Current Affairs Quiz 22nd November 2024 Quiz

Exp. Dr. Jitendra Singh announces soft launch of India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic, Nafithromycin, to Combat Drug Resistance

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh formally launched the first indigenous antibiotic “Nafithromycin” for resistant infections.

The antibiotic “Nafithromycin” has been developed with the support of “Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council” (BIRAC), a unit of the Department of Biotechnology and has been brought to market under the trade name “Miqnaf” by pharma company “Wolkardt”. It is the country’s first indigenously developed antibiotic aimed at tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

This innovation is designed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), a severe illness caused by drug-resistant bacteria, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly as well as immune-compromised hosts like Patients with Diabetes, Cancers etc.

Nafithromycin marks a historic breakthrough as the first new antibiotic in its class to be developed globally in over 30 years.

The development of Nafithromycin represents 14 years of dedicated research and an investment of Rs. 500 crores, with clinical trials spanning the U.S., Europe, and India.

Exp. Guyana, and Dominica confer top awards on PM Modi

Guyana and Dominica have conferred their top awards on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his exceptional contributions to the global community and efforts in strengthening bilateral ties with the two Caribbean nations.

Modi was conferred ‘The Order of Excellence’ by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali.

In 2021, during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, your generous provision of 70,000 AstraZeneca vaccines became a lifeline for Dominica.

About Guyana

• Capital – Georgetown
• Currency – Guyanese Dollar
• Prime Minister- Mark Phillips
• President- Mohamed Irfaan Ali
• Continent – South Americ

Exp. Japan and Wales to Partner with Nagaland for Hornbill Festival 2024

Japan has been announced as the official partner country for the 25th edition of Nagaland’s renowned Hornbill Festival, alongside Wales.

The festival, scheduled from December 1-10 at Kisama near Kohima, will feature Japan’s contribution in areas like cultural performances, capacity building, and workshops focusing on handicrafts and bamboo products, with renowned Japanese artists and experts leading these sessions.

The Hornbill Festival is an annual cultural event in Nagaland, celebrated from December 1 to 10 at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima. Organized by the Government of Nagaland, it highlights the vibrant cultural heritage of the state.

Exp. Assam government renames Karimganj district as Sribhumi

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Karimganj district in the state would be renamed to Sribhumi to honour Rabindranath Tagore.

Over a 100 years ago, Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore had described modern day Karimganj District in Assam as ‘Sribhumi’- the land of Maa Lakshmi.

About Assam

• Formation – 26 January 1950
• Capital – Dispur
• Chief Minister –Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor – Gulab Chand Kataria

Exp. Prasar Bharati launches its own OTT platform ‘Waves’ at IFFI

Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, on Wednesday launched its own OTT platform, ‘Waves’.

The app, available on Android and iOS, aims to deliver diverse content under the tagline “Waves – Family Entertainment Ki Nayi Lehar.”

The platform was launched by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) where he called it a significant moment for the Indian entertainment industry.

‘Waves’ offers content in over 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, and Assamese, across genres such as infotainment, gaming, education, and shopping. It features 65 live TV channels, video-on-demand, free-to-play games, and even online shopping in collaboration with ONDC.

‘Waves’ will screen new films and shows during IFFI 2024, including ‘Roll No.52’ by Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni, ‘Fauji 2.0’ starring Gauhar Khan, and Guneet Monga Kapoor’s ‘Kicking Balls’. Other offerings include music shows, animations like ‘Chota Bheem’, and crime thrillers.

Live content includes ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Ayodhya’s Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti, and international events like the US Premier League Cricket Tournament. Waves has also partnered with CDAC for a cyber-security awareness campaign.

Chairman of Prasar Bharati – Navneet Kumar Sehgal,  

Exp. 21 November – World Fisheries Day

World Fisheries Day is celebrated across the world on November 21 annually.

It aims to draw attention to overfishing, habitat destruction and other serious threats to the sustainability of marine and freshwater resources.

Theme 2024 – India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries

The celebrations started in 1997 when “World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers” met at New Delhi leading to formation of “World Fisheries Forum” with representatives from 18 countries and signed a declaration advocating for a global mandate of sustainable fishing practices and policies.

Exp. TRAI takes strong action to combat spam calls in India, over 13,000 entities register for message traceability measure

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken several measures to combat the persistence issue of spam calls and SMS.

1. Complaintsagainst Spam Calls show downward trend due to Stringent Measure
2. Good Progress in implementation of Enhanced Message Traceability

To raise awareness about these measures and action to be taken by PEs and RTMs, webinars are organized under the aegis of TRAI.

The first webinar was conducted on 12th November 2024 in association with Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (RJIL) and was attended by over 1000 representatives from entities being regulated by RBI, SEBI, PFRDA and IRDAI

The second webinar was conducted in association withVodafone Idea Ltd (VIL) on19th November 2024 and was attended by over 800 representatives from Central and State Governments Departments and the entities being regulated by RBI, SEBI, PFRDA and IRDAI.

In this series, another webinar is scheduled for 25th November 2024 and shall be conducted in association withTata Teleservices Ltd. (TTL). Invitations have been sent the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, other Central and State Governments Departments, the entities being regulated by RBI, SEBI, PFRDA and IRDAI; Nasscom, Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) and other organization.

As a result of these efforts, more than thirteen thousand PEs have already registered their chains with the respective Access Providers and further registration is in progress at a rapid pace. Access Providers have sent many warning notices to all Principal Entities (PEs) and Registered Telemarketers (RTMs) who have not yet implemented necessary changes.  All PEs and TMs are advised to complete the declaration of chains on priority as any message that fails to adhere to the defined telemarketer chain will be rejected.

