Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The Ministry of Science and Technology launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Bank to drive innovation and strengthen national security. It provides researchers, startups, and developers access to diverse, high-quality datasets for scalable AI solutions. The launch was by Minister Jitendra Singh at the 7th ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024, themed “AI for India: Advancing AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance.” The AI Data Bank supports real-time analytics for satellite, drone, and IoT data to enhance national security. It also aids predictive analytics in disaster management and cyber security, aligning with India’s AI roadmap.

Notes:
Six Viragallu (hero stones) were discovered near the Anjaneya Temple between Rukmapur and Kupagal villages in Shorapur, Karnataka. Viragallu are memorial stones honoring heroes who died in battle. The discovery was made by the Surapura Hitarakshana Samiti team, led by Shravanakumar Nayak and researcher Rajgopal Vibhuti, who are working to protect the inscriptions. Shorapur, also known as the Surpur Empire, was a princely state in present-day Yadgir district, Karnataka. The region was ruled by the Nayak Dynasty, with Raja Venkatappa Nayak as its last ruler.

Notes:
Gabon held a referendum to approve a new constitution with major reforms. The constitution introduces a 2-term presidential limit, each term lasting 7 years. It abolishes the position of prime minister and bans family succession to the presidency. Ousted leader Ali Bongo is disqualified from running due to nationality and spouse-related rules. The reforms received overwhelming support, with 91.8% of voters in favor.

Notes:
Karnataka is the first state in India to launch a dedicated GCC (Global Capability Centers) policy. The policy aims to establish 500 new GCCs by 2029, creating 3.5 lakh jobs and 50 billion in economic output. The ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative promotes GCC growth in tier-2 and tier-3 cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi-Dharwad. India’s GCC market is valued at 64.6 billion, with Bengaluru hosting over 875 GCCs contributing $22.2 billion.

Notes:
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 started from November 23, 2024. A total of 38 teams participated for the domestic T20 cricket title. It is a Twenty20 championship organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The tournament is named after former Indian Test cricketer Syed Mushtaq Ali.

Notes:
World Television Day is observed on November 21, 2024. The first electronic television was invented in 1927 by 21-year-old Philo Taylor Farnsworth. Television became a global symbol for communication and spreading information. The United Nations held the first World Television Forum on November 21-22, 1996. Television highlights conflicts, raises awareness of peace and security threats, and focuses on social and economic issues. The UN General Assembly established World Television Day to honor television’s role in communication and globalization, not the object itself.

Notes:
An international team of astronomers used the MeerKAT radio telescope to study giant radio galaxies in the Cosmological Evolution Survey (COSMOS) field. MeerKAT is located in South Africa’s Northern Cape province and originally had 20 receptors, but with increased funding, it now has 64. It is part of South Africa’s contribution to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which aims to build the largest radio telescope. MeerKAT is a powerful radio interferometer, consisting of 64 dishes, each 13.5 meters wide, studying the universe’s evolution using radio signals.

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Ecuador declared a national emergency for 60 days due to forest fires, water shortages, and severe drought. The country is experiencing its worst drought in 60 years. The drought has caused losses of 40,000 hectares of crops and over 44,000 farm animals. The emergency aims to address the crisis and provide relief to affected areas.

Notes:
The Oreshnik hypersonic missile, recently tested by Russia, has a range of 3,000-5,500 km and can strike targets in Europe and the western US. Its unique feature is the ability to carry multiple warheads, akin to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). President Vladimir Putin indicated that this missile’s deployment was a response to Ukraine’s use of Western missiles, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The missile is designed to be highly accurate and currently lacks effective countermeasures against it.

Notes:
The Union Minister of Power recently visited Nimoo Bazgo Power Station in Ladakh. It is located in Leh district, Ladakh. This hydropower project operates at high altitudes and challenging terrain. It is developed and operated by NHPC Limited with an installed capacity of 45 MW. The station uses the Indus River’s flow, ensuring eco-friendly and renewable energy generation. It supports Ladakh’s rapid development by providing stable green energy for residential and commercial use. Through CSR initiatives, the station promotes community development, infrastructure improvements, skill development, and environmental conservation.