November - 2024 Current Affairs

Correct Answer :   Ecuador

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* Ecuador on Monday (19th Nov 2024) declared a national emergency due to water shortages, drought and forest fires that have razed more than 10,000 hectares in the south of the country so far this month.

* The state of emergency, approved by the environment ministry, will be in place for 60 days, the country's SNGR emergency management secretariat said in a statement.

* It will allow the freeing of funds to tackle the multi-faceted crisis, including fires concentrated in the Azuay and Loja provinces, with 17 blazes reported active on Monday.

* Eight firefighting helicopters -- three of them sent by Peru and Italy -- were combating fires, said the SNGR.

* One of the worst fires was in the Cajas national park.

* The South American country has been rationing electricity for months due to the worst drought it has faced in six decades.

* Last month, scheduled rationing was lengthened from eight to 14 hours per day.

* Low water levels have caused the reservoirs of hydroelectric plants that cover 70 percent of national demand to fall to critical levels, leaving the country to face an "unprecedented crisis," according to Energy Minister Ines Manzano.

* According to the SNGR, between January and November, Ecuador reported more than 5,100 forest fires that claimed six lives and injured 45 people.

* Fires have consumed some 40,000 hectares of crops and killed more than 44,000 farm animals, according to the government.

* Authorities suspect arson in some of the fires, with several suspects identified to date, Cristian Zamora, the mayor of the Azuay capital, Cuenca, told the Ecuavisa broadcaster..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   November 20

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World Children’s Day is observed annually on November 20 to promote children's welfare, protect their rights, and emphasize their role in shaping a better future.

Established in 1954 by the United Nations as Universal Children’s Day, the day fosters international togetherness and advocacy for children's well-being.

The theme for 2024, “Listen to the Future,” emphasizes including children’s voices in decisions affecting their lives, underscoring the importance of creating a nurturing and equitable world for the next generation.

Correct Answer :   Chhattisgarh

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Dhudmaras, a village in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, was selected for the prestigious UNWTO Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme from over 260 global applications.

This initiative focuses on leveraging the village’s rich cultural and natural heritage to promote sustainable tourism.

The program aims to enhance tourism infrastructure, preserve heritage, and improve the quality of life for its residents, positioning Dhudmaras as a model for rural tourism development globally.

Correct Answer :   Karnataka

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Karnataka is taking a significant leap in innovation with three Global Innovation Districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi, announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the 27th Bengaluru Tech Summit.

These districts will bolster India's first Global Capability Centres policy, fostering growth and collaboration.

The Bengaluru Global Innovation District will be part of the Knowledge, Wellbeing, and Innovation City, showcasing Karnataka's commitment to innovation and technological advancement.

This initiative is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and establish Karnataka as a hub for global innovation.

Correct Answer :   Sudan

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Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that sought an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, aimed at halting hostilities between warring parties and promoting dialogue for peace.

The resolution was introduced by the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone.

Russia was the only country to veto the proposal, accusing the UK of interfering in Sudanese affairs. This action highlighted the complexities of international diplomacy in addressing conflicts.

Correct Answer :   Tata Power

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* Tata Power has partnered with Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd to develop at least 5,000 MW of clean energy generation capacity in Bhutan, harnessing the country's vast hydropower potential.

* This strategic collaboration contributes to regional energy security and sustainability, aligning with Bhutan's vision to diversify its energy portfolio.

* The project includes 4,500 MW of hydropower and 500 MW of solar power capacity, demonstrating Tata Power's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development in the region.

* This partnership strengthens India-Bhutan energy cooperation and promotes eco-friendly growth.

Correct Answer :   G20

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* Brasil's president officially launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty during the opening ceremony of the G20 Summit at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro on Monday (18 November 2024). For Lula, hunger is unacceptable in a world where Four hundred million tons of food are produced per year. The Alliance already has a website for more information.

* On a sunny morning in Rio de Janeiro, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially inaugurated the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty at the opening of the G20 Heads of State and Government Summit on Monday, November 18, at the Museum of Modern Art. Presidents Joe Biden (USA), Olaf Scholz (Germany), Xi Jinping (China), and Emmanuel Macron (France) attended the ceremony, along with other leaders of the world's largest economies and invited countries.

* President Lula cited data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) showing that 733 million people are undernourished in 2024. The Brazilian president emphasized that these are women, men, and children whose rights to life, education, and food have been denied. He pointed out that in a world where 400 million tons of food are produced per year, in addition to military spending on the order of 2.4 trillion dollars, hunger is unacceptable.

* "Hunger and poverty are not caused by scarcity or natural phenomena but result from political decisions perpetuating the exclusion of a significant part of humanity. It is up to those who are here to put an end to this scourge that shames society. This will be our greatest legacy. This is not just about doing justice; it is a fundamental condition for building more prosperous societies and a peaceful world. And Brasil knows it is possible with the participation of civil society," said Lula, citing the Bolsa Família and School Feeding programs as examples of successful social policies in Brasil that yield results.

