Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid tribute to Brigadier General Amitabh Jha of India, serving with the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Golan Heights. UNDOF was established in 1974 to maintain the ceasefire and supervise the demilitarized buffer zone between Israel and Syria. The mission’s mandate is renewed every six months and extended until June 2025. UNDOF is funded annually by the UN General Assembly. India is the third-largest troop and police contributor to UNDOF. Golan Heights is a hilly region, part of Syria, occupied by Israel since 1967. UNDOF headquarters is at Camp Faouar.

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:
MT Vasudevan Nair, renowned writer, screenwriter, and filmmaker, was celebrated for capturing human emotions and rural life. Born in 1933 in Kudallur, Kerala, he became a prominent figure in Malayalam literature and cinema over seven decades. His works include novels, short stories, screenplays, and films, deeply resonating with diverse audiences. He passed away at 91, marking the end of an era in Indian literature and cinema. Early life influences came from Kudallur and Punnayurkulam; he completed schooling locally and graduated in chemistry from Victoria College, Palakkad, in 1953.

Notes:
A recovering sea otter population in California’s Elkhorn Slough has controlled the invasive green crab population. Green crabs, also known as shore crabs, are among the world’s top 100 invasive species. They are native to the Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea. They have spread to Australia, South America, and South Africa also. They feed on small crustaceans, molluscs, and worms, damaging seagrass beds and overhunting prey species. Green crabs outcompete native species, disrupting coastal ecosystems.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sarvekshak has been deployed in Mauritius to conduct joint hydrographic surveys with the Mauritian Navy. INS Sarvekshak arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius on December 26. The ship was welcomed by Anurag Srivastava, Indian High Commissioner, and Captain CG Binoop, Commandant of the Mauritius National Coastguard. A preliminary survey coordination meeting was held with the Hydrographic Survey Unit of Mauritius to plan operations. INS Sarvekshak conducts technical knowledge exchange, professional interactions, and hydrography training, enhancing maritime collaboration between India and Mauritius.

Notes:
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:
Russia declared a federal-level emergency due to a massive oil spill along the Black Sea coast, caused by storm-damaged tankers near the Kerch Strait. The spill released thousands of tons of mazut (heavy fuel oil), polluting about 55 kilometers (34 miles) of coastline. The spill has raised serious concerns about cleanup efforts and potential long-term environmental damage. The Black Sea, a large inland sea in southeastern Europe, is one of the marginal seas of the Atlantic Ocean, spanning 436,000 square kilometers. It is bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Romania.

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:
Pokhara, Nepal, is hosting its first International Balloon Festival from December 24, 2024, to January 2, 2025. The event takes place in the scenic Pame region and features more than 20 international pilots and 30 countries participating. More than 500 commercial flights and 300 non-commercial flights are expected, offering stunning views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri mountains. Each 40-minute flight covers 3 km from Lauruk to Chankhapur, with around 3,000 passengers. The festival aims to boost tourism recovery and is estimated to cost Rs 68.3 million.