November - 2024 Current Affairs

Correct Answer :   Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

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Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, recently announced the notification of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh as the 56th Tiger Reserve in India. This monumental step in wildlife conservation marks a significant milestone for the country’s efforts to preserve its tiger population and biodiversity.
Overview of the Tiger Reserve

Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is located in Chhattisgarh, covering a sprawling area of 2,829.38 sq. km, making it the third-largest tiger reserve in India after:

The reserve encompasses two key wildlife habitats :

It comprises a core/critical tiger habitat of 2,049.2 sq. km and a buffer zone of 780.15 sq. km. This expansive area spans across Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts of Chhattisgarh. The tiger reserve is part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau and partially the Baghelkhand Plateau, known for their diverse terrains and rich biodiversity.

Significance of the Notification :

The notification of Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve aligns with the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s (NTCA) recommendation under Project Tiger. The NTCA gave its final approval for the notification in October 2021. This addition brings the total number of tiger reserves in Chhattisgarh to four, enhancing the state’s contribution to tiger conservation.

Ecological Importance

The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is crucial for maintaining the landscape approach to conservation, as outlined in India’s National Wildlife Plan. The reserve is:


This connectivity facilitates the movement of tigers and other wildlife across states, ensuring genetic diversity and sustainable populations.

Biodiversity at the Tiger Reserve :

The reserve boasts a rich faunal diversity with 753 documented species, including:


The presence of dense forests, rivers, and streams creates favorable habitats for tigers and other wildlife. These features make the reserve a critical ecological hotspot in India.

Correct Answer :   November 19

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National Integration Day is celebrated annually on November 19 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi, India's first woman Prime Minister.

This day honours her legacy of unity and progress, highlighting her significant contributions to shaping India's political, social, and economic trajectory.

The observance aims to promote unity, celebrate diversity, and acknowledge the importance of working together for the nation's growth and success.

By reflecting on Gandhi's leadership and vision, National Integration Day serves as a reminder of India's commitment to national unity and integration.

Correct Answer :   November 19

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International Men's Day is observed annually on November 19, providing a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of men to society, families, and communities worldwide.

This day also addresses key issues surrounding men's health, well-being, and the need for positive male role models.

The celebration's origins date back to 1992, when Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh proposed the idea, which has since gained global recognition.

Each year, International Men's Day is marked with awareness campaigns, public discussions, and community-driven events highlighting the importance of men in various aspects of life.

Correct Answer :   K. Sanjay Murthy

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K. Sanjay Murthy, a seasoned 1989 batch IAS officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre, has taken over as India's new Comptroller and Auditor General, replacing Girish Chandra Murmu.

Prior to this appointment, Murthy served as Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and was set to complete his tenure on December 31, 2024.

His appointment, made under Article 148(1) of the Constitution, marks a significant development in India's governance structure.

As Comptroller and Auditor General, Murthy will oversee the auditing of government accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability in public finance management.

Correct Answer :   Chhattisgarh

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The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, India's 56th tiger reserve, is situated in the state of Chhattisgarh.

Spanning an area of 2,829 square kilometres, this reserve aims to conserve and protect the tiger population and its habitat.

The addition of this reserve highlights Chhattisgarh's commitment to wildlife conservation.

Notably, the largest tiger reserve in India is Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, while the second-largest is Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam, demonstrating the country's efforts to safeguard its biodiversity and natural resources.

Correct Answer :   Punit Goenka

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Punit Goenka has taken on the CEO role at Zee Entertainment, shifting from his previous position as Managing Director.

This move aims to concentrate on operational objectives, strengthening the company's strategic direction.

Concurrently, Mukund Galgali has been appointed as Deputy CEO, supporting Goenka in driving business growth.

Goenka's reappointment as CEO for a five-year term, commencing January 1, 2025, is subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on 28th November 2024.

This leadership transition underscores Zee Entertainment's efforts to enhance its market presence and competitiveness.

Correct Answer :   Suriname

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India strengthened its diplomatic ties with Suriname by dispatching a significant consignment of food grains and edibles to support Suriname's Social Welfare Programme.

This gesture underscores the historical connections between the two nations, rooted in the Indian diaspora.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1976, India and Suriname have fostered cooperation through embassy establishments in Paramaribo (1977) and New Delhi (2000).

This humanitarian assistance highlights India's commitment to supporting the welfare initiatives of its partner nations, particularly in the Caribbean region. This move also reinforces the bilateral bond between India and Suriname.

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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The Sagarmanthan forum, South Asia’s largest maritime event, began in New Delhi and was organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

This forum aims to promote knowledge sharing to transform the blue economy while emphasizing inclusive growth and sustainable practices. It focuses on creating a resilient maritime future through actionable insights, reflecting India’s commitment to advancing the global maritime sector.

Correct Answer :   Microsoft

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Microsoft has collaborated with NASA to develop "Earth Copilot," a revolutionary AI-driven chatbot that simplifies access to complex Earth Science data.

Leveraging Microsoft's Azure cloud and advanced AI capabilities, Earth Copilot enables users to retrieve valuable insights using plain-language queries.

This partnership democratizes access to critical information on climate, air quality, disaster response, and urban planning, transforming how researchers, educators, policymakers, and climate experts interact with NASA's data.

By making geospatial data more accessible, Microsoft and NASA aim to expand the reach and impact of Earth Science knowledge.

Correct Answer :   Philippines

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Super Typhoon Man-yi, also known locally as Pepito, made a second landfall on the Philippines' main island of Luzon.

The storm brought severe winds, torrential rains, and life-threatening storm surges, causing significant damage, particularly in Cantanduanes.

The typhoon uprooted trees, destroyed buildings, and disrupted power supplies, forcing many people to evacuate to shelters.

The Philippines, known for being highly vulnerable to natural disasters like typhoons, continues to face challenges with these recurring threats, requiring ongoing emergency responses.