Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

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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.

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The Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh was reopened after being locked since 1978 due to communal riots. Its historical significance dates back to the 18th century, serving as a religious center for the Rastogi community until the riots of 1978 forced many families to flee. The temple’s revival has reignited local cultural and religious sentiments, with ongoing excavations revealing ancient idols and further historical artifacts.

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India’s first analog space mission, named Hab-1, was tested in Ladakh to simulate space conditions for astronaut training. This mission is part of ISRO’s preparations for the Gaganyaan project, which aims to send astronauts into low-Earth orbit. Hab-1 is designed to replicate the limited living conditions expected on the Moon or Mars, featuring essential amenities like a kitchenette and a dry toilet. The extreme environment of Ladakh, with its rocky terrain and high altitude, provides an ideal setting for such simulations, helping to prepare astronauts for future missions.

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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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Masali village in Suigam taluka, Banaskantha, Gujarat, became India’s first border solar village. Located 40 km from the Pakistan border, the village has a population of 800 people. The village became part of a Border Development Project aiming to make 17 villages fully solar-powered. The Rs 1.16 crore project was supported by the Revenue Department, UGVCL (Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited), banks, and solar companies. It received Rs 59.81 lakh subsidy under PM Suryaghar Yojana, Rs 20.52 lakh from public contributions, and Rs 35.67 lakh from CSR (corporate social responsibility).

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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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Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh lead in rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The scheme was launched on February 15, 2024 by PM Narendra Modi. The scheme aims to install 10 million rooftop solar units by March 2027. More than Over 679,000 installations are completed as of December 9, 2024, benefiting 538,000 residential units and 141,000 homes in welfare associations. Gujarat leads with 302,000 installations, followed by Maharashtra (139,000) and Uttar Pradesh (56,000). Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan also contribute significantly. This initiative is set to become the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar program, providing free electricity.

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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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National Mathematics Day, celebrated on December 22, honors the birth of Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. The 2024 theme, “Mathematics: A bridge to innovation,” highlights math’s role in science, technology, and innovation. Launched in 2012 by Dr. Manmohan Singh, the day celebrates Ramanujan’s contributions and inspires future generations. Ramanujan, born in 1887, made groundbreaking discoveries in number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. Schools across India engage students in activities to foster critical thinking and understanding of mathematics’ real-world applications.

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Uttar Pradesh recorded 476.1 million tourists between January and September 2024, nearing its 2023 total of 480 million visitors. Ayodhya became the most visited destination in the state, surpassing Agra’s Taj Mahal. Ayodhya attracted 135.5 million domestic tourists and 3,153 international visitors, driven by the Ram temple’s inauguration. Agra received 125.1 million visitors, including 115.9 million domestic and 924,000 international tourists. Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted the state’s impressive performance. Experts credit the rise in religious tourism, with Ayodhya emerging as the epicenter, showing a 70% spike in spiritual tour bookings.