Daily Current Affairs Quiz 19th December 2024

**Notes:** The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has upgraded its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to improve the effectiveness of sea rescue operations. Originally introduced in 2016, SARAT has become a vital tool for the Indian Coast Guard and other agencies. The upgraded version, SARAT 2, includes advanced features that provide more accurate predictions for missing objects and individuals at sea, thereby optimizing rescue operations.

**Notes:** Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, unveiled ‘Kisan Kavach,’ India’s first indigenous anti-pesticide bodysuit. Developed by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., the suit aims to protect farmers from pesticide-induced health risks, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging science and technology to empower India’s agricultural community.

**Notes:** In 2024, Israel approved a settlement expansion plan in the Golan Heights, allocating over $11.13 million to boost population and infrastructure in the region. This decision comes amid rising regional tensions following political changes in Syria, particularly the fall of the Assad regime. The expansion aims to double the population in this strategically significant territory.

**Notes:** Moldova has officially joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), signaling its commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. The ISA Framework Agreement was signed in New Delhi by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi. This inclusion follows Armenia’s recent entry, marking the ISA’s continued global expansion aimed at mobilizing over USD 1,000 billion in investments by 2030.

**Notes:** The Gadhimai Festival, held every five years in southeastern Nepal, is one of the world’s most controversial religious observances due to the mass slaughter of animals. Rooted in centuries of tradition, the event attracts hundreds of thousands of Hindus who believe the ritual will appease the Hindu goddess Gadhimai, bringing prosperity. However, the festival has faced fierce opposition from animal rights activists, sparking debates on the intersection of religion, tradition, and animal welfare.

**Notes:** Uber has launched a pilot program called ‘Moto Women’ in Bengaluru to enhance safety and inclusivity in urban mobility. This service is exclusively designed for female riders and drivers, offering an on-demand bike taxi option with a strong emphasis on safety and empowerment. The initiative addresses key issues like safety, privacy, and public transport integration, providing a safer and more flexible earning opportunity for women.

**Notes:** The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lifted supervisory restrictions on two entities of the Edelweiss Group—ECL Finance Ltd and Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (Edelweiss ARC). These restrictions were initially imposed in May 2024 due to concerns over regulatory compliance. After significant engagement and corrective actions by the companies, the RBI is satisfied with their adherence to regulatory norms and has allowed their normal operations to resume.

**Notes:** The Ministry of AYUSH launched a scheme to promote AYUSH systems globally by establishing AYUSH Chairs at five foreign universities—in Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia, and Malaysia. This initiative aims to enhance awareness, academic exchange, research, and public recognition of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, contributing to their global acceptance.

**Notes:** International Migrants Day is observed annually on December 18. In 2024, the day was celebrated under the theme, “Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights.” It serves as a reminder to honor the contributions of migrants worldwide and highlights the challenges they face, including rights, integration, and exploitation, emphasizing the need for fair and inclusive migration policies.

**Notes:** Jasprit Bumrah became India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket on Australian soil, surpassing Kapil Dev’s tally of 51 wickets. This milestone was achieved on December 18, 2024, during the fifth day of the third Test between India and Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane. Bumrah now has 52 wickets in Australia, highlighting his crucial role in India’s pace attack.

**Notes:** Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane on December 18, 2024. This marks the conclusion of his remarkable 14-year international career, during which he became one of India’s greatest match-winners and the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket.

**Notes:** Nat Sciver-Brunt set a new record for the fastest Test century by a woman on December 15, 2024, at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Additionally, Maia Bouchier marked her Test debut with a century. Their aggressive performances placed England in a commanding position, although both were dismissed before converting their hundreds into bigger scores.

**Notes:** The Ram Temple project in Ayodhya was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’ by the British Safety Council. This accolade recognizes the exceptional safety measures implemented during the temple’s construction, highlighting meticulous planning, execution, and adherence to global safety standards. The award was announced by Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Construction Committee of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

**Notes:** Hindi writer Suryabala was awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for her novel “Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary.” Published in 2018, the novel explores cultural conflicts and identity struggles faced by Indian youth in America. The Vyas Samman, instituted in 1991 by the KK Birla Foundation, honors outstanding Hindi literary works from the past decade, providing a cash prize of ₹4 lakh, a citation, and a plaque.

**Notes:** Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group, was awarded the prestigious Jamsetji Tata Award by the Indian Society for Quality (ISQ) for her exceptional contributions to the biosciences sector in India. The award recognizes her leadership in advancing Biocon to a global position while maintaining a strong focus on quality, highlighting her pioneering efforts since 1978 in establishing Biocon as a world leader in biotechnology.

**Notes:** The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 were held in Doha, Qatar, on December 17. The event recognized the best players, coaches, and goalkeepers in both men’s and women’s football, along with other prestigious awards like the FIFA Puskás Award and FIFA Fan Award. Winners were determined through a voting system involving national team coaches, captains, media members, and fans.

**Notes:** Tulsi Gowda, affectionately known as the “Tree Goddess,” was an esteemed environmentalist from Karnataka celebrated for her dedication to afforestation and ecological preservation. Born in 1944 in Honnali village, Uttara Kannada district, she overcame personal and financial hardships to plant over 1 lakh trees. Her efforts earned her the Padma Shri award in 2021. Gowda passed away on December 16, 2024, leaving behind an inspiring legacy in environmental conservation.

**Notes:** ‘Kisan Kavach’ is India’s first indigenous anti-pesticide bodysuit, unveiled by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology. Developed by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., the suit is designed to protect farmers from pesticide-induced health risks, supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering India’s agricultural community through science and technology.

**Notes:** The International Solar Alliance (ISA) aims to unite countries to overcome challenges in solar energy financing, technology, and scalability. With a goal to mobilize over USD 1,000 billion in investments by 2030, ISA focuses on promoting renewable energy and sustainability globally. Moldova’s recent joining of the ISA underscores its commitment to these objectives.

**Notes:** In 2024, Moldova officially joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), demonstrating its commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. The ISA, headquartered in India, focuses on mobilizing significant investments and advancing solar energy technologies globally. Moldova’s participation follows Armenia’s recent entry, highlighting the ISA’s expanding global reach.