Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The Prime Minister of India expressed condolences for Cyclone Chido victims and pledged support for relief efforts. Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, a French territory in the Mozambique Channel, with winds reaching 200 km/h, making it the strongest cyclone in 90 years. Mayotte is part of the Comoros archipelago, consisting of two main islands: Grande Terre and Petite Terre (Pamandzi), located in the Indian Ocean’s Mozambique Channel.

Notes:
WHO declared January 10 as “Ayush Medical Coding and Records Day,” starting next year. The announcement was made at the 10th World Ayurveda Congress in Dehradun, India. Ayush represents traditional practices like yoga, naturopathy, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) will lead the observance. The Hyderabad-based National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), WHO’s collaboration center in India, will work with CCRAS. Their goal is to develop a roadmap for capacity building and global classification of traditional health interventions. The initiative promotes evidence-based traditional medicine and global integration of ancient systems.

Notes:
Arun Kapur, a prominent Indian educationist, received the rare honors ‘Bura Marp’ (red scarf) and ‘Patang’ (ceremonial sword) from Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel during the 117th National Day celebrations. This honor, which comes with the title ‘Dasho’, is usually reserved for senior officials and non-Bhutanese residents who have made significant contributions. Kapur has played a crucial role in establishing educational institutions in Bhutan, India, and Oman, and has received previous accolades for his work in advancing Bhutan’s educational system.

Notes:
The Indian Army inaugurated the AI Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) in Bengaluru, led virtually by General Upendra Dwivedi. The centre reflects the Army’s focus on using Artificial Intelligence for operational excellence. It aims to foster innovation in military technology with AI-driven solutions. The initiative seeks to enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and preparedness for future conflicts.

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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.

Notes:
The Jetson Orin Nano Super is a compact generative AI supercomputer launched by Nvidia, priced at $249. It features enhanced performance with 67 TOPS and is designed for developers and students to create AI tools. Equipped with Nvidia’s Ampere GPU architecture, it supports various applications, including robotics, smart surveillance, and healthcare. The device is compact yet powerful, making generative AI accessible for businesses of all sizes, with connectivity options for various peripherals and a focus on efficiency and performance in edge computing.

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The Surajkund International Craft Fair will take place from February 7–23, 2025, in Faridabad. Around ₹1.50 crore is allocated for repair work to prepare for the event. The fair serves as both an art exhibition and a business hub, connecting craftsmen with art enthusiasts. It highlights India’s rich handicrafts, handlooms, and cultural heritage. The 2025 fair will expand with weather-proof huts to accommodate growing participation, though the number is yet to be finalized. In 2024, 1,150 huts hosted 1,500 indigenous and 250 foreign artisans. BIMSTEC countries are partner nations, with Northeastern states receiving special focus.

Notes:
The Karanja Irrigation Project in Bidar district, Karnataka has led to significant disputes over compensation for displaced farmers. The Karnataka government has formed a technical committee to address these issues, following various court rulings advocating for fair compensation. This ongoing situation highlights the broader themes of land acquisition, farmer rights, and governmental responsibilities in India’s agricultural policy. The Karanja Irrigation Project is located in Karnataka. The project is located in the Godavari basin and uses the Karanja River.

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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.

Notes:
RBI released the “State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2024-25” report addressing key fiscal challenges for sustainable development. The report highlights the need to address rising subsidy expenditure, which hampers investments in infrastructure and education. State debt exceeds the 20% GDP threshold, requiring a clear plan for fiscal stability. Proliferation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) limits states’ fiscal autonomy. Inefficiencies in public spending reduce development impact. The report calls for rationalizing subsidies, debt consolidation, outcome budgeting, and integrating climate action into fiscal planning. It also emphasizes improving fiscal transparency and timely reporting of fiscal data.