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30 Nov 2024 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC CDS, CAPF, NDA & SSB

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Written by NDI EDITOR

Nov 30 2024

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30 Nov 2024 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC CDS, CAPF, NDA & SSB
1. Siberian Demoiselle crane
A Siberian Demoiselle crane, nicknamed Sukpak, has broken the record for the longest migratory flight to Rajasthan, India, covering over 3,676km.

About Siberian Demoiselle crane:

  • It is the smallest of crane species which is both solitary and social in behavior.
  • This bird is symbolically significant in the culture of India, where it is known as Koonj or Kurjaa.
  • These cranes are migratory birds, travelling long distances from their breeding to their wintering grounds.
  • Habitat: It inhabits fields, deserts, steppes, and plains with water in general vicinity.
  • Distribution: They are found in Central Euro Siberia, ranging from the Black Sea to Mongolia and Northeast China.
  • Breeding range: They breed in Central Eurasia, from the Black Sea to North East China and Mongolia. In winters, it breeds in the Indian subcontinent and sub-Saharan Africa.
  • While Demoiselle cranes typically travel through Himalayan valleys and enter India via Nepal, Sukpak took a different route, flying through Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan before entering India through Jaisalmer.
  • Conservation efforts in India: Khichan is a key stop for migratory birds in Rajasthan also it has become India’s first reserve dedicated to this species.
  • Conservation status
  • IUCN: Least Concern
  • Threats: They are threatened by drainage of wetlands and habitat loss, illegal pet trade and suffer hunting pressure.
Source : Siberia to Rajasthan, crane sets a flight record - 3,676 km

2. Eklavya Digital Platform
Recently, the chief of the Indian Army launched an online learning platform for the Indian Army nicknamed as “Eklavya”.

About Eklavya Digital Platform:

  • It has been developed under the aegis of Headquarters Army Training Command with Army War College as the sponsor agency.
  • The platform has been developed by the “Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics” (BISAG-N), Gandhinagar, along with support from the Directorate General of Information Systems.
  • This platform has been hosted on the Army Data Networkand features a scalable architecture. This enables Headquarters Army Training Command to seamlessly integrate any number of training establishments of the Indian Army, each capable of hosting an extensive range of courses.
  • This initiative aligns with the Indian Army propelling itself into the “Decade of Transformation” as envisioned by the COAS and also with Indian Army’s theme for 2024 as the “Year of Technology Absorption.”
  • Student officers are permitted to register for multiple courses simultaneously.
  • There are three categories of courses hosted
  • ‘Pre-Course Preparatory Capsules’: It has study material for all offline physical courses being conducted at various Category ‘A’ training establishments. The aim is to shift the “basics” to the online courses so that physical courses have more and more contemporary content with a focus on the “application part”.
  • Appointment or specific assignment-related courses: The courses in this category will also enable the officers to get domain specialisation in the field of their choice, which will further aid their employment planning.
  • Professional Development Suite: It will include courses on Strategy, Operational Art, Leadership, Organisational Behaviour, Finance, Art of Reading, Power Writing, Emerging Technology etc.
  • The Eklavya also has the functionality of a searchable “Knowledge Highway”, wherein various journals, research papers and articles etc are uploaded under a single window.
  • The platform will go a long way in encouraging continuous professional military education in the officers, decongest and enrich the existing physical course, preparing officers for specialist appointments and encouraging domain specialisation.
Source : INDIAN ARMY LAUNCHES ‘EKLAVYA’ ONLINE DIGITAL PLATFORM FOR OFFICERS’ TRAINING

3. K-4 ballistic Missile
Recently, India has tested K4 missile from submarine INS Arighaat off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

About K-4 ballistic Missile:

  • It is a nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a range of around 3,500 km.
  • It is a solid-fuelled missile which was tested at least five times in the last few years from submersible platforms.
  • The successful launch of the K-4 missile adds another layer of strength to India’s nuclear triad, which includes land-based missiles, air-launched nuclear weapons and submarine-launched platforms.
  • It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • Significance: It provides a major boost to India’s nuclear deterrence and strategic capabilities.

Key facts about the INS Arighaat

  • It was commissioned in August 2024.
  • It is India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), following India's first nuclear submarine, INS Arihant.
  • It was constructed at the Indian Navy's Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam.
  • It can carry up to four nuclear-capable K-4 SLBMs(Submarine Launched ballistic Missile) with a range of over 3500 kilometers or twelve conventional warhead K-15 SLBMs with a range of about 750 kilometers.
Source : India successfully tests K-4 nuclear-capable missile from INS Arighaat

4. OPEC +
Recently, crude oil prices stayed steady after an unexpected jump in US gasoline stock supplies and delaying of the OPEC + meeting on output policy.

