Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
El Cajas National Park in Ecuador’s highlands near Cuenca is severely affected by wildfires due to a prolonged drought. The Ecuadorian government declared a 60-day national emergency to combat forest fires threatening the park’s ecology and water resources. The park spans 285.44 km², with altitudes ranging from 3100m to 4450m, and was declared a National Park on November 5, 1996. It features páramo vegetation, jagged hills, valleys, and 270 lakes, with Luspa as the largest. Rivers Tomebamba and Yanuncay originate here, feeding the Amazon Basin and draining to the Pacific.

Notes:
The third regional event of the ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ campaign was held at IIT Guwahati under the DISHA scheme by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice. The campaign marks the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution’s adoption and India becoming a Republic. It was launched on January 24, 2024, by the Vice President at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the Indian Constitution, promote understanding of legal rights, and emphasize its role as the supreme authority defining governance and safeguarding rights.

Notes:
The “Bhu-Neer” portal, launched on September 19, 2024, aims to improve groundwater management in India. Introduced by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil during India Water Week 2024, it replaces the older NOCAP system. Developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), it features a PAN-based single ID system and QR-coded No Objection Certificates (NOCs). This initiative enhances transparency and efficiency in groundwater usage, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of Ease of Doing Business. The portal serves as a vital resource for stakeholders in groundwater regulation.

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:
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 Australian government has introduced a bill that aims to ban social media access for children under 16 years of age. This legislation requires platforms like TikTok and Facebook to implement age verification measures. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasized the need for social media companies to take responsibility for user safety, citing concerns about the mental health impacts on children. This reform is seen as one of the strictest globally regarding social media access for minors.

Notes:
World Fisheries Day 2024 was celebrated on November 21 in New Delhi. The Department of Fisheries honoured states, districts, and individuals for their contributions. Kerala won the Best Marine State award. Telangana was recognised as the Best Inland State. Uttarakhand received the Best Himalayan and Northeastern State award. Jammu & Kashmir was awarded Best Union Territory.

Notes:
Harsha Vardhan Agarwal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Emami Group, became the President of FICCI for 2024-25, succeeding Anish Shah. FICCI’s new office bearers include Senior Vice President Anant Goenka (Vice Chairman of RPG Group) and Vice President Vijay Sankar (Chairman of Sanmar Group). FICCI is a major business lobby group in India, representing business interests and lobbying for favorable policies. Founded in 1927, FICCI claims to be the largest business organization in India.

Notes:
The Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland experienced its seventh volcanic eruption since December 2023. It is located in southwest Iceland. It is part of the submarine Reykjanes Ridge on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The region hosts volcanic systems such as Reykjanes, Svartsengi, Fagradalsfjall, Krýsuvík, Brennisteinsfjöll, and Hengill. It features en-echelon fissure systems and attracts tourists for volcano tours, hiking trails, and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. The peninsula has a population of around 27,829 (2020), with Reykjanesbær as its largest settlement.

Notes:
A new NGO, the Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM), was launched in Maryland, USA, to unite and support minority communities in the Indian American diaspora. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award for Minority Upliftment during the event. Jasdip Singh, a Sikh philanthropist, was appointed as AIAM’s Chairman. AIAM aims to advance PM Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, focusing on inclusivity and welfare for all.