Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The New Agriculture Wealth Opportunities – Driving Horticulture Agribusiness Networking (NAWO-DHAN) scheme aims to boost food crop production in Kerala. It engages farmer groups through Service Level Agreements (SLA) without transferring land ownership. The initiative targets unused land and addresses a significant production-demand gap in fruits and vegetables. The Kerala Agro Business Company (KABCO) facilitates this project, encouraging investment in high-tech agriculture while ensuring that income from farming remains non-taxable.

Notes:
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.

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:
India gifted two Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) to Mozambique to strengthen its maritime security. The FICs are equipped with machine guns and bullet-resistant cabins for enhanced coastal patrolling. This aid aims to help Mozambique combat terrorism and insurgency, especially in Cabo Delgado province. The gesture reflects India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and regional security. This cooperation highlights the growing defence and security partnership between India and Mozambique.

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Bhutan plans to build the “Gelephu Mindfulness City” (GMC) with a $100 million bond issue to fund the project. The city will focus on mindfulness, green spaces, eco-tourism, and promoting walking and cycling. It will span over 2,500 sq km and connect South Asia with Southeast Asia, with separate rules and laws. GMC will offer space for businesses in finance, tourism, green energy, technology, healthcare, and more. The bond will raise funds for infrastructure, green energy, and connectivity. The project aims to attract investment, create jobs, and redefine Bhutan’s economic landscape.

Notes:
ISRO and NASA are launching the NISAR satellite in early 2025 to monitor Earth’s surface, including land and ice-covered areas. NISAR will be launched using ISRO’s GSLV Mark II rocket and will operate in Low Earth Orbit. It has dual-frequency radar: L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO), enabling all-weather, day-and-night monitoring. NISAR will measure ecosystem changes, sea level rise, groundwater, and natural hazards. It will track earthquakes, volcanic activity, and ice sheet movements. The satellite’s data will help understand volcanic behavior and improve infrastructure stability assessments.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Mealworm larvae, recently discovered in Kenya, can eat plastic (Polystyrene) and have gut bacteria that help break it down. Found mainly in poultry houses, the larvae thrive in warm environments with a constant food supply. This is the first African-native insect identified with this ability, though it can also be found outside Africa. Polystyrene, commonly used in packaging, is durable but difficult and costly to recycle using traditional methods, often creating pollutants.

Notes:
A recent conference by CSIR-NIScPR (National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research) and Gurugram University highlighted the SVASTIK initiative. SVASTIK stands for “Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge.” SVASTIK aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science. Launched by CSIR-NIScPR, it focuses on validating traditional practices in fields like agriculture, medicine, and environment.

Notes:
The Marbled Map butterfly is an endemic species found only in the Eastern Ghats and Odisha. A recent study documented 190 butterfly species in the region, showcasing its unique biodiversity. The research underscores the need for conservation efforts, as butterfly populations are threatened by human encroachment and climate change. The Eastern Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, serves as a crucial habitat for these species, making their protection vital for maintaining ecological balance and health in the region.