This is the current affairs of 17 to 19 November 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Name the Miss Universe 2024 winner?
a. Riya Singha
b. Victoria Kjer
c. Sheyanice Palacios
d. Chidinma Adetsina
Answer: b. Victoria Kjer (full name is Victoria Kjer Thelvig and hails from Denmark)
– Victoria Kjær was crowned the 73rd Miss Universe in November 2024.
– This year’s competition featured over 120 participants from around the world, emphasizing themes such as empowerment, diversity, and global unity.
– India’s Riya Singha made it to the Top 30.
– The competition was held in Mexico on November 16, 2024.
About the Miss Universe Title:
– The competition is organized by the Miss Universe Organization, headquartered in New York, USA.
– It began on June 28, 1952.
– The first winner, in 1952, was Armi Kuusela from Finland.
India at Miss Universe:
– 1994: Sushmita Sen – India’s first Miss Universe
– 2000: Lara Dutta – India’s second Miss Universe
– 2021: Harnaaz Sandhu – India’s third Miss Universe
India at Miss World:
– 1966: Reita Faria – India’s first Miss World
– 1994: Aishwarya Rai – India’s second Miss World
– 1997: Diana Hayden – India’s third Miss World
– 1999: Yukta Mookhey – India’s fourth Miss World
– 2000: Priyanka Chopra – India’s fifth Miss World
– 2017: Manushi Chhillar – India’s sixth Miss World
Denmark:
– Capital: Copenhagen
– Monarch: Frederick X
– Prime Minister: Mette Frederiksen
– Currency: Danish Krone
– Neighboring Countries: Germany, Sweden
– Seas: North Sea, Baltic Sea
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2. G20 Summit 2024 was held in which country and its city?
a. India (New Delhi)
b. Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
c. South Africa (Cape Town)
d. USA (New York)
Answer: b. Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
– When was it held: November 18 and 19, 2024
– The G20 Summit was chaired by Brazilian President Lula da Silva.
G20 Summit Locations:
– 2023: India (New Delhi)
Theme: One Earth, One Family, One Future
– 2024: Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
Theme: Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet
– 2025: South Africa
– 2026: USA
What did Prime Minister Modi say?
– On November 18, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the nations of the Global South are the most adversely affected by crises related to food, fuel, and fertilizers due to global conflicts. G20 must prioritize their concerns and needs.
India-China Meeting:
– Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang discussed resuming direct flights, the return of journalists, tourists, and pilgrims.
About G20:
– The G20 or Group of Twenty was established in 1999 in response to the financial crisis that impacted East and Southeast Asia.
– Its aim is to ensure global financial stability by including middle-income countries.
– There are now 21 members, and from the 2024 summit, it will be referred to as G21.
– It consists of 19 countries and two organizations.
– G20 plays a critical role in international economic cooperation and addressing major global economic issues.
– The G20 has no permanent secretariat or headquarters; the host country establishes a temporary office during its presidency.
G20 Members:
– India
– Argentina
– Germany
– Indonesia
– Italy
– Japan
– Republic of Korea
– Mexico
– Russia
– Saudi Arabia
– South Africa
– Türkiye
– Australia
– Brazil
– Canada
– China
– France
– United Kingdom
– USA
– European Union
– African Union
– International Monetary Fund and World Bank are its representatives.
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3. DRDO successfully tested the hypersonic missile for the first time in November 2024, what is the speed of such a missile?
a. Same speed as sound (1234.8 kmph)
b. 2 times faster than sound (2469.6 kmph)
c. 3 times faster than sound (3704.4 kmph)
d. 5 times faster than sound (6174 kmph)
Answer: d. 5 times faster than sound (6174 kmph)
– Who conducted the missile test: Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
– When was it launched: On the night of November 16, 2024
– Where was it launched from: APJ Abdul Kalam Azad Island near the coast of Odisha
– Missile speed: 5 times faster than sound (6174 kmph)
– Missile range: More than 1500 kilometers
– Where can it be launched from: Air, water, and land (meaning triad capability)
India in a special group of countries
– With the successful testing of this missile, India has joined the group of select countries that have such military technology.
