Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
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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December 21, 2024, is observed as the first World Meditation Day, designated by the United Nations in a resolution passed on November 29, 2024. India led the initiative for this day at the UN, co-sponsoring the resolution. A special programme was held at the UN headquarters on December 20, 2024, with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, as the chief guest, conducting a global meditation session. The theme of the first World Meditation Day is “Inner Peace, Global Harmony,” aiming to raise awareness about meditation’s benefits for health and well-being.

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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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India plans to launch a quantum satellite for secure communications within 2-3 years. A quantum satellite is a communication satellite that employs the principles of quantum physics to secure its signals, ensuring highly secure and tamper-proof communication by using methods like quantum encryption and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched by India in April 2023, aims to boost quantum technology for advanced communication and sensing systems. China launched the first quantum communications satellite, Micius, in 2016.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with Kuwait’s highest honour ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’ on December 22. ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’ is a knighthood order of Kuwait and the highest honour given by the country. This marks the 20th international honour that PM Modi received from a country.

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Sagar Island hosts the iconic Gangasagar Mela every January and is impacted by climate change. Sagar Island is located in the West Bengal. The island is also known as Gangasagar or Sagardwip. It lies in the Ganges delta on the Bay of Bengal’s continental shelf. The island consists of 43 villages and is separated from Mahisani Island by the River Muriganga Batala. Sagar, Mahisani, and Ghoramara islands fall under the sand group category. It is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site where Makar Sankranti is celebrated in honor of the Sun. The Kapil Muni temple on the island is a major attraction for devotees.

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The “Didi ki Library” initiative was launched in Bihar under the World Bank-supported JEEViKA project to address educational gaps in rural areas. It establishes community libraries in rural Bihar, providing resources for education and career development. The libraries offer textbooks, competitive exam materials, and career guidance resources. 63% of the enrollees are girls, promoting gender equality in education. “Vidya Didi’s” mentor students by helping with form submissions, accessing resources, and exam preparation.

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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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The bald eagle, symbolizing U.S. power and strength for over 240 years, is now officially the national bird. President Joe Biden signed legislation amending the U.S. Code to make the designation official. The bald eagle, with its white head, yellow beak, and brown body, has been on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782. The Great Seal includes the eagle, an olive branch, arrows, a shield, the motto E Pluribus Unum, and a constellation of stars. The eagle was already the national emblem, appearing on documents, flags, military insignia, and currency. It is indigenous to North America.