Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

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:
High temperatures and reduced salinity in Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan, may have triggered avian botulism, causing mass deaths of migratory birds. Avian botulism results from a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, leading to paralysis and death in birds. These bacterial spores are common in wetland sediments and affect various wildlife, especially under high temperatures and low oxygen levels. Wild birds are primarily affected by botulism toxin types C and E. Sambhar Lake, India’s largest saltwater lake, spans over 200 sq. km in Nagaur and Jaipur, Rajasthan.

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:
The UAE launched the “Global Energy Efficiency Alliance” at COP29 in Azerbaijan to double global energy efficiency by 2030. This initiative, following the ‘UAE Consensus’ from COP28, unites countries, organizations, and corporations to cut emissions and manage resources sustainably. The UAE will lead by sharing energy efficiency expertise, promoting partnerships with the private sector, and standardizing best practices. The alliance aims to foster public-private collaborations and attract investments in energy efficiency. It will help African countries by providing financing options and technology solutions crucial for sustainable energy development.

Notes:
Researchers found meter-high chimneys on the Dead Sea floor formed by crystallized minerals from high-salt groundwater. The Dead Sea, also called the Salt Sea, is a saline lake between Jordan and Israel. Its eastern shore lies in Jordan, and the western shore is divided between Israel and the West Bank. It is one of the saltiest water bodies globally, with 34.2% salinity, making swimming feel like floating. The lake has no outlet, so water mainly evaporates, leaving it devoid of life except for algae and microorganisms.

Notes:
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is held annually from November 18-24 to raise AMR awareness. This year’s WAAW theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act now,” stresses the urgent need for AMR action. WHO estimates AMR caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths globally. Key AMR risk factors in developing nations include high population, limited healthcare, and misuse of antimicrobials. The 2024 UN Political Declaration on AMR aims for 60% of countries to have funded AMR action plans by 2030. Immediate global action is needed to educate, advocate, and commit resources to tackle AMR for future health security.

Notes:
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh visited Vientiane, Lao PDR, from November 20-22, 2024, for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). ADMM-Plus involves ASEAN nations and eight dialogue partners, including India, US, China, and Russia, to strengthen security cooperation. India became ASEAN’s dialogue partner in 1992, and ADMM-Plus began in 2010. Lao PDR chairs and hosts the 11th ADMM-Plus.

Notes:
World Toilet Day is observed annually on 19 November. The day aims to raise awareness about the global sanitation crisis, affecting 3.5 billion people without safe sanitation. Founded by the World Toilet Organization in 2001, it became a UN observance in 2013. It aligns with SDG 6: Water and sanitation for all by 2030. The 2024 theme, “Toilets – A Place for Peace,” focuses on the importance of sanitation and sustainable solutions. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is hosting a two-day workshop on advancing safely managed sanitation in urban areas, with experts in sanitation and water management.

Notes:
The Assam cabinet has renamed Karimganj as Sribhumi District to reflect its cultural heritage, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s description of the area over a century ago. This change aims to restore the historical identity of the region and fulfill the aspirations of its residents. Additionally, the cabinet approved various initiatives to boost investment and infrastructure development in Assam, including the upcoming Assam Investment and Infrastructure Summit in 2025.

Notes:
SpaceX’s Starship, standing at nearly 400 feet, is the world’s most powerful rocket. It recently underwent its sixth test flight from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas. The mission aimed to achieve a booster catch attempt, but automated health checks aborted it. Despite this, the Starship successfully ignited its Raptor engines in space, marking a significant milestone for future lunar and Martian missions as part of NASA’s Artemis initiative, which plans to utilize Starship as a lunar lander by 2026.