Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

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.

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Power generation at the controversial Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is set to begin next year. The project is a gravity dam under construction on the Subansiri River, located on the borders of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It is a run-of-river hydroelectric project and will be the largest in India once completed. The dam will be 116 meters high from the river bed and 130 meters from the foundation, with a length of 284 meters. Developed by National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC), the project will generate 2,000 MW from eight 250 MW units upon completion.

Notes:
Harinder Singh Sodhi, also known as ‘Billy,’ a prominent Indian polo player, passed away at 86 due to age-related issues. Known for his exceptional talent and commitment, Sodhi achieved a rare handicap of plus-five, a highly respected level in polo. He was honored with the Arjuna Award for his contributions to polo.His legacy in Indian polo is celebrated with great admiration and respect.

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A new tiger has been spotted in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, boosting wildlife tourism. The reserve is located in the Sahyadri Ranges of the Western Ghats and covers 741.22 sq. km. It was formed in 2007 by merging Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandoli National Park. The reserve includes the Shivsagar and Vasant Sagar reservoirs. Historically, it dates back to the Maratha Empire, with forts linked to Shivaji Maharaj. The terrain is steep with rocky plateaus, thorny bushes, and minimal anthropogenic influence, supporting rich vegetation.

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Indian researchers at the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics developed a cell-based biocomputer using genetically modified bacteria. Living cells, like brain neurons and immune cells, naturally compute to perform biological functions. Synthetic biology enables engineering cells for human-designed computations, creating cell-based biocomputers. Genetic circuits were introduced in E. coli bacteria, acting as “bactoneurons” to perform complex computations like artificial neural networks. Potential applications include enhanced drug design, personalized medicine, and optimized biomanufacturing.

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The Union Ministry of Environment has notified a 1 km to 2.035 km eco-sensitive zone around Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary on the Haryana side. Sukhna Lake, an artificial lake in Chandigarh, was created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe stream from the Shivalik Hills. The lake covers around 3 sq. km, is 1.52 km long and 1.49 km wide, and is recognized as a National Wetland. The catchment area has rugged terrain and is prone to soil erosion, with silt-heavy water. Adjacent to Sukhna Lake, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary spans 26 sq. km and attracts migratory birds like Siberian ducks, storks, and cranes in winter.

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World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has published the World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) 2024 report. It shows global trends in IP filings, highlighting growth in patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. India ranks in the global top 10 for patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. India had a 15.7% growth in patent applications in 2023, with 64,480 filings, marking a record in resident filings (55.2%). Industrial design applications grew by 36.4%, with textiles, tools, and health sectors leading. India ranks fourth globally in trademark filings, with a 6.1% increase, and holds the second-largest number of active trademark registrations globally.

Notes:
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated every year on November 15 to honor tribal communities’ contributions, especially in India’s freedom struggle. The day marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter. Since 2021, this day highlights the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters like the Santhals, Tamars, Kols, Bhils, Khasis, and Mizos. In 2024, a special event in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, marked Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary, led by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and joined by state leaders. The event included a ‘Maati Ke Veer’ Padayatra to celebrate tribal heritage and contributions to India’s progress.

Notes:
The Sumi Naga tribe recently celebrated Ahuna, a post-harvest festival, with unity and gratitude. The Sumi, or Sema Naga, is a major tribe in Nagaland, mainly residing in central and southern regions. Sumis are known for their extensive village settlements, a unique feature among Naga tribes. They practiced headhunting before converting to Christianity through missionaries. The Sumi language is Tibeto-Burman, and their main festivals are Tuluni and Ahuna. Ahuna celebrates the harvest season, giving thanks and praying for good fortune. Tuluni marks the arrival of new crops, with prayers for last year’s bountiful harvest.

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The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (IOC-UNESCO) recognized 24 tsunami-prone coastal villages in Odisha’s six districts as Tsunami Ready at the 2nd Global Tsunami Symposium in Indonesia. The six coastal districts are Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri and Ganjam. Recognition was based on verification by the National Tsunami Ready Recognition Board (NTRB), with Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) scientists and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) officers. The UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme (TRRP) aims to enhance tsunami resilience in coastal communities globally. TRRP promotes awareness and preparedness to protect lives, livelihoods, and property from tsunamis. It uses 12 preparedness indicators for consistent evaluation, and the recognition is renewable every four years.