Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2024

Notes:
The Arkavathy River in Karnataka has been found to contain heavy metals and toxic substances like mercury, DDT, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and fluoride. It is a major tributary of the Kaveri River, originating at Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district. The river flows 190 km and meets the Kaveri River near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district. One-third of Bengaluru is within its 4,150 sq. km basin. The river has three tributaries: Kumudavathi, Suvarnamukhi, and Vrishabhavathi. It feeds two key reservoirs: Hesaraghatta and Thippagondanahalli, both supplying water to Bengaluru.

Notes:
The “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi” campaign, initiated on November 25, aims to eliminate gender-based violence in India. It is a collaborative effort involving the Ministries of Women and Child Development and Rural Development, supported by UN Women. Coinciding with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the campaign underscores a national zero-tolerance stance and calls for accountability from all stakeholders, emphasizing the urgent need for action against violence towards women and girls.

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A migrant boat sank near the Greek island of Samos, claiming eight lives, including six children. Samos, in the eastern Aegean Sea, is one of Greece’s largest and easternmost islands, just 1.7 km from the Turkish coast. The island spans 478 sq. km and features steep mountains, sandy beaches, olive groves, and pine forests. Mount Kerketeus is its highest peak at 1,433 meters. Samos has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. It hosts UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Pythagoreion and Heraion. Samos is the birthplace of Pythagoras and astronomer Aristarchus.

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International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Institute for Human Development (IHD) jointly published the India Employment Report 2024. The report shows an improved employment scenario in India. Global youth unemployment decreased from 15.6% in 2021 to 13.3% in 2023. India’s youth unemployment rate (ages 15-29) was 10.2% in 2023-24, lower than the global average. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for youth increased from 31.4% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24, indicating more employment.

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The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has recognized the indigenously developed Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) under the Hydro Category. SHKT generates electricity using the kinetic energy of flowing water with almost zero potential head, unlike conventional systems requiring dams or barrages. It is easy to install, cost-effective, and has a low generation cost of ₹2-3 per unit. The technology benefits both renewable energy buyers and generators, offering significant opportunities for GW-scale renewable energy production. SHKT can drive the growth of the power sector while promoting sustainable energy solutions.

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Airports Authority of India (AAI) is observing Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2024 from November 25 to 29 at all its airports and Air Navigation Services locations. The initiative includes week-long activities across India to promote aviation safety. AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar highlighted the importance of safety, aligning efforts with the ICAO Global Aviation Safety Plan.

Notes:
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.

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A Siberian Demoiselle crane, Sukpak, set a record by migrating over 3,676 km to Rajasthan, India. It is the smallest crane species, known for its solitary and social behavior. The bird holds cultural importance in India, where it is called Koonj or Kurjaa. Demoiselle cranes inhabit fields, steppes, deserts, and plains near water, breeding in Central Eurasia and wintering in India and sub-Saharan Africa. Sukpak followed an unusual route through Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to reach India. Conservation efforts include India’s first Demoiselle crane reserve at Khichan, Rajasthan. Their conservation status is “Least Concern,” but they face threats like habitat loss and hunting.

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The 13th National Seed Congress 2024 was inaugurated on November 28 by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan via virtual address. It is organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. The three-day event is held from November 28 to 30, 2024, at International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi. Over 700 delegates, including experts, policymakers, industry leaders, scholars, and farmers, participated. The Congress focuses on key issues and advancements in the seed sector.

Notes:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk foods,” enhancing safety measures. This follows the removal of mandatory BIS certification, with a focus on regular inspections and audits by FSSAI. High-risk foods require strict safety protocols to prevent public health issues. The classification aims to ensure consumer safety through rigorous testing and monitoring. The regulation falls under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, simplifying the certification process.