Current Affairs - December 1, 2024 Current Affairs

The new species of glyptosternine catfish, Exostoma sentiyonoae, was discovered in the Dzuleke River, a tributary of the Barak River in Nagaland. This discovery highlights the region's rich biodiversity, marking it as the first species of its genus identified in the Dzuleke River. The Barak River system, significant to Northeast India's ecology, flows through Nagaland, among other states, before joining major river systems in Bangladesh. This find emphasizes the ecological importance of preserving riverine habitats in the region.

Norway's Parliament issued an official apology for the century-long assimilation policies, known as "Norwegianisation," that discriminated against the Sami, Kven, and Forest Finn communities. This apology acknowledges the historical injustices faced by these indigenous and minority groups, who were subjected to forced cultural assimilation and discrimination.

The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope was inaugurated in Hanle, Ladakh. Positioned at an altitude of about 4.3 kilometres, Hanle provides an optimal location for the telescope due to its high elevation and clear skies, making it ideal for studying high-energy gamma rays. MACE is the highest imaging Cherenkov telescope globally and is a significant advancement in the field of gamma-ray astronomy. It enables the study of cosmic sources of gamma rays and contributes to understanding dark matter.

The Indian Army has successfully installed Optical Fibre connectivity at Siachen and Daulet Beg Oldie (DBO). Siachen, being the world’s highest and coldest battlefield, is strategically important due to its location between Pakistan and China. The installation of high-speed broadband connectivity in such challenging conditions highlights India’s efforts to enhance communication and surveillance capabilities in the region. Siachen has been under Indian control since 1984 and is vital for maintaining India's territorial security in the northernmost region.

The Rengma Naga tribe celebrated the Ngada festival-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival at the Tseminyu RSA ground in Nagaland. This celebration is part of the tribe’s cultural and agricultural traditions. The Ngada festival marks the end of the agricultural year and serves as an important occasion for the Rengma Nagas to gather and celebrate. The Rengma tribe predominantly resides in Nagaland and Assam, and their cultural practices are deeply tied to the agricultural cycle. The festival is an expression of the community's rich cultural heritage.

The Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus, a member of the flavivirus family, is named after Japan, where the disease was first identified. It primarily affects rural and agricultural areas across Asia and is transmitted through Culex mosquitoes. While the virus cycles between mosquitoes, pigs, and wading birds, humans can become incidental hosts, leading to serious neurological complications. Prevention strategies, including vaccination and mosquito control, are vital in mitigating the public health impact of JE, especially in endemic regions.

The Diplomatic Conference for the adoption of the Design Law Treaty (DLT) was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This treaty aims to streamline and harmonize procedures for registering industrial designs globally, promoting a more predictable and user-friendly environment for intellectual property protection. The adoption of this treaty reflects the commitment of member states to fostering innovation and protecting design rights on an international scale.

The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has issued 1.4 million Ayushman Vay Vandana cards to senior citizens aged 70 and above as of November 25, 2024. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare access for vulnerable elderly populations, ensuring they receive comprehensive medical coverage. It reflects the government's commitment to the welfare and health security of senior citizens through targeted interventions.

International Jaguar Day is observed annually on November 29 to emphasize the conservation of jaguars and their habitats. Established in 2018, the date marks the adoption of the Jaguar Corridor Initiative, which protects jaguar habitats across 18 countries from Mexico to Argentina. Jaguars, the largest big cats in the Americas, are keystone species vital for ecological balance. This day promotes global efforts to preserve these majestic creatures through protected reserves, wildlife corridors, and community engagement initiatives.

The 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) will prominently feature French cinema, showcasing contemporary works by French women filmmakers, classic French films, and more. Scheduled from December 4 to 11, 2024, the festival aims to celebrate the diversity of global and regional cinema. With contributions from renowned French directors like Caroline Vignal, Celine Rouzet, and Elise Otzenberger, this year’s focus on France highlights its significant influence on the world of filmmaking.

The Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare is observed on November 30 each year to honour victims and reaffirm the global commitment to eradicating chemical weapons. Established during the 20th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, the observance aligns with the opening day of annual CWC sessions. It underscores the importance of peace and international cooperation, supported by the Chemical Weapons Convention, which has successfully overseen the elimination of over 99% of declared chemical weapon stockpiles.

Gujarat’s traditional ‘Gharchola’ handicraft, known for its cultural significance in Hindu and Jain weddings, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition adds to Gujarat’s total of 27 GI tags, 23 of which are for handicrafts. The award highlights the exquisite craftsmanship of the state’s artisans and bolsters their livelihood. Additionally, the GI tag ensures authenticity and promotes global recognition of this vibrant cultural heritage. The accolade was presented during the “GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak” program in New Delhi.