Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Singapore has the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 195 countries, as per the Henley Passport Index (October 2024). France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain rank second, with visa-free access to 192 countries. The United States ranks 8th, allowing visa-free access to 186 countries. India ranks 83rd, providing visa-free access to 58 countries. Asian countries like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea often lead the rankings, showing their strong global diplomatic ties.

Notes:
The common cat snake was recently discovered in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar. Its scientific name is Boiga trigonata, and it is endemic to South Asia. It is found across India, except in the northeast and islands. It inhabits various forests and elevations. It is venomous but not highly dangerous to humans, used primarily for subduing prey. It is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
IIT Delhi ranked 44th in QS Asia University Rankings 2025, securing the top position in India. Delhi University (DU) improved to 81st from 94th, with strong scores in faculty-student ratio and research. JNU climbed to 110th from 117th, and Jamia Millia Islamia moved up to 188th from 206th. IIT Delhi outperformed other Indian institutes, followed by IIT Bombay at 48th and IIT Madras at 56th. IIT Delhi topped the Southern Asian category, which includes universities from India and Pakistan. IIT Bombay ranked 27th in academic reputation globally among employers and academics.

Notes:
The 1st Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children was held in Bogotá, Colombia. The conference was hosted by Colombia and Sweden, in partnership with UNICEF, WHO, and the UN Special Representative on Ending Violence Against Children. Violence against children includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It affects half of the world’s child population, with corporal punishment impacting three out of five children at home. Violence is often hidden, with fewer than half of affected children reporting it, and less than 10% receiving help (WHO).

Notes:
Tamil Nadu has declared snakebite envenomation a notifiable disease under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939. Snakebite envenomation is life-threatening and a major health concern in rural, snake-endemic areas, affecting agricultural workers, children, and tropical/subtropical populations. WHO lists snake antivenoms as essential medicines and has launched a global strategy to reduce snakebite-induced deaths and disabilities. India’s National Action Plan for Snakebite aims to reduce snakebite deaths by 50% by 2030 through a ‘One Health’ approach. The notifiable status will enhance data collection, improve clinical infrastructure, ensure anti-venom supply, and integrate reporting into the State’s health information system.

Notes:
A decomposed elephant carcass was found in the Khanapara range of Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam. The sanctuary spans three reserve forests: Khanapara, Amchang, and South Amchang. It stretches from the Brahmaputra River to Meghalaya’s hilly forests, forming a continuous forest belt. The sanctuary is home to Tree yellow butterflies, found in northeast India and parts of Southeast Asia.

Notes:
The World Urban Forum (WUF) concluded its 12th edition in Cairo, Egypt with the adoption of the Cairo Call to Action. WUF, established in 2001 by the UN, is a key global conference on sustainable urbanization. The Cairo Call to Action calls for urgent action on the global housing crisis, inclusive urban spaces, and better urban planning. It emphasizes local action, representation, and alliances to achieve global goals. It advocates unlocking finance for cities, ensuring equity, and using local data for decision-making. It also highlights the role of culture and heritage in sustainability.

Notes:
Igas Bagwal, also known as Budhi Diwali or Harbodhni Ekadashi, is a traditional festival celebrated in Uttarakhand. It takes place 11 days after Diwali, highlighting the region’s rich folk heritage and uniting communities. The festival is marked by local customs, reverence, and joy, reflecting the cultural essence of Uttarakhand. Celebrations include shared festivities and traditional practices, strengthening community bonds. This year, Igas Bagwal begins on November 12, bringing a special focus to Uttarakhand’s cultural pride.

Notes:
Alix Didier Fils-Aime was sworn in as Haiti’s Prime Minister. In his inaugural speech, he promised to tackle insecurity and hold uncontested elections. Haiti is facing severe humanitarian and security crises due to escalating gang violence. In the first three months of 2024, around 2,500 people were killed or injured by gangs. Fils-Aime’s predecessor, Garry Conille, was dismissed by the Transitional Presidential Council. The council, formed in April, is responsible for selecting new leaders and organizing elections.

Notes:
Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 43rd India International Trade Fair at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The fair, organized by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), runs from November 14-27, 2024, with the theme “Viksit Bharat @2047,” aiming for a self-reliant, prosperous India by 2047. Union Minister announced plans to expand ITPO as a world-class MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) agency, promoting India as a top destination for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions. MICE facilities will be expanded to cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Chennai.