– The USA, Russia, and China have the most advanced hypersonic weapons programs.
– Russia is the only country that has used a hypersonic missile named Kinzhal in war. It fired this missile on Ukraine in 2022.
Is the hypersonic missile ballistic or cruise?
– This missile of India can fly in both ballistic and cruise modes to destroy the target location.
– A ballistic missile reaches the lower orbit of the Earth to attack the enemy.
– Whereas a cruise missile flies at low altitudes to reach the target.
Special features of the hypersonic missile
– Due to high speed and low trajectory, i.e., flight at low altitude, it is almost impossible to detect them by the radar of any country, including the USA. For this reason, no missile defense system in the world can shoot them down.
– Hypersonic missiles are capable of carrying several tons of nuclear weapons. These missiles can carry 480 kilograms of nuclear or traditional weapons. For countries possessing nuclear weapons, this missile is considered important.
– Hypersonic missiles are equipped with maneuverable technology, i.e., they are experts in changing paths in the air. Because of this, they can target even moving locations. This capability makes it difficult to escape from them.
Indian hypersonic missile is based on HSTDV
– In 2020, DRDO conducted a successful test of a Hypersonic Technology Demonstrated Vehicle (HSTDV).
– According to reports, India is progressing towards making its hypersonic cruise missile using HSTDV, which has now been successful.
– A scramjet engine has been used for this.
BrahMos-II will become a hypersonic missile
– Along with the Indian hypersonic missile, another hypersonic missile is under development in India.
– India is working on the development of the BrahMos-II missile in collaboration with Russia, which is a hypersonic missile.
– BrahMos-II will have a range of up to 1500 km and a speed 7-8 times faster than sound (about 9000 km/h). Its testing is expected by 2024.
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4. Who became the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka for the second consecutive time?
a. Sirimavo Bandaranaike
b. Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
c. Harini Amarasuriya
d. Aruna Irani
Answer: c. Harini Amarasuriya
– Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed Harini Amarasuriya as Prime Minister for the second consecutive time on November 18, 2024.
– Earlier, she was made Prime Minister on September 24, 2024.
– After that, parliamentary elections were held in November 2024. Her party secured a majority in these elections, and she became Prime Minister again.
– Both President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya are members of the left-leaning ‘National People’s Power’ coalition.
Third Female Prime Minister in Sri Lanka
– First Female PM: Sirimavo Bandaranaike
– Second Female PM: Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
– Third Female PM: Harini Amarasuriya
About Harini Amarasuriya
– She follows leftist ideology.
– From 1991 to 1994, she earned a degree in Sociology from Hindu College, Delhi University.
– Later, she advanced her career in the education sector.
– She became known as an educationist.
– Taught at the Open University of Sri Lanka.
– Subsequently, she started political activities aligned with leftist ideology.
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5. In which city, Phase-IV of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was implemented due to serious condition of air pollution?
a. Mumbai
b. Delhi
c. Bengaluru
d. Patna
Answer: b. Delhi
– After the Supreme Court’s directive, on November 18, 2024, Delhi implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
– On November 18, 2024, air pollution in Delhi was 26 times higher than the limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO), with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 494.
What is GRAP?
– The full name is Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
– GRAP is a set of emergency measures designed to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold in the Delhi-NCR region.
– Approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 and notified in 2017, this plan was developed after multiple meetings held by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) with state government representatives and experts.
Different stages of GRAP:
– Stage I: Activated when AQI falls in the ‘Poor’ category (201-300).
– Stage II: Activated when AQI falls in the ‘Very Poor’ category (301-400).
– Stage III: Activated when AQI falls in the ‘Severe’ category (401-450).
– Stage IV: Activated when AQI crosses 450, entering the ‘Severe+’ category.
What is permitted under GRAP Stage IV?
GRAP Stage IV states the following:
1. Ban on the entry of trucks into Delhi, except those carrying essential goods/services. However, all LNG/CNG/electric/BS-VI diesel trucks will be allowed entry.
– Prohibit entry of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi into the city, except those carrying essential goods/services. Only EV/CNG/BS-VI diesel vehicles are permitted.
