Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative was launched on Good Governance Day by the Union Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It aims to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through innovative tools and capacity-building frameworks. Piloted in Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, it uses e-learning platforms, AI chatbots, and mobile apps to enhance governance and service delivery. The program promotes decentralized governance and participatory decision-making at the grassroots level. Part of the ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, it equips PRI officials for effective governance and sustainable rural development.

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).

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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.

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India’s first Fishing Cat Collaring Project will be executed by the Wildlife Institute of India at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. It is located in Andhra Pradesh. The sanctuary spans sea-backwaters and creeks, with 40% affected by tidal waters. It has extensive mangrove and dry deciduous forests, the second-largest mangrove stretch in India, with species like Rhizophora, Avicennia, and Sonnertia. It hosts endangered species like Smooth Indian otter, Fishing cat, Jackal, and birds such as Black-capped kingfisher and Brahminy kite. The sea coast serves as a breeding ground for Olive Ridley turtles.

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Manohar International Airport (GOX) won the ‘Best Domestic Airport’ title at the Travel Leisure India’s Best Awards 2024. The award ceremony was held in New Delhi, recognizing GOX as a top domestic aviation hub in India. A global survey with over 1,86,000 participants evaluated airports on accessibility, security, dining, shopping, and design. GOX excelled in all categories, becoming the preferred choice for domestic travelers. The airport features Goan cultural elements, modern amenities, and flexible flight schedules for comfort and convenience.

Notes:
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the SWAR (Speech and Written Analysis Resource) platform on Good Governance Day, December 25. The platform aims to enhance ease of living for citizens through technology. Developed by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Bhashini Team. SWAR addresses language barriers and includes a Speech-to-Text feature integrated into the Gujarat CMO website. This initiative supports better accessibility and communication for Gujarat’s citizens.

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The International Institute of Information Technology – Bangalore (IIITB) has created a remote compost monitoring solution to enhance sustainable agriculture and reduce urban waste. The IoT system monitors compost parameters like pH, temperature, and humidity, helping to optimize the composting process. This innovation aims to alleviate garbage issues in Bengaluru and minimize the manual labor traditionally involved in compost management, promoting effective waste recycling and environmental conservation.

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IIM Bangalore conducted two studies under the SAAR-Sameeksha Series of the Smart Cities Mission, focusing on education and women’s safety improvements. 50 impact assessment research studies are part of the Sameeksha Series. “Smart Cities and Academia Towards Action & Research (SAAR)” program is a joint initiative of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and and leading Indian academic institutions. The initiative aims to document key projects and improve urban development by involving academia in assessing and providing feedback on smart city projects.

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Kavach 4.0 is an advanced automatic train protection system developed by Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) of Indian Railways to enhance safety and efficiency in train operations. This system aims to prevent accidents by minimizing human error through technology-driven solutions. All locomotives with the previous Kavach version will be upgraded to the new 4.0 version. The North Frontier Railway network, covering 1,966 kilometers from Malda Town to Dibrugarh, is the first area for Kavach 4.0 implementation.

Notes:
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the US, passed away at 100 in Plains, Georgia. President Joe Biden praised Carter’s life of principle, faith, and humility, calling him a man of courage and compassion. January 9 will be a national day of mourning in the US. Carter served from 1977 to 1981 and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his peace efforts.