and Delhi post-partition. Capacity upgraded from 48 MW to 110 MW; Himachal Pradesh receives 500 kW of free electricity under the lease. Allocated to Punjab in 1966 after Himachal Pradesh became a Union Territory under the Punjab Reorganisation Act.

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Eminent tabla player Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri from Kolkata received the ‘Rashtriya Tansen Samman’ for 2023. Sanand Nyas Sanstha from Indore was awarded the ‘Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman’ for 2023. The awards were presented during the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh 2024, held in Gwalior to mark the centenary year of legendary music maestro Tansen. The ‘Tansen Award’ is the highest national music honor in Indian classical music, instituted by the Madhya Pradesh government. Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri thanked the state government for the prestigious recognition.

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International Energy Agency (IEA) published the ‘Coal 2024: Analysis and Forecast to 2027’ Report. The report forecasts global coal demand, supply, and trade trends until 2027. Coal demand is shrinking in advanced economies but rising in emerging economies like India, China, and Indonesia. India is projected to see the highest coal demand growth, driven by increased power needs due to economic growth. Global coal production is expected to hit a record high in 2024 and then stabilize through 2027. India is the largest contributor to global coal production growth, with production exceeding 1 billion tonnes for the first time in 2023. Indian coal production grew by 10% in 2023 and is expected to rise by 8% in 2024.

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India will host the World Boxing Cup Final and the 3rd World Boxing Congress in November 2025 in New Delhi. The events are organized by the Boxing Federation of India, marking India’s growing importance in global boxing. The World Boxing Cup Final is a year-end tournament for elite male and female boxers based on points earned in three ranking events. In 2025, the ranking tournaments will be held in Brazil (March), Germany, and Kazakhstan. The World Boxing Congress is an annual meeting of national boxing federations, previously held in Germany (2023) and the USA (2024).

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A mysterious illness called “Dinga Dinga” has emerged in Uganda, predominantly affecting women and girls. The name means “shaking like dancing,” reflecting the violent, involuntary body movements it causes. Symptoms include uncontrollable shaking, high fever, extreme weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis-like immobility. The illness impairs mobility, making basic movements like walking impossible for some patients. The cause of Dinga Dinga remains unknown, as health experts have not identified its source. Treatment currently involves antibiotics, though the illness’s origin and effective remedies are still unclear.

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Retired Supreme Court judge Madan B. Lokur has been appointed Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council. His term as chairperson will run until November 12, 2028, as per UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ appointment letter. The Internal Justice Council comprises five members, including Carmen Artigas (Uruguay), Rosalie Balkin (Australia), Stefan Brezina (Austria), and Jay Pozenal (USA). The council oversees the administration of the UN’s internal justice system. Justice Lokur served as a Supreme Court judge in India from June 2012 to December 2018. He authored landmark rulings on electoral integrity and raising the age of consent in marriages. Justice Lokur participated in the 2018 press conference addressing case allocation concerns in the judiciary.