Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Indian Coast Guard hosted SAREX-24 in Kochi from November 27-30, 2024, under the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board. The event aims to validate the National Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) framework through an inclusive, collaborative approach. It addresses India’s vast 4.6 million sq km Search and Rescue Region (ISRR), emphasizing cooperation with agencies, littorals, and friendly nations. The focus will be on Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) during large-scale sea contingencies. The theme, “Enhancing Search and Rescue capabilities through Regional Collaboration,” highlights ICG’s dedication to providing aid across ISRR.

Notes:
The 40th All India Governor’s Gold Cup International Football Tournament 2024 was held at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim. Organized by the Sikkim Football Association, the tournament featured 16 teams, including four international clubs from Nepal, Bhutan, Dubai, and Malaysia. North East United FC won the championship, emphasizing the tournament’s role in promoting football in the region and strengthening international sports relations.

Notes:
The ‘Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan’ is a health awareness campaign aimed at educating citizens about their unique Ayurvedic Prakriti, or mind-body constitution. Launched by the Ministry of Ayush, it encourages individuals to adopt Ayurvedic principles for better health. As of now, over 10,000 volunteers are involved, and many participants have pledged to incorporate these practices into their lifestyles. The campaign also aims to set Guinness World Records, enhancing its outreach and impact on public health awareness in India.

Notes:
Under the Yuva Sangam initiative, 44 delegates from Bihar traveled to Karnataka, and 50 from Andhra Pradesh visited Uttar Pradesh. Yuva Sangam, launched by the Ministry of Education in 2023, aimed to strengthen youth connections across States and Union Territories. It fostered cultural immersion, knowledge sharing, and interactions to promote unity in diversity. A total of 4,795 youth joined 114 tours across phases.

Notes:
The Chief of Army Staff recently presented the President’s Colours to four Mechanised Infantry battalions. The President’s Colours, or “Rashtrapati ka Nishaan,” is the highest honor for military units or police forces for exceptional national service. The tradition dates back to ancient India when flags or “dhwajas” symbolized a king’s supremacy. During British rule, military units carried the monarch’s flag, which was replaced by the President’s Colours in 1950. The Indian Navy first received it in 1951. The flag features a golden border, unit insignia, and sometimes its motto and achievements, symbolizing pride during ceremonial parades.

Notes:
India successfully tested the nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile from INS Arighaat. The test occurred off Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal and marked a major milestone. The K-4 missile, powered by solid fuel, has a range of 3,500 km and was launched from a 6,000-tonne submarine. This was the first launch from an operational submarine, moving beyond previous tests with submersible pontoons. The test aimed to validate performance parameters, with results under analysis. A public warning and NOTAM were issued for this intermediate-range missile test.

Notes:
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana was launched by the Maharashtra government in 2024. It supports economically weaker women by offering financial aid for education and development opportunities. The scheme aims to reduce school dropouts and promotes girls’ education through financial assistance. It provides skill training, career opportunities, and access to higher education for underprivileged girls. The scheme addresses challenges like early marriages, limited access to education, and promotes independence and security among young girls. It seeks to uplift women and improve overall education levels in Maharashtra.

Notes:
Masato Kanda was unanimously elected as ADB’s 11th president and will take office on February 24 next year. Kanda, 59, has 40 years of experience in international finance and policy. He is currently Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. He previously held roles such as Deputy Vice-Minister for Policy Planning and Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs. Kanda holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tokyo and an M.Phil in Economics from Oxford University. His leadership in global forums like G7 and G20 highlights his focus on multilateral cooperation and addressing global challenges.

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India has been re-elected to the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the 2025-2026 term, reaffirming its dedication to global peace. The PBC, formed in 2005, advises the UN on peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected regions. India, a founding member, actively shapes initiatives within the Commission. The PBC fosters collaboration among UN bodies, member states, and other actors, promoting peace through strategic, integrated approaches. It prioritizes nationally-led efforts and coordinates humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actions, involving briefers from peacekeeping missions.