* According to President Lula, those who have long been invisible will now be at the center of the international agenda, supported by the Alliance, which already has the backing of 81 countries, 26 international organizations, nine financial institutions, and 31 philanthropic foundations and non-governmental organizations.

Alliance Portal is already in the air :

* The portal is dedicated to providing technical, detailed, and up-to-date information about the Global Alliance, serving as a resource for those interested in joining this collective effort. The website is available in Portuguese and English and offers access to event agendas, the latest news, participation guidelines, and key Alliance documents, such as the Declaration of Commitment.

* The Set of Policies, an instrument of the Global Alliance, is also available. It offers a selection of rigorously evaluated policy programs and tools that can be tailored to specific national or regional contexts.

Global Alliance :

* Throughout the year, multiple meetings were held to discuss the development of the Global Alliance, aimed at accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to eradicate hunger and poverty.

* The Alliance supports country-driven, evidence-based programs by enhancing international cooperation and promoting knowledge exchange. It is open to all qualified countries and organizations that want to participate..

Source : G20

Correct Answer :   Lucknow

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Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday (19th Nov 2024) said the country’s first night safari in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow will become operational by December 2026.

Chairing a high-level meeting at his official residence here, the chief minister said that the safari, spread over 900 acres, would boast of a cafeteria, 7D theatre, auditorium, and ample parking space among other features.

“Lucknow’s night safari would become a new destination for nature lovers globally,” Adityanath said, adding that the project is a major initiative of the state government and approval for its construction has been obtained from the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.

After reviewing the presentation on the proposed Kukrail Night Safari Park and Zoo, he directed that both projects be completed by June 2026, according to an official statement.

He emphasised the need to develop a sustainable model for the economy of the night safari and zoo and instructed that 72 per cent of the area be developed with greenery and that the focus should be on solar energy projects.

“Uttar Pradesh will gift the country its first night safari by December 2026. The construction of both the night and day safaris will take place in phases over 900 acres in Lucknow,” the CM said, according to an official statement.

According to the statement, the night safari area will be developed with themed sections like Indian Walking Trail, Indian Foothill, Indian Wetland, Arid India and African Wetland. Tourists will be able to explore the night safari park via a 5.5 km tramway and a 1.92 km pathway.

The main attractions of the night safari will include the Asiatic Lion, Gharial, Bengal Tiger, Flying Squirrel, Leopard, Hyena, and more, the statement said.

A world-class wildlife hospital and rescue centre is also proposed as part of the night safari project and 63 enclosures will be built in the zoo to be set up in the Kukrail forest area, according to the statement.

Key attractions of the zoo will include Sarus Cranes, Swamp Deer, Himalayan Bears, South African Giraffes, African Lions, and Chimpanzees. The zoo will be developed with themed areas such as African Savannah, Incredible India, and Engineered Wetland, it stated.

Adityanath also hoped that once the project is complete, it will feature on the international tourism map, attracting foreign tourists as well. The project will also be connected to other tourist destinations in Lucknow.

He instructed that the process of identifying animals, bringing them in, and setting up quarantine should begin immediately. The project will also include the development of an eco-tourism zone.

He directed officials that proper arrangements be made for a quarantine centre, veterinary hospital, post-operation facilities, and an operation theatre.

He also suggested that the ‘Adventure Zone’ should feature attractions like a zip line, Burma bridge, pedal boats, sky roller, and animal-themed kids’ activities among others...

Source : ThePrint

Correct Answer :   Gabon

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Voters in Gabon overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, authorities said Sunday (17th Nov 2024), more than one year after mutinous soldiers overthrew the country’s longtime president and seized power in the oil-rich Central African nation.

Over 91% of voters approved the new constitution in a referendum held on Saturday (16th Nov 2024), Gabon’s Interior Minister Hermann Immongault said in a statement read on state television. Turnout was an estimated 53.5%, he added.

The final results will be announced by the Constitutional Court, the interior minister said.

The draft constitution, which proposes sweeping changes that could prevent dynastic rule and transfer of power, needed more than 50% of the votes cast to be adopted.

In 2023, soldiers toppled President Ali Bongo Ondimba and put him under house arrest, accusing him of irresponsible governance and massive embezzlement that risked leading the country into chaos. The junta released Ondimba a week later on humanitarian grounds, allowing him travel abroad for medical treatment..


Source : AP News

Correct Answer :   Parliamentary Standing Committee

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The Parliamentary Standing Committee in its 106th Report recommended developing a “Grievances Redressal Index” on the lines of Good Governance Index to rank organisations of Govt. of India and States/UTs on parameters that are output and outcome oriented. Such Index will present organisation-wise comparative picture and provide valuable insights about strong areas and weak areas which would help in improving their performance.

Grievances Redressal and Assessment Index (GRAI) 2022 was released by the Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space on 21 June 2023 in presence of Secretary, DARPG and other dignitaries. CGG had prepared and submitted the GRAI 2022 and also established as Project Management Unit (PMU) for designing and developing the GRAI 2022.

DARPG has introduced a new and comprehensive Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) from May 2023 onwards with four (4) dimensions and 12 indicators in Monthly report. CGG is providing the technical support in developing the monthly ranks.

Source : CGG