Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched “Cattle Shelter Project” to construct shelters along National Highways to enhance road safety and manage stray cattle. This initiative aims to reduce animal-related accidents by providing safe spaces for stray cattle. NHAI has signed a MoU with Gawar Construction Ltd. for the construction and maintenance of these shelters, which will include first-aid facilities and cattle ambulances for injured animals. This project reflects NHAI’s commitment to humane treatment of stray animals while ensuring commuter safety.

Notes:
A study by IBM highlights India’s growing interest in quantum computing, with active participation from students, developers, and institutions. Quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to solve complex problems beyond traditional computers’ capabilities. It leverages phenomena like superposition (qubits existing in 0, 1, or both states simultaneously) and entanglement (linked qubits affecting each other instantly). Quantum computers can handle tasks like cryptographic algorithms, simulations, and optimization far faster than classical systems. Unlike classical computers with binary bits, quantum computers use qubits, enabling exponentially faster computations for complex scenarios.

Notes:
Veer Bal Diwas is observed annually on December 26, commemorating the bravery of Guru Gobind Singh’s youngest sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh. In 1705, they were captured by the Mughal forces at Anandpur Sahib, pressured to convert to Islam, and martyred for refusing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas in 2022 to honor their sacrifice. In 2024, PM Modi attended the event in New Delhi, launched the Suposhit Panchayat Abhiyaan.

Notes:
The dodo, a flightless bird from Mauritius, went extinct in 1681 due to overhunting and habitat destruction, symbolizing human-induced extinction. Kashmir artisans are reviving the extinct dodo bird through papier mâché art, 343 years after its extinction. Kashmiri papier mâché is a traditional craft introduced in the 14th century by Persian saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. The craft involves intricate designs and uses paper pulp to create colorful, richly decorated items. This revival of the dodo through art symbolizes environmental awareness and showcases the craftsmanship of the Kashmir Valley.

Notes:
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe achieved a record by flying within 3.8 million miles (6.1 million km) of the Sun, closer than any spacecraft before. It traveled at speeds up to 430,000 mph and withstood temperatures of 982°C to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona. Parker Solar Probe is a NASA spacecraft designed to study the Sun and its atmosphere. Launched on August 12, 2018, from Cape Canaveral, it orbits the Sun in a highly elliptical path. It holds the record for getting closer to the Sun than any previous spacecraft. The mission aims to explore the structure and dynamics of the Sun’s corona, its magnetic field, and the solar wind.

Notes:
Operation Green Scheme was launched in 2018 to enhance the production, supply, and marketing of horticulture produce in India. It focuses on the value chain of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) for both short-term and long-term interventions. The scheme also aims to support other perishable agricultural commodities. It is implemented under two parts: Atmanirbhar Bharat Package and Operation Flood. The scheme is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and funded by National Agrcicultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED).

Notes:
Madhya Pradesh will translocate 15 tigers (12 tigresses and 3 tigers) to Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha after Central Government approval. Tigers will be relocated from Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench Tiger Reserves. These tiger reserves are located in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh leads India in tiger population with 785 tigers, followed by Karnataka (563) and Uttarakhand (560). Ratapani forest was recently notified as MP’s eighth tiger reserve.

Notes:
India proposes the 11,000 MW Upper Siang Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh as a strategic counter to China’s planned 60,000 MW dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet. The project is located on the Siang River, the upper course of the Brahmaputra. It holds cultural significance as Aane Siang (Mother Siang) to locals. The project aims to strengthen India’s strategic position and manage water resources effectively amid China’s dam-building plans. The region is home to the Adi Tribe, who rely on riverbank agriculture (pani kheti) due to limited farming options in the hilly terrain.

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The 18th Chitwan Elephant Festival was held at Chitwan National Park in Kathmandu, Nepal, from December 26-30, 2024. The festival aims to promote tourism and attracts many tourists with events like elephant parades, a beauty contest, football, and a picnic. More than 80 elephants, from private and government-run facilities, participated this year. The elephant football competition, featuring penalty shootouts, was a highlight, with elephants like Champakali, Basnatikali, and Ramkali thrilling audiences. Elephant polo was excluded this year in response to animal rights concerns.

Notes:
Sikkim celebrated the Kagyed Dance Festival, a Buddhist festival held annually on the 28th and 29th days of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to December. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang extended greetings, highlighting the festival’s symbolism of victory over negativity and promoting peace and prosperity. The festival features masked Lamas performing dances at monasteries like Old Rumtek, Phodong, and Tshuklakhang Palace. The dances honor eight tantric gods and goddesses, narrating tales from Buddhist mythology, especially about Guru Padmasambhava. Effigies are burned as part of the celebration, believed to bring good health and wealth to spectators.