– Strict ban on the operation of medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) registered in Delhi and running on BS-IV or below diesel engines, except for those carrying essential goods/services.
– Restriction on construction and demolition activities for linear public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, and telecommunication projects, similar to GRAP Stage III.
– NCR state governments and the Delhi government may decide to suspend physical classes for grades VI-IX and XI and shift them to online mode.
– NCR state governments/Delhi government may decide to allow public, municipal, and private offices to operate at 50% capacity and the rest through work-from-home.
– The central government may take suitable decisions regarding allowing work-from-home for staff in central government offices.
– State governments may consider additional emergency measures like closing colleges/educational institutions, shutting down non-essential commercial activities, or implementing odd-even restrictions for vehicle movement based on registration numbers.
What is the role of stubble burning in air pollution?
– Stubble burning is a traditional practice where farmers burn leftover paddy straw after harvesting.
– Particularly in Punjab and Haryana, farmers have a short window during October-November to clear fields for sowing wheat in winter.
– The environmental impacts of stubble burning have been known since the 1990s.
– Rising labor costs, caused by the use of mechanical equipment like combine harvesters, make it expensive for farmers to collect scattered paddy straw.
– With limited income from farming, farmers resort to burning stubble.
– There is a strong correlation between the direction of winds from Punjab and Haryana and the resulting pollution levels in Delhi.
Is stubble burning the sole culprit behind Delhi’s pollution?
– About 55% of Delhi’s pollution originates outside its regional boundaries.
– According to the India Meteorological Department, December, January, and February are considered official winter months. During this time, atmospheric conditions trap pollutants and prevent them from dispersing.
– Even when stubble burning nearly ceases, data compiled from urban emissions indicates that from 2016-2023, the AQI consistently remained in the ‘Very Poor’ and ‘Severe’ (400+) categories.
– This suggests that apart from stubble burning, other sources significantly contribute to air pollution.
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6. Which Indian did Nigeria confer its second highest national honour ‘The Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ (GCON)?
a. Draupadi Murmu
b. Narendra Modi
c. Rajnath Singh
d. Rahul Gandhi
Answer: b. Narendra Modi
– This award was given by the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 17, 2023.
– Prime Minister Modi was on a two-day visit to Nigeria. He was given a 21-gun salute here.
– During this, PM Modi said, “The more than 60,000 Indians living in Nigeria are a strong link between the two countries.”
– Before this, the only foreigner to receive this honor was the then Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom in 1969.
– This was the fourth visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria. Before this, Manmohan Singh (2007), Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2002), and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (1962) had visited here.
Cultural Diversity in Nigeria
– Like India, Nigeria’s cultural diversity is unique. Over 250 ethnic groups live here. More than 500 languages are spoken here.
Why is Nigeria important for India?
– Nigeria has vast reserves of oil and gas.
– Because of this, Nigeria is one of the important countries in Africa.
– This country meets India’s energy needs.
– Indian investments in Africa, especially in sectors like energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, and information technology, are continuously growing.
– Nigeria is a key member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Both these organizations are important for India’s diplomacy and economic policies.
India-Nigeria Trade
– The trade between the two countries was worth ₹99,629 crore in 2023-24.
– India exports medicines and bikes to Nigeria.
– Meanwhile, Nigeria exports oil, gas, and fertilizers to India.
– Bharti Airtel is the second-largest mobile operator in Nigeria.
– Approximately 150 Indian companies are working in Nigeria.
Nigeria
– Capital: Abuja
– President: Bola Ahmed Tinubu
– Currency: Naira
– Population: 230 million
– Neighboring Countries: Benin, Niger, Chad, – Cameroon
– Sea: Gulf of Guinea
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7. When is World Day for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence observed?
a. 17 November
b. 18 November
c. 19 November
d. 20 November
Answer: b. 18 November
– The purpose of this day is to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse and to help those affected by it.
– The proposal for this day was put forward by African countries Sierra Leone and Nigeria, and it was supported by more than 110 countries.
– On November 21, 2022, the UNGA approved the observance of this day.
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8. When is National Press Day celebrated?
a. 13 November
b. 14 November
c. 15 November
d. 16 November
Answer: d. 16 November
– In fact, in 1956, the first Press Commission was proposed to establish a Press Council in India to protect press freedom.
