Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
A 16-month-old child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) received gene therapy at a private hospital. SMA is a genetic disorder affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems and voluntary muscle movement. It leads to the loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and is classified as a motor neuron disease. There are five subtypes of SMA, categorized by age of onset, severity, and life expectancy. Symptoms include muscle weakness, especially in central body muscles, while involuntary muscles like those in the heart are not affected.

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The Department of Fisheries has designated the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a Tuna Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This region has a 6.0 lakh sq km Exclusive Economic Zone rich in tuna, offering benefits in fisheries due to its location, sustainable practices, and trade routes. Tuna, part of the Thunnus genus, is fast and migratory, found in tropical and temperate oceans, with species like Skipjack and Yellowfin contributing $41 billion in trade annually. Tuna is rich in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Omega-3s, protein, and antioxidants. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020, aims to enhance fisheries growth.

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Anil Pradhan, a 28-year-old engineer from Odisha, won the third Rohini Nayyar Prize for promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in rural India. He co-founded the Young Tinker Foundation and launched ‘Tinker-on-Wheels,’ a mobile lab bringing robotics and 3D printing to rural students. His work has impacted over 2.5 lakh students across Odisha, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The Rohini Nayyar Prize, honoring contributions to rural development, includes ₹10 lakh, a citation, and a trophy. It’s awarded annually to individuals under 40 by the Nayyar Foundation.

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Neft Daslari, also known as “Oil Rocks,” is the world’s oldest offshore oil platform situated about 100 kilometers from Baku, Azerbaijan. Established in the late 1940s, it evolved from a single drilling rig to a vast network of oil wells and bridges, once housing over 5,000 workers. Recently, environmental concerns over pollution and declining production highlight its significance in Azerbaijan’s oil industry as discussions around climate initiatives intensify globally. There are proposals to transform it into a tourist site or museum.

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The International Week of Science and Peace is celebrated annually from November 9 to 15. It started in 1986 as part of the International Year of Peace. Initially a non-governmental initiative, it gained international recognition and became an annual event in December 1988. The week was formally adopted by the UN General Assembly in resolution 43/61. The celebration promotes the connection between science and peace, affirmed by the UN’s “Science and Peace” resolution.

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A study linked the COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac from Sinovac Biotech to immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). TTP is a rare, life-threatening blood disorder with excessive clotting and low platelet count. In TTP, clots form in small blood vessels, blocking blood flow to organs like the brain, kidneys, and heart, potentially causing organ damage. “Thrombotic” refers to blood clots; “Thrombocytopenic” to low platelets; and “Purpura” to bruises from bleeding under the skin. Low platelets in TTP hinder proper blood clotting, causing bleeding issues, including internal and skin bleeding.

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Research on caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps Sinensis) reveals its potential as a cancer treatment. This fungus, a parasite of caterpillar larvae, is found in the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas, known by various local names. It is documented in India’s protected areas like Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and Askot Wildlife Sanctuary. The species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The chemical Cordycepin from the fungus interrupts overactive cell growth signals in cancer, potentially offering a less harmful alternative to current treatments by targeting cancer cells specifically.

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Israel’s Defence Ministry is working with Germany to deploy the Arrow-3 missile interception system in 2025. Arrow-3 is an exo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile defense system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. It targets ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, using two-stage solid-fueled interceptors. The system has a range of 2,400 km and can intercept threats at altitudes of 100 km. It is hypersonic, traveling five times the speed of sound, and uses hit-to-kill technology for missile destruction. It also features advanced radar and tracking systems.

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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.

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Pankaj Advani, an ace Indian cueist, achieved a historic 28th world title by defeating England’s Robert Hall at the IBSF World Billiards Championship in Doha. This victory marks Advani’s seventh consecutive title, showcasing his dominance in the sport since 2016, despite a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. His exceptional performance included a remarkable unfinished 147 break, highlighting his skill and strategic prowess in billiards.