Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2024

Notes:
Speed guns are widely used by law enforcement officials to monitor traffic speed. Speed guns measure the speed of moving objects without physical contact by bouncing electromagnetic waves off them. They use the Doppler Effect to calculate speed based on frequency changes between transmitted and reflected waves. A speed gun consists of a radio transmitter that emits waves and a receiver that collects the reflected waves. If an object approaches, the frequency of reflected waves increases, allowing a computer in the gun to calculate speed. Originally developed during World War II for military purposes, speed guns utilize radio waves instead of sound waves for precise measurements.

Notes:
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor is a project between India and Japan. India and Japan are finalizing bullet train designs for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor to suit Indian conditions. Japanese Shinkansen trains are being modified for higher luggage capacity, functionality in over 50°C temperatures, and resistance to India’s dusty conditions. More than 50% of civil construction is complete across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, with rail welding operations underway. Indian Railways is building domestic capabilities for manufacturing high-speed trains while importing from Japan. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and BEML are set to produce bullet trains with 280 kmph speeds by 2026, featuring full air-conditioning, reclining seats, accessibility facilities, and entertainment systems.

Notes:
The Ministry of Defence has announced that the theme for Republic Day 2025 tableaux is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’. A consultative process began in early 2024 to improve tableaux quality. Suggestions from states/UTs were incorporated into the theme. States, UTs, and ministries submit tableau proposals, which are evaluated by an Expert Committee. Selection considers creativity, conceptual uniqueness, balance of tradition and development, and attention to detail. 15 states/UTs and 11 ministries have been selected to showcase their tableaux. All states/UTs are invited to display tableaux at Bharat Parv (26th-31st January 2025) at Red Fort.

Notes:
The study of archaea, a domain of ancient microorganisms, has provided valuable insights into survival strategies in extreme environments. Archaea, meaning “ancient things” in Greek, are among the oldest life forms and belong to the third domain of life. These are primitive microorganisms. They are slow-growing and can also be found in the human gut, potentially impacting health. Archaea are known for producing antimicrobial molecules and exhibiting antioxidant activity. They have promising applications, particularly in eco-friendly wastewater treatment. They exist in extreme environments like hydrothermal vents, hot springs, and saline or acidic habitats.

Notes:
Karnataka’s M. Raghu and Haryana’s Devika Sihag won the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively, at the 86th Senior National Badminton Championships 2024. The tournament was organized by the Badminton Association of India and hosted by the Karnataka Badminton Association in Bengaluru from December 20 to 24, 2024. In the men’s singles final, M. Raghu defeated former champion Mithun Manjunath of Karnataka with a score of 14-21, 21-14, 24-22, claiming his first senior national championship title.

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:
China launched the Sichuan, the first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, designed to enhance long-distance naval combat capabilities. The 40,000-ton ship features an electromagnetic catapult for fighter jet launches and arrestor technology for safe landings. It can deploy ground troops via landing crafts and provide air support. Developed indigenously, it follows the earlier Type 075 ships launched in 2019. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aims to operate globally, modernizing its fleet for over a decade. China is also researching nuclear-powered aircraft carriers for extended deployments, competing with the U.S.’s 11 nuclear-powered carriers.

Notes:
ISRO launched the “Space Docking Experiment” (SpaDeX) mission on 30 December from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The mission aims to develop technology for docking, undocking, and power transfer between spacecraft. Two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing 220 kg, will dock in a 476-km low-Earth orbit. The launch vehicle for this mission is Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C60 (PSLV-C60). The mission uses the indigenous “Bharatiya Docking System” and will make India the fourth country to achieve this feat. SpaDeX will support India’s future space exploration goals, including lunar missions and the Bharatiya Antariksha Station.

Notes:
The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme received 6.21 lakh applications for 1.27 lakh opportunities. The scheme offers internships to youth across top 500 companies to bridge academic learning with real-world experience. The pilot phase targets 1.25 lakh youth, with a five-year goal to provide internships to 1 crore young individuals. Interns will receive a monthly financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for 12 months and a one-time grant of Rs 6,000. The initiative aims to expose youth to various professions and business environments, creating employment opportunities.