Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
The National Science Drama Festival 2024 will be held at the National Science Centre, New Delhi, on December 27-28, 2024. More than 40,000 students from 28 states and 8 Union Territories participated in earlier stages, showcasing creative dramas on topics like Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change, and Water Conservation. The festival integrates science with arts, promoting cross-curricular learning and countering misinformation.

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The Tanot Mata Temple, situated in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is not only a religious site but also a cultural symbol. Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced plans to modernize the temple, aiming to enhance its appeal as a world-class tourist destination. The initiative includes improving facilities for pilgrims and creating economic opportunities for the local community. The temple is expected to attract tourists while instilling a sense of pride and patriotism among visitors.

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The Ministry of Defence launched the ‘Rashtraparv’ website and mobile app. It provides citizens easy access to information on national festivals organized by the ministry. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted its convenience for staying informed about events. The platform aims to offer details for participation and learning about national celebrations. It ensures accessibility, real-time updates, and a user-friendly experience. Citizens can get comprehensive event details at their fingertips through this initiative.

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December 27 is observed as International Epidemic Preparedness Day worldwide. The day aims to raise awareness about pandemics by sharing scientific knowledge, information, and best practices internationally. Governments play a primary role in pandemic response, and the day emphasizes their responsibility. It educates people about pandemics, promotes information sharing at all levels, and enhances future health preparedness. The UN General Assembly established the day on December 7, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The first observance took place on December 27, 2020, focusing on prevention, preparedness, and global cooperation.

Notes:
India sent 1,000 metric tonnes of rice to Lesotho to address food security and nutrition challenges. Lesotho is a landlocked country entirely within South Africa, with its capital and largest city being Maseru. Known as “The Mountain Kingdom,” it is located in the Maloti Mountains and includes Thabana Ntlenyana, Southern Africa’s highest peak. The Orange River, one of Africa’s longest rivers, originates in the Lesotho Highlands.

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The RBI formed a committee named FREE-AI to establish a framework for responsible and ethical AI use in the financial sector. The committee is led by Pushpak Bhattacharyya, a professor at IIT Bombay. The committee will propose frameworks for AI governance, risk mitigation, and ethical adoption for banks, NBFCs, FinTechs, and PSOs. It will also address broader AI-related matters in the Indian financial sector. The committee will submit its report within six months of its first meeting.

Notes:
PM Narendra Modi launched the Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan on Veer Bal Diwas to promote healthy living and fight malnutrition. The initiative promotes healthy competition among village panchayats and anganwadis to enhance nutrition-related services. A total of 1,000 gram panchayats will receive ₹1 lakh each, part of which will support anganwadis for better nutrition. PM Modi highlighted the importance of fitness through ‘Fit India’ and ‘Khelo India’ movements, linking a healthy youth to a capable nation.

Notes:
Lakshya Sen secured bronze medal at the inaugural King Cup International Badminton Open 2024. He defeated French player Alex Lanier in straight games to win approximately ₹36 lakh. Sen narrowly lost the semifinal 19-21, 19-21 to China’s Hu Zhe’an, the reigning world junior champion. In the third-place playoff, Sen started strong, leading 6-1, and regained control after Lanier tied at 10-10. Sen dominated the second game, building a 15-8 lead and sealing victory with a nine-point match advantage. His strong finish highlighted his resilience, experience, and continued rise on the international badminton stage.

Notes:
Koneru Humpy won her second women’s World Rapid Chess title in New York. She scored 8.5 points in 11 rounds, defeating Indonesia’s Irene Sukander in the final. At 37, Humpy is India’s top-ranked female chess player and the second woman to win this title twice. Her first championship win was in 2019 in Georgia, showcasing her consistency and skill. This victory highlights her exceptional talent, strategic expertise, and adaptability in the competitive chess arena.

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The SSI Mantra surgical robot, recently approved by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), is India’s first indigenous robotic surgery system. Installed at Noble Hospitals in Pune, it features five robotic arms and advanced imaging technology. This innovative system enables minimally invasive surgeries, leading to faster recovery for patients. The SSI Mantra is part of a growing field of robotic surgery that enhances precision and control, making complex procedures more accessible. Its introduction marks a significant advancement in India’s healthcare technology landscape, promising better patient outcomes across various surgical disciplines.