These efforts have led to the registration of over 13,000 Principal Entities with Access Providers, with further registrations progressing rapidly. Access Providers have issued warning notices to PEs and RTMs yet to comply with the new requirements, advising them to declare their message chains promptly. Any non-compliant messages will be rejected.

About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

• Founded- 20 February 1997
• Headquarters- New Delhi
• Chairman – Anil Kumar Lahoti
• Jurisdiction- Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India

Exp. India and Sweden co-chair the Annual Summit of LeadIT, on the sidelines of UNFCCC COP29 at Baku

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, together with Swedish Minister for Climate and Environment, Romina Pourmokhtari, co-chaired the Annual Summit of the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), held on the sidelines of COP29 to the UN Climate Change Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The LeadIT Summit brings together the country and company members to discuss the low-carbon industrial transition.

The objective is to support plans that align heavy industry with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. The summit spotlighted the critical role of transforming sectors such as steel and cement.

Exp. 21 November 2024 – World Philosophy Day

National Philosophy Day is observed every year on the third Thursday of November, this year was observed on 21 November.

The day promotes philosophical discourse and critical thinking, encouraging dialogue on global issues. It aims to foster intercultural understanding, promote the teaching of philosophy, and highlight its relevance in addressing contemporary challenges like social justice, ethics, and governance.

Exp. New Microbe reverting sesame flowers to vegetative state identified

Researchers have identified a new microbe responsible for a peculiar disease that has been affecting the sesame fields of Midnapore in West Bengal.

Sesame, the Queen of Oil, is a primordial oilseed crop since the remnants of sesame seeds were discovered at Harappa and Mohenjodaro. Sesame oil is excellent from a medicinal point of view. It contains antioxidants, and it is perfect for heart patients. Unfortunately, we do not use it frequently as the principal edible oil. The Indian sesame varieties need improvement so that their benefits can be harnessed.

The microbe is a cell wall lacking Mollicutes bacteria, called Candidatus Phytoplasma.

The transmission of these pathogens takes place primarily through phloem feeder insects (leafhoppers, plant-hoppers, psyllids, and dodders), which are known to infect many commercially valuable crops like Catharanthus, tobacco, maize, and grapevine. The manifestations of the disease are disfigurement and virescence of the floral parts, giving a leafy appearance.

Exp. India’s 1st AI data bank to boost national security launched

The Ministry of Science and Technology has launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) data bank that is aimed at propelling innovation and boosting the country’s national security.

The initiative will provide researchers, startups, and developers access to high-quality, diverse datasets essential for creating scalable and inclusive AI solutions.

It was launched by Minister of Science and Technology Minister (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh at the 7th Edition of the ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024.

The event, themed “AI for India: Advancing India’s AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance”, showcased India’s strategic roadmap for harnessing the transformative potential of AI.

Exp. India crowned champions of Bihar Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 with 1-0 victory over China

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team were crowned champions of the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, following a 1-0 victory over China in the final.

The game saw both teams trade blows in the first half, but India increased the intensity in the second half. A goal from Deepika (31′) ensured India defended their Asian Champions Trophy title.

Hockey India announced a reward of Rs 3 lakh each for all players and Rs 1.5 lakh each for all support staff following the Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s triumphant victory in the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024.

In addition, the Asian Hockey Federation announced a reward for podium finishers for the first time in the competition’s history. India will receive a substantial USD 10,000, while China and Japan will be awarded USD 7,000 and USD 5,000, respectively.

Exp. Nandan Kumar Jha named president of the International Mind Sports Association

India’s Nandan Kumar Jha has been elected as the president of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), a global body for the governance and promotion of mind sports.

The IMSA, which has over 200 member countries, works with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other affiliate global sports federations to integrate mind sports into mainstream global sports.

Recent Appointment

• Comptroller and Auditor General of India – K. Sanjay Murthy (replace Girish Chandra Murmu)
• Chairperson of International Jury for IFFI 2024- Ashutosh Gowariker
• Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation – Arvinder Singh Sahney (replace V.Satish Kumar)
• Coach of Neeraj Chopra – Jan Zelezny (Czech repbulic)
• 51st Chief Justice of India – Justice Sanjiv Khanna (replace Justice DY Chandrachud).

Exp. India drops 2 places but remains among top 10 climate performers: Report

India ranked 10th on a list of over 60 countries assessed for efforts to fight climate change despite dropping two spots compared to last ago, thanks to its low per capita emissions and rapid deployment of renewables.

The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) report, released at the annual UN climate conference in Baku, leaves the first three places empty followed by Denmark (fourth place) and the Netherlands while the largest two emitters, China and the U.S., remain very low at 55th and 57th place, respectively.

Published by think tanks Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International, the CCPI tracks the progress of the world’s largest emitters in terms of emissions, renewables, and climate policy.

The 63 countries, along with the European Union, assessed in the CCPI are responsible for 90% of global emissions. India ranks 10th in this year’s CCPI, remaining among the highest performers.

India’s per capita emissions stand at 2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e), far below the global average of 6.6 tCO2e. The country, the world’s third-largest greenhouse gas emitter and the fastest growing major economy, has pledged to reach net zero emissions (balancing emissions with removals) by 2070 and aims to achieve 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, Indian official data shows.

China, the world’s biggest emitter, ranks 55th, falling to a very low level. Despite promising plans, trends, and measures, the largest economy in Asia remains heavily dependent on coal and lacks sufficient climate targets.

The U.S., the second-largest emitter, remains in 57th place among the very low performers.

The four lowest-ranked countries in the CCPI are Iran (67th), Saudi Arabia (66th), the United Arab Emirates (65th), and Russia (64th), all four among the world’s largest oil and gas producers.