This is the current affairs of 13 to 15 December 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Which country began the process of removing King Charles III as head of state to become the world’s newest republic?
a. New Zealand
b. Canada
c. Belize
d. Jamaica
Answer: d. Jamaica
– The Jamaican government has taken the first step towards removing Emperor Charles III from the symbolic position of the country’s head of state.
– A bill has been introduced in Parliament to end the constitutional monarchy in the country and convert it into a republic.
– Currently, the Emperor is represented in the country by a Governor-General.
– Like many former British colonies, Jamaica retained the British Emperor as the head of state after gaining independence in 1962.
– However, this arrangement is formal/symbolic, and the British government or the Emperor does not provide any input into Jamaica’s governance. It is often seen as a remnant of colonial rule.
– In recent years, four of the twelve former colonies in the Caribbean have adopted republicanism, where the British monarch is no longer the head of state. These countries are: Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, and Barbados.
– There has been growing resentment in the region towards the British monarchy.
– Whenever members of the royal family visit Caribbean countries, they are often asked to apologize for the atrocities of slavery.
Which countries does King Charles III serve as Head of State?
– Emperor Charles III is not only the Emperor of the United Kingdom (UK), but also of 14 other countries. These fourteen countries are:
– Antigua and Barbuda
– Australia
– The Bahamas
– Belize
– Canada
– Grenada
– Tuvalu
– Jamaica
– New Zealand
– Saint Lucia
– Papua New Guinea
– Solomon Islands
– Saint Kitts and Nevis
– Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Note: In 2021, Barbados removed the Emperor from the position of head of state and declared itself a republic, though it remains a member of the Commonwealth.
Powers of the Emperor
– The Emperor has some constitutional duties, the most important of which is giving approval to new governments.
– Depending on the country, he may formally approve laws.
– He can appoint some officials or grant state honors.
– In non-UK territories, King Charles appoints a royal representative to carry out these duties, called a Governor-General.
Powers of the Emperor in Jamaica
– In Jamaica, the British Emperor is merely a titular head of state.
– However, the Emperor makes the appointment to the position of Governor-General.
– The Jamaican government recommends the appointment, and the Emperor’s seal is applied.
– All other functions are carried out by the Australian government.
Jamaica
– This is a Caribbean country.
– Capital: Kingston
– Emperor: Charles III
– Governor-General: Patrick Allen
– Prime Minister: Andrew Holness
– Currency: Jamaican Dollar
Note: The organization of Caribbean countries is called CARICOM. The India-CARICOM Summit was held in Guyana in November 2024.
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2. When is UNICEF Foundation Day celebrated?
a. 10 December
b. 11 December
c. 12 December
d. 13 December
Answer: b. 11 December
– UNICEF was established on December 11, 1946, by the United Nations General Assembly.
– At that time, it was led by Ludwik Rajchman.
– Initially, its goal was to meet the immediate needs of children and mothers in countries affected by World War II.
– However, in 1950, UNICEF’s mission was expanded to address the long-term needs of children and women.
– Its headquarters is located in New York (USA).
– Its parent organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC).
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3. According to UNCCD (U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification), what percentage of the world’s land area has become permanently dry from 1990 to 2020 (in 30 years)?
a. 57.6%
b. 67.6%
c. 77.6%
d. 87.6%
Answer: c. 77.6%
Report Issued By: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
– Date of Report Release: December 9, 2024
– Location of Report Release: At the 16th UNCCD Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
– Drought vs. Aridity: Aridity is a permanent and irreversible land change, whereas drought is temporary.
Summary of the Report:
– By 2020, approximately 77.6% of Earth’s land experienced arid conditions over the three decades compared to the previous 30 years.
– During the same period, dry land expanded by about 4.3 million square kilometers.
– This area is nearly one-third larger than India, the seventh-largest country in the world, and now covers 40.6% of Earth’s land (excluding Antarctica).
– The report warns that if the world fails to curb greenhouse gas emissions, 3% of the world’s wet areas could turn into dry land by the end of this century.
Regions Most Affected by Drought:
– Western United States and parts of Brazil: These regions are experiencing a significant trend of drying, water scarcity, and increasing wildfire risks.
