Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

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Environmentalists oppose mining near Bukkapatna Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The sanctuary, established in 2019, aims to protect chinkaras (Indian gazelles). It is the second chinkara sanctuary in Karnataka after Yadahalli Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in Sira Taluk of Tumakuru district, the sanctuary spans 148 km² (57 sq mi). Named after the village Bukkapatna, it is a vital habitat for chinkaras. Mining proposals raise concerns about potential threats to the sanctuary’s ecosystem and wildlife.

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The 4th Asian Roll Ball Championship was held in Goa, India from December 16–19, 2024. The event took place at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium in Margao.  The championship was a collaboration between the Roll Ball Federation of India and the Goa Roll Ball Association. It was supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India.  The championship was a celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and cultural exchange. It was also a significant step in promoting the sport of roll ball, which is gaining popularity globally.

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Gagan Gill (Hindi) and Easterine Kire (English) are among 21 winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024. Easterine Kire from Nagaland won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 for her novel Spirit Nights. Hindi poet Gagan Gill received the award for her poetry book Main Jab Tak Aai Bahar. The award honors outstanding books in 24 Indian languages, initiated in 1954, with the first awards given in 1955. Recipients receive a copper plaque (designed by Satyajit Ray), a shawl, and a cash prize. Sahitya Akademi, India’s national academy of letters, was established in 1954 under the Ministry of Culture. Based in New Delhi, it promotes Indian literature, preserves literary heritage, and encourages literary activities across languages.

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Scientists at the World Health Organisation (WHO) have endorsed a new class of medicines called Glucagon-Like Peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite, blood sugar, and lipid metabolism, helping manage obesity. GLP-1 receptor agonists have therapeutic potential for treating diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Most GLP-1 agonists are injectable medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, with transformative potential. GLP-1 is a hormone released by the intestines after food intake, playing a key role in regulating blood glucose and metabolism.

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Researchers at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune developed a new aerogel capable of extracting gold from electronic waste, offering a solution to reduce e-waste and harmful mining practices. Aerogels were first invented in the 1930s and are made by combining a polymer with a solvent to form a gel, then replacing the liquid in the gel with air. They are the lightest solid materials, extremely porous, translucent, and have very low density. Aerogels are recognized for being among the finest insulation materials available due to their unique properties.

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On December 20, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu awarded the President’s Colours to the College of Defence Management (CDM) in Secunderabad for its outstanding contributions to military education. The college, established in 1970, trains senior officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in leadership, management, and strategic skills. The President also released a ‘Special Day Cover’ and a book titled ‘Pearls of Ancient Indian Wisdom.’ President’s Colours is the highest honor awarded to military units, training establishments, or State/UT Police Forces in India. It recognizes exceptional service to the nation, both in peace and war. The award is also referred to as “Rashtrapati ka Nishaan” in Hindi. It acknowledges the dedication and outstanding contributions of the recipient institution to the country’s security and defense.

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A three-year-old female tiger from Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha wandered into the Bandwan area of Purulia district, West Bengal. Similipal Tiger Reserve is located in the Mayurbhanj District. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956. It was included under Project Tiger in 1973 and became part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009. The reserve is known for its undulating terrain, grasslands, and a mix of tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. This Tiger Reserve uniquely hosts melanistic (black) tigers.

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Kashmir is experiencing its harshest winter, known as “Chillai Kalan,” starting from December 21, 2024. Chillai Kalan lasts for 40 days, from December 21 to January 29, and is the coldest period of winter in Kashmir. During Chillai Kalan, temperatures drop below freezing, causing daily life disruptions. People use the traditional Kashmiri dress “Pheran” and a firing pot called “Kanger.” Tap water pipes freeze, and Dal Lake also freezes during this period.

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The Ministry of Textiles and Synthetic & Art Silk Mills’ Research Association (SASMIRA) launched the Climate Smart Agro-Textile Demonstration Center in Navsari, Gujarat. The center aims to promote Agro-Textiles in agriculture, showcasing live demonstrations and practical training for farmers. It spans 15,000 sq. meters and will be maintained by SASMIRA for three years, covering eight crop cycles. The center features Agro-Textile technologies like shade nets, medicinal nurseries, vermicomposting, ground covers, pond liners, and crop covers. The initiative focuses on educating farmers to integrate these innovative solutions into daily farming practices.

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President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024 to 17 children on December 26. The award celebrates the energy, determination, and enthusiasm of children. It is the highest civilian honor for children in India. It is instituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Awards recognize exceptional achievements in seven categories: Art & Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, Sports, and Environment.