Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

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.

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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.

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The Cao Bang crocodile newt, or Tylototriton koliaensis, is a newly discovered species found in Vietnam. It inhabits mountainous forests at elevations over 3,300 feet, experiencing both dry and rainy seasons. These medium-sized newts are around 5 inches long, with stout, rough bodies and crocodile-like, knobby skin. They are entirely black, with bright orange markings on their fingertips, toes, and an orange stripe down the center of their gray belly and tail. They breed in slow-moving streams or pools in the rainy season and hide under rocks during winter. Known as “crocodile newts” for their textured skin, they belong to a genus of Asian salamanders.

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The G20 summit is being held in Rio de Janeiro at the Modern Art Museum, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Leaders, including PM Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, and China’s Xi Jinping, are discussing trade, climate change, and international security. PM Modi addressed the summit on “Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty.” The G20, established in 1999, became a forum for Heads of State/Government in 2008. It includes 19 countries and the EU, with special invitees like the UN and the World Bank. G20’s decisions influence policies but are not legally binding.

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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.

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A new genus of freshwater fish, Koima, has been described from the Western Ghats. Two species, Mesonoemacheilus remadevii and Nemacheilus monilis, are reclassified as Koima remadevii and Koima monilis. This is a rare event, as adding a new genus is uncommon. The fish are small, elongated, and used for dietary and ornamental purposes. Both species are endemic to the Western Ghats, particularly in tributaries of the Cauvery River. Koima remadevii is found in fast-flowing streams in Silent Valley National Park. Koima monilis lives in various tributaries of the Cauvery River at elevations of 350-800 meters.

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Dhudmaras village in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, gained global recognition by being selected among United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO’s) best tourism villages. It is one of 20 villages chosen from 60 nations for its sustainable tourism practices. Located in Kanger Valley National Park, it offers eco-tourism with dense forests and the Kanger River. UNWTO will assist in upgrading tourism facilities, preserving culture, and improving villagers’ lives. Dhudmaras and Chitrakot received India’s Best Tourism Village Award on September 27.

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India will host the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup from January 13 to 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) are collaborating to organize the event. IOA President PT Usha pledged full support, emphasizing the cultural heritage and sportsmanship promoted by Kho Kho. Teams from 24 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Ghana, and Brazil, will participate. The event aims to elevate Kho Kho’s global appeal and inspire athletes worldwide.

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World Heritage Week is celebrated globally to raise awareness about traditions and cultures. UNESCO recognizes the heritage sites highlighted during this observance. In 2024, India celebrates World Heritage Week from November 19 to November 25 under the theme “Discover and Experience Diversity.” The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has announced free entry to heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, on November 19. ASI protects over 3,650 ancient monuments and sites across India. Events like exhibitions, workshops, and guided tours will educate visitors on the importance of these sites.

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The Prime Minister attended the second India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana, marking the first visit by an Indian head of State in over 50 years. He held talks with Caribbean countries focusing on trade, technology, and tourism. The first India-CARICOM Summit was held in 2019. CARICOM, established in 1973, is a regional organization promoting economic integration and cooperation in the Caribbean. It includes 21 countries, comprising 15 Member States and 6 Associate Members, such as Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, and Barbados.