Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is observed annually on November 6. Established by the UNGA in 2001, it draws attention to the often-overlooked impacts of armed conflicts on ecosystems, natural resources, and local communities’ health. The day emphasizes the need for world leaders to incorporate environmental concerns across all phases of conflict, including prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction, to mitigate the lasting environmental consequences of war.

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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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The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the Adaptation Gap Report 2024. The report assesses the world’s progress on adaptation planning, financing, and implementation. The adaptation gap is estimated at US187-359 billion per year, reflecting resource limitations. International public adaptation finance to developing countries reached US27.5 billion in 2022, showing progress toward the Glasgow Climate Pact. It also suggests ways to improve national and global adaptation efforts. The 2024 report emphasizes the need for countries to increase their efforts to adapt to climate change, starting with a commitment to finance at COP29. It also provides a more in-depth analysis of capacity building and technology transfer.

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Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers launched the “Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry” to boost India’s medical device sector and promote self-reliance. The scheme has a total budget of Rs. 500 Crores. It focuses on key areas like manufacturing components, skill development, clinical studies, infrastructure development, and industry promotion.

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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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The “Amorphophallus Titanum,” also known as the corpse flower, recently bloomed in Australia. It has the largest unbranched inflorescence, growing up to 8 feet in cultivation and 12 feet in the wild. It blooms for just 2-3 days every 2-3 years, depending on its energy reserve. The flower emits a foul odor resembling rotting flesh to attract pollinators like carrion beetles and flies. After pollination, it produces around 400 reddish-orange fruits with two seeds each. It is listed as “Endangered” with fewer than 1,000 plants in the wild.

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India’s Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed an MoU with Russia’s Rosoboronexport (ROE) to collaborate on variants of the Pantsir air defense missile-gun system. The MoU was signed at the 5th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission Subgroup meeting in Goa. This partnership strengthens India-Russia defense ties and aims to enhance India’s air defense capabilities. The Pantsir system protects against aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and precision-guided munitions. It combines short- to medium-range missiles with dual 30mm cannons, has advanced radar, and engages targets up to 36 km away and 15 km high with rapid response.

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The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) launched the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Program to enhance research in Indian universities. PAIR uses a hub-and-spoke model, pairing top universities (hubs) with emerging ones (spokes) for mentorship. Hub institutions include the top 25 NIRF-ranked universities and 50 Institutions of National Importance. The program aims to bridge research gaps, promote regional diversity, and foster innovation, aligning with NEP 2020. ANRF, established under the ANRF 2023 Act, provides strategic direction for scientific research, replacing the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).

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National Press Day is celebrated every year on November 16 in India, highlighting the press’s crucial role in democracy. The press is called the “Fourth Pillar of Democracy” for its role in informing the public and holding power accountable. The day commemorates the press’s duty to report truthfully and ethically, promoting transparency and democracy. Established by the Press Council of India in 1966, National Press Day emphasizes press freedom and responsibility. The 2024 theme is “changing nature of the press,” with the official event in Delhi, inaugurated by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

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Indian tennis player Prajnesh Gunneswaran, 35, announced his retirement on November 15, 2024. He won a singles bronze at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and peaked at world No. 75 in ATP rankings in 2019. Gunneswaran turned pro in 2010, achieving a singles record of 11–28 and a doubles record of 1-1. His highest doubles ranking was 248, reached in 2018. Competed in all four Grand Slams, with his best performance at the Australian Open in 2019 and 2020. His career highlight includes defeating world No. 18 Nikoloz Basilashvili at the Indian Wells Masters in 2019.