– Mediterranean and Southern Europe: Once considered granaries for agriculture, these regions now face a bleak future as semi-arid conditions are increasing.
– Parts of Central Africa and Asia: In biologically diverse regions, ecosystem degradation and desertification are occurring, putting countless species at risk.
Impact of This Situation:
– Forced migration is one of the most obvious consequences of aridity.
– As land becomes desertified, families and entire communities facing water shortages and agricultural collapse often have no choice but to leave their homes.
– This leads to social and political challenges worldwide.
– Millions of people are already migrating from the Middle East to Africa and South Asia.
– This trend is expected to intensify in the coming decades.
Increasing Threats to Population:
– Currently, 2.3 billion people live in arid areas.
– In the past 30 years, this number has doubled, and it is expected to reach 5 billion by 2100.
– These populations face severe threats from increasing aridity and desertification due to climate change.
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4. Where will Khelo India Winter Games 2025 be held?
a. Ladakh
b. Jammu and Kashmir
c. Arunachal Pradesh
d. Both a and b
Answer: d. Both a and b (Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir)
Event Dates and Locations:
– Ladakh (Ice Events): January 23 to 27, 2025.
– Jammu and Kashmir (Snow Events): February 22 to 25, 2025.
– Leh and Gulmarg will host the Khelo India Youth Games 2025.
– Sports to be held: Ice Skating, Hockey, Skiing, Snowboarding.
Other Games Events:
– Youth and Para Games in Bihar (April 2025) and Khelo India University Games.
Ladakh:
– Capital: Leh
– Lieutenant Governor: BD Mishra
Jammu and Kashmir:
– Chief Minister: Omar Abdullah
– Lieutenant Governor: Manoj Sinha
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports:
– Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
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5. Which language’s famous singer and musician Purushottam Upadhyaya passed away on 11 December 2024?
a. Bengal
b. Punjab
c. Marathi
b. Gujarati
Answer: d. Gujarati
– He was 90 years old. He passed away in Mumbai.
– He had received the Gujarat Gaurav Award and the Padma Shri Award.
– He was born on August 15, 1934, in Kheda, Gujarat.
– He composed music for more than 20 films and 30 plays.
– Major Achievements: Composed music for 20+ films and 30+ plays; Famous songs: “He Ranglo Jamyo,” “Divso Judaina Jay Che,” “Ae Jashe Zarur Milan Sudhi,” “Kahoon Chu Jawanine.”
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6. The fourth edition of the Eaglenest Bird Festival will be held in which state in January 2025?
a. Assam
b. Arunachal Pradesh
c. Rajasthan
d. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: b. Arunachal Pradesh
– Event Dates: January 17 to 19, 2025
– Location in Arunachal Pradesh: The festival will be held in the West Kameng district at the villages of Khellong and Thongre.
– The Chief Minister of the state, Pema Khandu, unveiled the new logo for this festival.
– This festival raises awareness about the natural beauty and biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh and promotes eco-tourism.
– A special highlight of the festival will be the announcement of the historic route that was determined by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
– The festival will also feature the inauguration of the Eco-Bio-Diversity Park, where a tree planted by the Dalai Lama in 1959 will be preserved.
Arunachal Pradesh
– Capital: Itanagar
– Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
– Governor: Brigadier (Retd) Dr. B.D. Mishra
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7. Where was the International Gita Mahotsav organized from 28 November to 15 December 2024?
a. Kurukshetra, Haryana
b. Sitamarhi, Bihar
c. Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh
d. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Answer: a. Kurukshetra, Haryana
– The Gita Mahotsav is celebrated on the 11th day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Margashirsha (November-December) according to the traditional Hindu lunar calendar.
– In 2024, the festival was held from November 28 to December 15.
– The festival was primarily organized at Brahma Sarovar, a significant site in Kurukshetra, which is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war.
– The Bhagavad Gita contains the priceless teachings of Lord Krishna, which he gave to Arjuna on the first day of the 18-day battle of Mahabharata, nearly 5152 years ago at the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
– Tanzania participated as a partner country in the International Gita Mahotsav.
Haryana
– Capital: Chandigarh
– Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Saini
– Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya
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8. When is the International Day of Neutrality observed?
a. 12 December
b. 13 December
c. 14 December
d. 22 December
Answer: a. 12 December
– The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the importance of neutrality in inter-governmental relations and its contribution to strengthening global stability and harmony.
