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:
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:
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:
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:
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the ‘Atal Yuva Maha Kumbh’ in Lucknow. The event celebrates the birth centenary year of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Certificates and prizes were awarded to meritorious students excelling in various competitions.

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:
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:
Rajasthan launched the M-Sand 2024 policy to promote sustainable construction, economic growth, and environmental protection. M-Sand, produced by crushing rocks or quarry stones, serves as a substitute for river sand in construction. Rajasthan’s river sand demand is 70 million tonnes annually, while M-Sand units produce only 13 million tonnes, prompting efforts to boost production to 30 million tonnes by 2028-29. The policy encourages eco-friendly mining by using overburden from mining areas and recycling sand and demolition waste. It aims to create local employment and incentivizes manufacturers with tax exemptions, government procurement commitments, and financial assistance.

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:
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.