National Mathematics Day 2024 📏📐
- What’s Happening? National Mathematics Day is observed on December 22, 2024, with the theme “Mathematics: Bridge to Innovation.”
- Why It Matters: This day celebrates the contributions of mathematicians and promotes the importance of mathematics in innovation and development.
Central Government Amends Rule to Restrict Access to Poll Documents 🗳️🔒
- What’s Happening? The Central Government has amended Rule 93 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to limit public access to certain election-related documents.
- Why It Matters: This change aims to enhance voter privacy and prevent the misuse of sensitive electronic records, though it has faced criticism for potentially reducing transparency in the electoral process.
US Court Holds Israeli Company NSO Liable for Targeting WhatsApp Users 📱⚖️
- What’s Happening? A US court has held the Israeli company NSO Group liable for targeting WhatsApp users.
- Why It Matters: This ruling highlights the legal consequences for companies involved in unauthorized surveillance and cyber-attacks.
India State of Forest Report 2023 🌳📊
- What’s Happening? The India State of Forest Report 2023 has been released, providing insights into the forest cover and biodiversity in the country.
- Why It Matters: This report is crucial for environmental planning and conservation efforts.
Sahitya Akademi Awards 📚🏆
- What’s Happening? The Sahitya Akademi Awards for 2024 have been announced, recognizing outstanding literary works in various Indian languages.
- Why It Matters: These awards celebrate literary excellence and promote cultural diversity.
Hydroxychloroquine and Its Controversies 💊🌐
- What’s Happening? Discussions around the use of hydroxychloroquine continue, with debates on its efficacy and safety.
- Why It Matters: This drug has been a topic of controversy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its use remains debated in medical circles.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 🌍📜
- What’s Happening? India is negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with various countries to boost trade and economic cooperation.
- Why It Matters: FTAs can significantly impact the economy by reducing trade barriers and fostering international trade.
Tato-I Hydro Electric Project 🌊⚡
- What’s Happening? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has sanctioned Rs. 1,750 crore for the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Why It Matters: This project aims to enhance power supply in the region, contributing to sustainable energy development.
Reclassification of Packaged Drinking Water 💧📦
- What’s Happening? The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reclassified packaged drinking and mineral water as a “Highest Risk Food Category.”
- Why It Matters: This reclassification follows the removal of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification requirement, impacting the regulation and safety standards of these products.
Introduction of New Criminal Laws ⚖️📜
- What’s Happening? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched new criminal laws in Chandigarh, marking a shift from colonial-era legal practices.
- Why It Matters: These new laws aim to enhance justice for Indian citizens and modernize the legal system.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) 📝
1. What is the theme for National Mathematics Day 2024?
- a) Mathematics for All
- b) Mathematics and Technology
- c) Mathematics: Bridge to Innovation
- d) Mathematics in Everyday Life
- Answer: c) Mathematics: Bridge to Innovation
2. What rule was amended by the Central Government to restrict access to poll documents?
- a) Rule 45
- b) Rule 78
- c) Rule 93
- d) Rule 101
- Answer: c) Rule 93
3. Which company was held liable by a US court for targeting WhatsApp users?
- a) Pegasus
- b) NSO Group
- c) Hacking Team
- d) Gamma Group
- Answer: b) NSO Group
4. What report was released providing insights into the forest cover and biodiversity in India?
- a) India Biodiversity Report
- b) India Wildlife Census
- c) India State of Forest Report 2023
- d) India Green Census
- Answer: c) India State of Forest Report 2023
5. What award recognizes outstanding literary works in various Indian languages?
- a) Jnanpith Award
- b) Sahitya Akademi Award
- c) Padma Shri
- d) Booker Prize
- Answer: b) Sahitya Akademi Award
6. Which drug has been a topic of controversy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- a) Remdesivir
- b) Ivermectin
- c) Hydroxychloroquine
- d) Favipiravir
- Answer: c) Hydroxychloroquine
7. What agreement is India negotiating to boost trade and economic cooperation?
- a) Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
- b) North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
- c) Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
- d) Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
- Answer: c) Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
8. How much funding was sanctioned for the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh?
- a) Rs. 750 crore
- b) Rs. 1,250 crore
- c) Rs. 1,750 crore
- d) Rs. 2,250 crore
- Answer: c) Rs. 1,750 crore
9. Which authority reclassified packaged drinking and mineral water as a “Highest Risk Food Category”?
- a) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- b) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- c) Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
- d) National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)
- Answer: b) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
10. Where did Prime Minister Narendra Modi launch new criminal laws?
– a) Mumbai – b) Chennai – c) Chandigarh – d) Delhi – Answer: c) Chandigarh