Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
Rajasthan’s Chief Wildlife Warden formed a three-member committee after reports of 25 tigers missing at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Ranthambore is located at the junction of the Aravalis and Vindhyan ranges in Eastern Rajasthan. It’s one of northern India’s largest tiger reserves and was once a hunting ground for Jaipur’s Maharajas. The reserve is bounded by the Chambal River to the south and the Banas River to the north, with diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Notes:
South Korea is becoming a key testing ground for the sweetener allulose, also known as D-allulose or d-psicose. It naturally occurs in foods like wheat, raisins, figs, and molasses, and is commercially produced from beet sugar or corn. Allulose is 70% as sweet as sugar and nearly calorie-free, making it a popular sugar substitute, especially for people with diabetes. High doses may cause nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. The U.S. FDA has approved it as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), and it is also approved in Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and South Korea.

Notes:
National Education Day is celebrated on November 11 in honor of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister. It emphasizes the role of education in shaping India’s future, with 65% of the population under 35 needing quality education and skill development. The Indian government promotes education access through initiatives and laws, including the 86th Amendment, which guarantees free education for ages 6-14 as a Fundamental Right. The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, ensures quality elementary education. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, launched under PM Modi, aims to modernize India’s education system for the 21st century.

Notes:
The Rajasthan College Education Commissionerate directed 20 government colleges to paint their facades and entry halls orange under the Kayakalp Scheme. The Kayakalp Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2015 under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, aims to promote cleanliness and improve healthcare quality. It focuses on cleanliness, hygiene, infection control, and eco-friendly practices in Public Health Facilities (PHFs). The scheme rewards PHFs for outstanding cleanliness and hygiene and encourages regular assessment. Assessments occur at three levels: internal, peer, and external, with scores documented yearly to track improvements.

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:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the state’s first double-decker electric bus service in Lucknow, emphasizing its significance for environmental protection and traffic management. The initiative aims to reduce pollution and improve urban transport. Yogi Adityanath also mentioned plans to expand this electric bus service to other major cities in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the state’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions.

Notes:
The INSV Tarini successfully completed the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, a 39-day non-stop voyage from Goa to Fremantle, Australia, covering 4900 nautical miles. Flagged off by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on October 2, 2024, this expedition aimed to promote gender equality and global maritime cooperation. The crew, consisting of Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, faced challenging weather conditions but showcased resilience and determination throughout the journey, marking a significant achievement for the Indian Navy and its commitment to maritime heritage.

Notes:
Shigeru Ishiba, leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was re-elected as Prime Minister of Japan. He won the most votes in both houses of Japan’s Parliament, the Diet, after a runoff with opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda. The LDP-Komeito ruling coalition lost its majority in the recent general election. Ishiba, 67, received 221 votes in the House of Representatives, short of the 233 majority mark but enough to secure his position.

Notes:
IIT Ropar researchers developed a patented mechanical passive motion machine for knee rehabilitation (Patent No. 553407). Unlike motorized CPM machines, this device is entirely mechanical, using a piston and pulley system, needing no electricity or batteries. The lightweight, portable machine allows for smooth, controlled knee motion, aiding recovery post-surgery. It provides an affordable alternative to costly electric machines, beneficial in rural or off-grid areas. The device can be used at home, reducing hospital visits and promoting faster recovery.

Notes:
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.