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.

Notes:
Monduro 4.0, the world’s highest enduro mountain biking race, has begun in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. It is part of the Asia Enduro Series (AES) and was flagged off by MLA Namgey Tsering and Brigadier VS Rajput. Organized by the Tawang Cycling Association and the Department of Tourism, it starts at 14,400 feet and descends to 8,000 feet. Participants include bikers from across India and eight other countries.

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 ‘EV as a Service’ program, initiated by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL). The programme aims to deploy 5,000 electric cars across government ministries, departments, CPSEs, and institutions in the next two years. It allows flexible procurement of different EV models based on operational needs, promoting environmental sustainability. CESL has already deployed nearly 2,000 EVs and is working on 17,000 E-Buses. The initiative supports India’s net-zero emission target by 2070, reducing carbon emissions, fossil fuel reliance, and enhancing energy security.

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:
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.

Notes:
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has requested reports on the Gotti Koya tribals’ status from the Union Home Ministry and four states. The Koya tribe is one of India’s few multi-racial and multi-lingual tribal communities. Their population is concentrated in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. The Koyas speak Koya, a Dravidian language, closely related to Gondi and influenced by Telugu.

Notes:
The Indian Air Force inaugurated the C-295 Full Motion Simulator (FMS) at Air Force Station Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The simulator enables realistic pilot training, covering missions like tactical airlift, para-dropping, medical evacuation, and disaster relief. It enhances pilot readiness by simulating critical scenarios, improving decision-making and flight safety. The C-295 aircraft supports “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” marking India’s private-sector entry into transport aircraft production. The C-295 is a versatile 5-10 tonne transport aircraft with modern technology, designed for tactical and varied mission capabilities.

Notes:
The International Conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge began at Gurugram University. It was inaugurated by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) and Gurugram University. The conference focused on interdisciplinary research and the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science.

Notes:
Delhi and surrounding areas are experiencing severe smog, with the AQI exceeding 400, classifying the air quality as “Severe.” The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) called this a “episodic event” and expects conditions to improve soon. To tackle the pollution, Stage III of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP) has been enforced. GRAP has four stages, with Stage III applied when AQI reaches 401-450 (Severe air quality). CAQM, along with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), oversees GRAP implementation.