– What does neutrality mean here? – Avoiding participation in wars between other countries, impartiality in international disputes, and advocating for peaceful dispute resolution.
– Neutrality promotes peace, stability, and cooperation.
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9. Which Indian won the World Chess Championship 2024 title at the youngest age?
a. Vishwanathan Anand
b. D Gukesh
c. R Praggnanandhaa
d. Arjun Erigesi
Answer: b. D Gukesh
– He is an 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster.
– He won the World Chess Championship title on December 12, 2024.
– He defeated China’s defending champion Ding Liren in the final.
– At such a young age, Gukesh became the first player in the world to win the title. Previously, in 1985, Russia’s Garry Kasparov had won the title at the age of 22.
– Gukesh won the title by defeating the Chinese player in the 14th game.
– The championship was held in Singapore.
Other Players Who Became World Champions:
– Gukesh became the second Indian player to win the Chess World Championship.
– Viswanathan Anand became the World Chess Champion in 2012.
– Gukesh also won the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament at the age of 17. He became the youngest player to win that title.
Who is D. Gukesh?
– Gukesh D’s full name is Dommaraju Gukesh.
– He is from Chennai.
– Gukesh was born in Chennai on May 7, 2006.
– He started playing chess at the age of 7.
– Gukesh’s father is a doctor, and his mother is a microbiologist.
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10. Who is the youngest bowler to take 100 wickets in all three formats of cricket (Test, ODI, and T20)?
a. Shaheen Afridi
b. Tim Southee
c. Lasith Malinga
d. R Ashwin
Answer: a. Shaheen Afridi
– He is a Pakistani player.
– Shaheen Afridi achieved this milestone at the age of 24 years and 248 days.
– Afridi is the first Pakistani bowler to take 100 wickets in all three formats.
Career Statistics:
– Test: 116 wickets (in 31 matches)
– ODI: 112 wickets (in 56 matches)
– T20: 100 wickets (in 74 matches)
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11. What was the retail inflation in the country in November 2024?
a. 3.81%
b. 3.91%
c. 4.92%
d. 5.48%
Answer: d. 5.48%
– India’s retail inflation dropped to 5.48% in November, compared to 6.21% in October.
– The slight reduction in the inflation rate was due to a softening in the prices of food items, especially vegetables.
– However, volatile food prices remain a concern.
Who releases the retail inflation report?
– NSO (National Statistical Office)
– It operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
How is the retail inflation rate determined?
– It is determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
– The CPI calculates the inflation of food items, fruits, clothing, footwear, housing, fuel, electricity, and others.
– As consumers, we purchase goods from retail markets, and the CPI shows the changes in the prices associated with these purchases. It measures the average price we pay for goods and services.
How does inflation affect us?
– Inflation directly impacts purchasing power. For example, if the inflation rate is 6%, the value of 100 rupees earned will be only 94 rupees.
– Therefore, investments should be made considering inflation, or else the value of your money will decrease.
How does RBI control inflation?
– To control inflation, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduces the flow of money (liquidity) in the market.
– For this, RBI adjusts the repo rate.
– When inflation rises, RBI increases the repo rate, and when inflation is very low, RBI decreases the repo rate.
– Inflation has been reported to be under control recently, which is why RBI did not change the repo rate for the ninth consecutive time in August.
RBI’s Inflation Target
– RBI’s inflation target, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is set at 4%. However, it can vary by plus or minus 2%.
– Therefore, inflation below 2% or above 6% is not ideal for the country’s economic growth.
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12. What was India’s wholesale inflation rate in November 2024?
a. 0.27%
b. 1.84%
c. 1.89%
d. 3.27%
Answer: c. 1.89%
Who released the report of wholesale inflation rate
– Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
– It operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
(Note – The retail inflation rate is released by NSO.)
What is the Wholesale Inflation Rate?
– The wholesale inflation rate is based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
– The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) refers to the prices at which one business charges another business in the wholesale market.
– These prices are related to business transactions in wholesale trade.
(Note – Retail inflation is determined by the Consumer Price Index.)
Minister of Commerce and Industry: – Piyush Goyal
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