November - 2024 Current Affairs

Correct Answer :   Empower Underprivileged Youth

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The VISION Portal (Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network), inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, aims to empower underprivileged youth through education, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods.

By funding internships and fostering innovation, the portal bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.

This initiative aligns with Vision India 2047, focusing on inclusive growth and providing opportunities for marginalized communities, contributing to India's technological and entrepreneurial advancement.

Correct Answer :   Andhra Pradesh

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The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has approved the repeal of the garbage collection tax, which was imposed on households and commercial complexes.

This move aims to alleviate financial pressure on citizens and investigate alleged contractor benefits linked to the tax.

The repeal of the tax is expected to benefit 40 municipalities across the state, which received a total of ?13.9 crore per month for garbage collection.

Correct Answer :   November 25

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November 25 is marked annually as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

* It was officially designated by the United Nations 25 years ago and aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence, a prevalent human rights violation.

* The date honours the Mirabal sisters, political activists from the Dominican Republic who were murdered on November 25, 1960, under Rafael Trujillo's regime.

* Observances include global campaigns such as the 16 Days of Activism, advocating for policy reforms and public engagement to combat violence against women.

Correct Answer :   Brazil

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COP30, the next major UN climate conference, will be hosted by Brazil in 2025.

This announcement follows the commitments made at COP29 in Baku, which included a $1.3 trillion climate finance goal and the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund starting in 2025.

Brazil's selection reflects its critical role in global environmental discussions, particularly concerning the Amazon rainforest and climate change mitigation efforts.

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Cooperative Conference 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also launched the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives 2025 and released a commemorative postal stamp. On this occasion, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, the President of International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, and several other dignitaries were present.

On this occasion, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said in his address that the United Nations' decision to observe 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives is a timely step and will prove to be a blessing for millions of poor people and farmers worldwide. He added that the inauguration of the International Year of Cooperatives-2025 by Prime Minister Modi today and the hosting of the International Cooperative Conference of the ICA in India is a welcome step.

Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi three years ago gave the clarion call of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” which reflects the essence of theme of this conference, which paved the way for the prosperity of millions of villages, women, and farmers. He said that in previous 3 years, many new activities have taken place in the cooperative sector of India, and after 75 years of independence, India's cooperative movement has experienced a revival, bringing with it a new zeal.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in next 3 years, through 2 lakh new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), there will not be a single village panchayat in India without a cooperative society. He said that many steps have also been taken to make PACS modern, tech-enabled and economically-viable. He said that through 3 new cooperative bodies formed at the national level, the farmers of India will be able to increase their access to the domestic as well as global market. He said that National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL),  National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) will not only increase the participation of farmers in world trade in the coming days, but will also work to inspire cooperatives all over the World as to how a small farmer can reach all the markets of the World. Shri Shah said that Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), Krishak Bharti Cooperative (KRIBHCO) and Amul have set examples in the field of cooperatives all over the world and similarly these three cooperatives will also guide the people working in the cooperative sectors of the World..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Tamil Nadu

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* A rare peacock with white feathers, affected by leucism, was rescued by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and an NGO.

* Leucism is a genetic condition causing reduced pigmentation, distinct from albinism. Unlike albinism, leucism doesn't affect skin, eyes, or non-feather pigmentation.

* The rescued peacock's condition is characterized by pale feathers, while its skin and eyes retain normal pigmentation.

* This rare sighting highlights the importance of conservation efforts in Tamil Nadu, known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife protection initiatives.

Correct Answer :   IIT Bombay

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'AroTrack' is a water-pollutant detecting device developed by scientists at IIT Bombay.

* It uses bacteria-derived proteins to detect harmful aromatic pollutants like phenol, benzene, and xylenols in water.

* A key feature of AroTrack is its ability to identify pollutants through a chemical reaction that causes a visible colour change.

* The device is affordable, portable, and battery-operated, making it ideal for use in rural and low-income areas with limited access to expensive laboratory tests.

* This innovation is significant in improving water quality monitoring in various regions.

Correct Answer :   New Zealand

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* The haka protest was staged in New Zealand by Maori lawmakers in response to the Treaty Principles Bill, which proposes a reinterpretation of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi.

* The protest, involving the traditional Maori dance, was a powerful symbol of the community’s opposition to the bill, as it could dilute the specific rights granted to the Maori people.

* The haka, historically used in battle, is now a strong cultural expression used to assert unity and strength, particularly in protests related to Maori rights and protections.

Correct Answer :   Guyana

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The 2nd India-CARICOM Summit was chaired by the Prime Minister of India in Georgetown, Guyana.

This summit marked a key milestone in strengthening relations between India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The event focused on various areas of collaboration such as agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare, and highlighted India's commitment to furthering ties with CARICOM nations.

The summit also underscored the importance of shared goals in capacity building, cultural exchange, and sustainable development within the region.

Correct Answer :   Andhra Pradesh

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Andhra Pradesh reversed its longstanding two-child policy, citing concerns about a rapidly ageing population and declining fertility rate, which could have serious long-term economic and social consequences.

The state's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.5 is below the replacement level of 2.1, raising concerns about a shrinking workforce and labour shortages.

This demographic shift highlights the need for a new population policy to address future challenges and harness the potential of India's young population.