Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

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:
Panje Wetland in Navi Mumbai, a 289-hectare site, has dried up due to blocked tidal flow, despite state orders to maintain it. It is located in Uran taluka, Maharashtra. Panje is a major migratory bird site and one of the best birding locations in the state. It hosts 50 bird species, with around 30 migratory species like flamingos, Northern Pintail, and Ruddy Turnstone. The wetland supports local fishing communities, who are now facing diminishing resources due to its drying.

Notes:
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is working to remove a new invasive plant species, Senna tora, in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR). Senna tora, native to Central America, has recently appeared in the Sigur and Moyar areas of MTR’s buffer zone. Officials are concerned that this plant may spread, threatening MTR’s open grasslands, crucial for local wildlife like elephants, deer, and Indian gaur. The plant’s cyclical nature and preference for drier areas complicate management efforts, as it could significantly disrupt the fragile ecosystem already facing other invasive flora.

Notes:
The Ministry of Science and Technology launched Operation Dronagiri at IIT Delhi under the National Geospatial Policy 2022. This pilot project aims to showcase geospatial technology’s role in improving citizen quality of life and business ease. The first phase covers Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, focusing on agriculture, livelihoods, logistics, and transport. DST partners with government, industry, and startups, supported by the Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI) for data access. IIT Tirupati oversees the project, with IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Ropar as operational hubs. The Geospatial Innovation Cell at DST drives implementation.

Notes:
The rare Scarlet Tanager was recently seen in the UK for the first time in 40 years. It is native to North America. Its scientific name is Piranga olivacea. It breeds in deciduous forests and migrates to tropical forests in Central and South America for winter. The bird is medium-sized, about seven inches long, with a large head, short tail, and thick bill for catching insects and fruit. Males are bright red with black wings and tails in summer; females and young are olive-yellow. Its song resembles a “robin with a cold,” and its call is a distinctive “chip-burr.”

Notes:
BSNL launched India’s first direct-to-device satellite internet service, aiming to bridge the digital divide in remote areas. The service provides high-speed internet without the need for traditional infrastructure, using advanced satellite technology. The launch allows users to make emergency calls, send SOS messages, and make UPI payments when there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi network. The satellite service offers wide coverage, reliable connectivity, and is designed to function in all weather conditions.

Notes:
The Ministry of Defence recently launched the AI-enabled e-Tarang System. Developed with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), it improves the planning and operation of defence equipment in both wartime and peacetime. The system enables automated, efficient management of Defence Spectrum and supports the development of new technologies in higher frequency bands. It aids rapid decision-making and facilitates the integration of modern technologies for defence applications. BISAG-N is an autonomous body under MeitY, focused on research, technology development, and cooperation in geo-spatial technology, supporting capacity building and entrepreneurship.

Notes:
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 700 kg of Methamphetamine during Operation Sagar-Manthan. Methamphetamine is a potent, addictive stimulant that impacts the central nervous system. Operation Sagar-Manthan was launched by NCB in coordination with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The operation aims to target drug trafficking through maritime routes and enhance national security. It also aligns with the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India) by 2047.

Notes:
National Epilepsy Day is celebrated in India on November 17 to raise awareness about epilepsy, its challenges, and the need for early diagnosis. Epilepsy, or seizure disorder, is a chronic brain condition where nerve cells misfire, causing recurrent seizures. Seizures happen when neurons fire rapidly at once, causing unusual movements, sensations, emotions, or behavior changes. This abnormal brain activity can lead to loss of awareness. Recovery time after a seizure varies from instant to hours. Epilepsy can result from genetics, brain abnormalities, infections, traumatic brain injury, stroke, or tumors, but for half of those affected, the cause remains unknown.

Notes:
Nigeria awarded PM Narendra Modi the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) during his first official visit. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu praised PM Modi’s commitment to democratic values and success in India. Previously, Queen Elizabeth was the only foreign dignitary to receive this Nigerian honor in 1969. Dominica also announced its highest honor, the ‘Dominica Award of Honour,’ for PM Modi for his support during the Covid-19 pandemic. PM Modi will receive the award in Guyana during the India-CARICOM Summit. With these awards, PM Modi’s total civilian honors reach 17, reflecting India’s rising global influence.