Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024 is celebrated from November 18–24. The theme for the World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024 is “Educate. Advocate. Act now.” This theme emphasizes the need to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), advocate for policy changes, and take concrete actions to address this global health concern. WAAW is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This year’s World AMR Awareness Week emphasizes the need for effective training of health workers to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through improved infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. Despite some progress, many countries still face challenges in integrating AMR education into health worker training.

Notes:
The 3rd edition of the joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND started on November 8, 2024, at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra. It is an annual exercise held alternately between India and Australia; the last edition was in Australia in December 2023. The Indian contingent includes 140 personnel, mainly from the DOGRA Regiment and the Indian Air Force. The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation and interoperability for joint sub-conventional operations in semi-urban, semi-desert terrain under UN Chapter VII. Drills include counter-terrorism operations, joint raids, drone usage, and Special Heli Borne Operations. It promotes the exchange of best practices in tactical operations.

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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.

Notes:
NTPC, India’s largest power producer, inaugurated the world’s first Carbon Dioxide-to-methanol conversion plant at its Vindhyachal facility on its 50th Raising Day. NTPC Chairman Gurdeep Singh called it a historic milestone in carbon management and sustainable fuel production. The company is working on green technologies like Gen-4 ethanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel. NTPC developed and tested India’s first indigenous catalyst for methanol synthesis. The company has also made progress in hydrogen, carbon capture, and other innovative technologies. During the event, NTPC launched hydrogen-fueled buses in Leh and new IT applications.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Indian Men’s Hockey Team captain Harmanpreet Singh and former goalkeeper PR Sreejesh won the FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year titles for 2024. Awards were presented at the 49th FIH Statutory Congress in Oman. Harmanpreet, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, received over 63% of votes, while Sreejesh polled over 62%. Winners were chosen through votes from an expert panel, national hockey associations, fans, and media. The Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH), the global governing body for hockey, is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Notes:
The Toto tribe, with fewer than 1,600 members, lives in Totopara village, West Bengal, near the Bhutan border. They are a Tibetan-Mongoloid ethnic group and are considered one of the most endangered tribes, categorized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Their language, Toto, is Sino-Tibetan, written in the Bengali script. Totos are endogamous and follow a unique culture of having only one wife and opposing dowry practices. They live in elevated bamboo huts with thatched roofs and are facing identity struggles and poor infrastructure.

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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.

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Researchers from Australia and Germany have successfully cured patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) for the first time. TEN, also called Lyell’s syndrome, is a rare and life-threatening skin disease. It is the most severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). TEN and SJS are typically caused by reactions to certain medications, such as antibiotics or anticonvulsants. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing SJS or TEN.

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The 16th India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) recently held in Hyderabad. It is organized by the Game Developer Association of India (GDAI). With more than 150 sessions and 250 speakers, the conference aims to explore trends, challenges, and innovations in gaming. It serves as a vital platform for showcasing talent and shaping policies to advance India’s video game industry. The event underscores India’s rising influence in the global gaming market, addressing the need for dedicated gaming hubs and expanding the nation’s incubator ecosystem, inspired by initiatives like Telangana’s IMAGE Tower.