Daily Current Affairs Quiz: November 27, 2024

Answer: B

Celebrated annually on November 28

• Red Planet Day honors Mars, known as the Red Planet for its iron oxide-rich surface.
• It Marks the launch anniversary of NASA’s Mariner 4in 1964, the first spacecraft to capture close-up images of Mars.

Answer: A

Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the U.S.

• This year it will be celebrated on 28 November.
• Aim : to give thanks for blessings and the harvest of the year.
• It is a uniquely American holiday dedicated to expressing gratitude, cherishing loved ones, and reflecting on life’s blessings.

Answer: B

Current Context : Cabinet approved One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) programme.

What is ONOS?

• A Central Sector Scheme to provide country-wide access to scholarly research articles and journals on a unified digital platform.

Objectives:

• Aligns with Viksit Bharat@2047, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)to advance education and research.

Financial Details:

• Allocated ₹6,000 crore for implementation between 2025 and 2027.

Ministry and Implementation:

• Managed by the Ministry of Educationthrough the Department of Higher Education (DHE).
• A national subscription will be coordinated via Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), a UGC inter-university center.

Benefits:

• Enhances equity in research opportunitiesacross regions.
• Supports affordable access to global research and facilitates innovation and knowledge-sharingamong Indian scholars​
• Aim : to foster a research-driven economy and bolster India’s position as a global knowledge leader.

Answer: D

Current Context :The Government of India has launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

• Objective: Promote chemical-free, livestock-based natural farming across India.
• Ministry : Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
• Evolution: Originated as Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), renamed Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP) under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in 2019. Revamped as NMNF in 2023-24.

Natural Farming Practices:

1. Components:
   1. Beejamrit: Seed treatment with cow dung and urine.
   2. Jivamrit: Bio-stimulant promoting microorganisms.
   3. Mulching: Use of live and dead biomass to cover soil.
   4. Whapasa: Enhancing soil moisture via water vapor management.
   5. Plant Protection: Use of biological sprays against pests.
2. Approach: On-farm resource utilization and avoidance of synthetic chemicals.

Benefits:

• Improved soil health, enhanced productivity, and reduced input costs.
• Higher income through intercropping and eco-friendly practices.
• Healthier food due to chemical-free cultivation.

Answer: B

Current Context :The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved PAN 2.0 Project of the Income Tax (IT) Department.

About PAN 2.0 Project

• An upgraded e-Governance initiative by the Income Tax Department, replacing the existing PAN/TAN 1.0 system.
• Aims to modernize taxpayer registration services through technology-driven transformation.

Key Features

1. Unified Portal: One-stop solution for all PAN/TAN-related services (application, Aadhaar linking, corrections, online validation).
2. Paperless Process: Emphasizes eco-friendly digital methods.
3. Free PAN Issuance: No cost for issuance; faster processing times.
4. Enhanced Security: Includes a PAN Data Vault to secure user information.
5. Dedicated Support: Call centers and helpdesks for taxpayer assistance

Answer: B

Current Context : Recently, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) declared the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) for the year 2024.

About National Gopal Ratna Award:

It is one of the highest National Awards in the field of livestock and dairy sector.

Purpose:

• Recognizes excellence in the livestock and dairy sector.
• Aims to encourage individuals and organizations contributing significantly to animal husbandry and dairying.

Categories:

• Best Dairy Farmer Rearing Indigenous Cattle/Buffalo Breeds.
• Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT).
• Best Dairy Cooperative/Milk Producer Company/Dairy Farmer Producer Organization.
• Special awards for the North Eastern Region (NER)introduced in 2024 to promote dairy development in these states.

Answer: C

Current Context :The Union Cabinet recently approved the continuation of its flagship Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), under NITI Aayog, with an allocation of ₹2,750 crore until March 31, 2028.

About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM):

It is a flagship initiative set up by the NITI Aayog in 2016.

Objective: To foster innovation and entrepreneurship in India through structured initiatives.

Core Programs:

• Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL):For fostering creativity in schools.
• Atal Incubation Centers (AIC):Supporting startups.
• Challenges and Mentorship:Includes Atal New India Challenges and Mentor India programs.

New Developments (AIM 2.0):

• Focus on inclusive innovation (Language Inclusive Program of Innovation – LIPI).
• Creation of 30 vernacular innovation centers and 2,500 new ATLs.

Answer: B

Current Context : The Indian Coast Guard will conduct SAREX-24 in Kochi,  Kerala from November 27 to 30.

• It is India’s largest National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise hosted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Theme: “Enhancing SAR Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration.”

Key Features:

• Includes the 22nd National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board Meeting.
• Features the largest-ever real-time simulationsto enhance skills for search and rescue (SAR) operations.
• Participation from 40+ international observersrepresenting partner nations.