Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The Reang community, also known as Bru, demands a holiday in Tripura on Hojagiri Day, celebrating their traditional dance. Reangs are the second-largest tribal community in Tripura and the state’s only Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). They are found in Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam, with a population of around 188,080. The Reangs trace their origins to Shan State in Myanmar and migrated to Tripura in different waves.

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Lebanon’s UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites—Baalbek, Tyre, and Anjar—are facing threats from repeated assaults. Baalbek is a prime example of Imperial Roman architecture, showcasing massive structures. Tyre, a historic Phoenician city, once dominated the seas and founded colonies like Cadiz and Carthage, and is linked to the invention of purple dye. Anjar, founded by Caliph Walid I in the 8th century, has ruins that display remarkable city planning from the Umayyad era, resembling ancient palace cities.

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The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) celebrates National Milk Day on November 26, 2024, at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The event honors the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the “Father of the White Revolution.” The event celebrates India’s leadership in the global dairy sector, focusing on sustainability and collaboration.

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South Africa declared food-borne illnesses a national disaster after a rise in food poisoning cases. Nearly 900 cases and 22 child deaths were reported since September, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal most affected. Minister Thembi Simelane announced the declaration in Pretoria, urging adherence to food safety laws. Tuck shops are required to re-register, and local authorities must follow disaster management protocols. The government emphasizes proper waste disposal, recycling, and tackling rat infestations linked to food safety issues.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with a ₹2,750 crore allocation until March 31, 2028. AIM, launched by NITI Aayog in 2016, aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in schools, research institutes, MSMEs, and industries. It has two main goals: promoting entrepreneurship through financial support and mentorship, and promoting innovation by creating a platform for idea generation. AIM supports four programs: Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, Atal Challenges, and Mentor India. It collaborates with academia, industries, and NGOs, and monitors initiatives via real-time MIS systems.

Notes:
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) released its Half-Yearly Complaints Report for 2024-25, highlighting a significant number of misleading ads, especially in real estate and offshore betting. ASCI, established in 1985, is a non-profit, voluntary self-regulatory body that ensures ads follow its Code for Self-Regulation, promoting legal, decent, honest, and truthful advertisements. ASCI investigates complaints across various media including TV, print, and online. It is mandatory for new TV ads in India to comply with ASCI codes starting June 18, 2024. ASCI is recognized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and is part of the International Council on Ad Self-Regulation (ICAS).

Notes:
Sjögren’s disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks moisture-producing glands, particularly the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to symptoms like dry mouth and dry eyes. It is significantly more common in women and often remains undiagnosed for years, causing considerable distress. Awareness and proper diagnosis are crucial for effective management, which may involve lifestyle adjustments and medications to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.

Notes:
India ranks 49th in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024, up 11 spots from 2023. NRI evaluates 133 economies based on Technology, People, Governance, and Impact, using 54 variables. Published by the Portulans Institute, the report highlights India’s score improvement from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024. India leads globally in AI scientific publications, AI talent concentration, and ICT services exports. It ranks 2nd in FTTH subscriptions, mobile broadband traffic, and international internet bandwidth, and 3rd in domestic market scale. Among lower-middle-income countries, India is 2nd, reflecting strong digital progress and innovation.

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The bilateral military exercise “Agni Warrior 2024” between India and Singapore conducted at Devlali Field Firing Ranges, Maharashtra, from November 28 to 30. It focuses on strengthening interactions between the artillery units of both nations. The exercise includes joint firepower planning and execution using New Generation Equipment. The goal is to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding of drills and procedures between the two armies.

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Delhi has reported a single case of Japanese Encephalitis in a 72-year-old man. The patient received treatment and has been discharged. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a zoonotic viral disease primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes, particularly the Vishnui group. These mosquitoes breed in areas with stagnant water, such as rice fields and irrigation canals, which are prevalent during the monsoon season. JE is endemic in several states in India, with outbreaks typically occurring from July to October. Vaccination and vector control are key preventive measures against this disease.