– The Press Council of India was established on July 4, 1966, and it became effective from November 16, 1966.
– Therefore, November 16 is celebrated every year as National Press Day.
– The Press Council of India examines the quality of the Indian press and monitors journalistic activities.
– In the World Press Freedom Index 2023, India ranked 161st out of 180 countries.
– Chairman of the Press Council of India (PCI) – Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.
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9. When is National Epilepsy Day observed?
a. 15 November
b. 16 November
c. 17 November
d. 18 November
Answer: c. 17 November
– The Epilepsy Foundation of India established National Epilepsy Day as a national campaign to reduce epilepsy in India.
– The celebration of National Epilepsy Day began in 2015.
– According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 50 million epilepsy patients worldwide.
– In India, around 10 million people are affected by epilepsy.
Note: International Epilepsy Day (IED) is observed on the second Monday of every February each year.
What is epilepsy?
– In this disorder, electrical activity in the brain becomes abnormal.
– It causes seizures.
– Abnormal behavior and sensations may decrease.
– Anyone can suffer from epilepsy, but it is more commonly seen in men compared to young children and women.
Main symptoms of epilepsy:
– Changes in taste, smell, vision, hearing, or touch
– Dizziness
– Tremors in the limbs
– Staring
– Repeatedly performing the same task
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10. Who has been appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) by the Central Government?
a. Rajan Kumar
b. Vinod Mehta
c. K. Sanjay Murthy
d. Ajay Kumar
Answer: c. K. Sanjay Murthy
– He replaced Girish Chandra Murmu on November 20, 2024.
– He is an IAS officer of the 1989 batch from the Himachal Pradesh cadre.
Importance of the Role of CAG
– Constitutional Responsibility: The CAG audits the accounts of the central and state governments, public sector enterprises, and other government-funded organizations.
– Article 148: Establishes the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
– Tenure: The tenure is for six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
– The CAG can only be removed through a process similar to impeachment of a Supreme Court judge.
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11. Who won the Tata Steel Chess India Blitz Title 2024 (Men)?
a. Magnus Carlsen
b. Arjun Erigaisi
c. Wesley So
d. R. Praggnanandhaa
Answer: a. Magnus Carlsen (Norwegian player)
– The world’s number 1 chess player, Magnus Carlsen, won the Tata Steel Chess India Tournament.
– This event took place in Kolkata in November 2024.
– Filipino-American Grandmaster Wesley So secured the second position.
– Indian player Arjun Erigaisi finished in third place.
– Indian players R. Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi secured the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
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12. Who won the Tata Steel Chess India Blitz title 2024 (women)?
a. Katerina Lagno
b. Alexandra Goryachkina
c. Vantika Agarwal
d. None of these
Answer: a. Katerina Lagno (Russian player)
– The second position was secured by Alexandra Goryachkina (Russia) and the third position was won by Vantika Agarwal (India).
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13. Who has become the new chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)?
a. Rajesh Patial
b. Arvinder Singh Sahni
c. Umesh Verma
d. Rajendra Singh Solanki
Answer: b. Arvinder Singh Sahni
– India’s largest oil company is Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).
– The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Sahni as Chairman for a five-year term.
– Following this, the Ministry of Petroleum appointed Arvinder Singh Sahni as Chairman.
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14. Name the winner of the 4th National Finswimming Championship?
a. West Bengal
b. Karnataka
c. Uttarakhand
d. Haryana
Answer: a. West Bengal
– Where was the event held: Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool Complex, New Delhi
– When was the event held: November 2024
– Organized by: Underwater Sports Federation of India (USFI) in collaboration with the Physical Education Foundation of India
– Participants: 1,500 participants from 26 states and Union Territories took part.
Team standings:
– West Bengal: 151 medals (67 Gold, 43 Silver, 41 Bronze)
– Karnataka: 50 medals (17 Gold, 18 Silver, 15 Bronze)
– Uttarakhand: 21 medals (8 Gold, 6 Silver, 7 Bronze)
– Haryana: 21 medals (6 Gold, 10 Silver, 5 Bronze)
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