Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

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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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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched the Banglar Bari housing scheme, fully funded by the state government. The first installment of ₹60,000 was distributed to 42 beneficiaries from 21 districts. More than 28 lakh beneficiaries have been identified, with each receiving ₹1.2 lakh by December 2025. Beneficiaries in Junglemahal and remote areas will get ₹1.3 lakh. The scheme addresses delays in funds from the Centre under PM Awas Yojana. The state will bear ₹14,773 crore for the scheme, with 16 lakh more beneficiaries to be covered by 2026.

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The Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme was introduced by the government as an alternative to physical gold investment. Issued by the Reserve Bank of India on behalf of the government, each bond unit represents one gram of gold. Investors earn fixed interest and can redeem bonds at market value upon maturity. The scheme has faced scrutiny due to high financing costs and reduced issuance as the government shifts focus to other investment strategies.

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India ranks 39th in the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) by the World Economic Forum, improving from its 54th rank in 2021, later revised to 38th due to methodology changes. The Ministry of Tourism provides financial aid under schemes like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, and Assistance to Central Agencies for developing tourism infrastructure. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Advantage Healthcare India portal (www.healinindia.gov.in) to assist international patients seeking medical treatment in India. Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, shared this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

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The giant frog species Calyptocephallela gayi, also known as the Helmeted Water Toad, is losing habitat in Chile due to climate change and human activities. It is among the largest frogs globally, growing up to 32 cm (13 in) and weighing 1 kg (2.2 lbs). Known as a “living fossil,” it existed alongside dinosaurs. It has a broad head, large mouth, and lives in aquatic environments like lakes, rivers, and ponds, found in Chile’s lowlands up to 500 m elevation. It is listed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN. It faces threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and environmental decline.

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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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Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary in Assam has seen a 72% decline in avian species over 27 years. The decline is linked to human activities like fishing, poaching, egg collection, and land-use changes. Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary is a freshwater lake spanning 11.25 sq. km in Assam, located between Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts. The sanctuary experiences a moist tropical climate with an average annual rainfall of 2,000 mm. Its vegetation is dominated by flooded valley grasslands and wetland ecosystems.

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World Economic Forum published the report titled “Agritech for Women Farmers: A Business Case for Inclusive Growth”. The report emphasizes gender-inclusive AgriTech for empowering women farmers globally. In India, women represent nearly 50% of the workforce in agriculture value chains like cotton, tea, coffee, and cashews, but earn up to 60% less than men. Women face challenges such as limited access to finance, training, and technology despite their significant agricultural role. Gender-inclusive AgriTech can enhance production efficiency, reduce food loss, and strengthen supply chains. The report positions inclusive AgriTech as a strategic priority for private sector growth and resilience.

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Tamil Nadu has requested the Union government to add the mumps vaccine to the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). UIP provides free immunization against 12 diseases, including Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Hepatitis B, and others. Mumps is a contagious viral infection affecting the salivary glands, usually mild and self-limiting. It primarily affects children and young adults, with symptoms like jaw swelling, fever, fatigue, appetite loss, and headaches. Mumps spreads through direct contact or airborne droplets from an infected person’s upper respiratory tract.

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The central government has abolished the no-detention policy for classes 5 and 8, allowing schools to retain students who fail annual exams. This change affects over 3,000 central government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. The policy was part of the 2009 Right to Education (RTE) Act. The new policy, notified on December 16, mandates remedial instruction and re-examinations for failed students. Schools must offer additional teaching and re-examination within two months. At least 18 states and Union Territories had already removed the no-detention policy after the 2019 RTE amendment.