About OPEC +:

  • It is a group of 22 oil-exporting countrieswhich meets regularly to decide how much crude oil to sell on the world market.
  • These nations aim to work together on adjusting crude oil production to bring stability to the oil market.
  • Origin: These nations came to an accord towards the end of 2016 “to institutionalize a framework for cooperation between OPEC and non-OPEC producing countries on a regular and sustainable basis.”
  • At the core of this group are the 12 members of OPEC(the Organization of the Oil Exporting Countries), which are mainly Middle Eastern and African countries.
  • Members: It comprises 12 OPEC countries plus Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Russia, Mexico, Malaysia, South Sudan, Sudan and Oman.

What is OPEC?           

  • It is a permanent intergovernmental organization of oil-exporting countries.
  • Formation: It was established in 1960 by the five founding members Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. 
  • Currently, it has 12 members, including Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
  • Angola withdrew its membership effective 1 January 2024.
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
Source : Oil prices hold steady as OPEC+ delays output meeting; Brent at $72.91

5. What is Japanese Encephalitis?
The national capital has reported an "isolated" case of Japanese Encephalitis, official sources said recently.

About Japanese Encephalitis:

  • It is a potentially severe viral zoonotic disease caused by the Japanese Encephalitis(B) virus.
  • Transmission:
  • The virus is transmitted from animals, particularly pigs and birds belonging to the Ardeidae family, such as cattle egrets, pond herons, etc. to humans by the Culex mosquito of the Vishnui group.
  • There is no human-to-human transmission of the virus.
  • The disease is most common in rural areas of Asia, particularly during monsoon seasons when mosquito breeding is prevalent.
  • Symptoms:
  • It affects the brain, leading to symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting and neurological issues such as confusion, seizures and paralysis.
  • While many infected individuals may show mild or no symptoms, severe cases can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
  • Prevention and Treatment:
  • Vaccination is the most effective prevention strategy, particularly in endemic regions.
  • Early diagnosis and supportive treatment can help manage symptoms, but there is no specific antiviral treatment for Japanese Encephalitis.
  • According to the Central Government guidelines, two doses of the vaccine have been a part of the Universal Immunisation Programme since 2013.
Source : Delhi Reports 'Isolated' Case Of Japanese Encephalitis

6. What is AUKUS?
The Chinese ambassador to New Zealand cautions that joining AUKUS could harm NZ-China relations.

About AUKUS:

  • It is a trilateral security partnershipbetween the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Australia agreed in 2021 that focuses on technology sharing in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • The alliance is widely understood to be a strategic buildup in response to, and a deterrence against, Chinese aggression and ambitions in that strategically important area.
  • It is intended to strengthen the ability of each government to support security and defense interests, building on longstanding and ongoing bilateral ties.
  • It consists of two key pillars.
  • Pillar 1focuses on supporting Australia to acquire its first conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet. It does not involve the transfer of nuclear weapons to Australia.
  • Pillar 2focuses on cooperation in eight advanced military capability areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, innovation, information sharing, and cyber, undersea, hypersonic, counter-hypersonic and electronic warfare domains.
  • Submarine Component:
  • It is designed to equip Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs).
  • In total, Australia will end up with eightof the new nuclear submarines, called SSN-AUKUS.
  • These submarines will be based on a British design but have American technologyor an American combat system.
  • AUKUS will make Australia the seventh countryin the world to be armed with nuclear-powered submarines and the second, after the United Kingdom, with whom the United States has shared this technology.
  • It will significantly enhance Australia’s undersea capabilities in the Indo-Pacific as nuclear-powered submarines offer many advantages, such as extended range, endurance, and stealth—features.
  • These countries, however, made it clear that their aim is not to arm the new submarines with nuclear weapons. This is because Australia is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), which bans it from acquiring or deploying nuclear weapons.
Source : New Zealand's Balancing Act: AUKUS and China Relations

7. Tato-I Hydroelectric Project
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs recently approved investment of Rs 1750 crores for the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi Yomi District.

About Tato-I Hydroelectric Project:

  • It will be located in Shi Yomi District of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The project, with an installed capacity of 186 MW (3 x 62 MW), is expected to be completed in 50 months and will generate 802 million units (MU) of electricity annually.
  • The power generated will improve the power supply in Arunachal Pradesh and contribute to balancing the national grid.
  • It will be developed through a joint venture between the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and the Arunachal Pradesh government. 
  • The Central Government will provide ₹77.37 crore for infrastructure such as roads, bridges and transmission lines, along with ₹120.43 crore in financial assistance for the state’s equity share.
  • Arunachal Pradesh will receive 12% of the generated power for free, with an additional 1% allocated to a Local Area Development Fund (LADF). 
Source : Government approves investment for Tato-I Hydroelectric Project

8. Rengma Naga Tribe
The Rengma Naga tribe concluded a two-day celebration of the Ngada festival-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival at the Tseminyu RSA ground in Nagaland recently.

About Rengma Naga Tribe:

  • The Rengma Naga are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group inhabiting the Northeast Indian states of Nagaland and Assam.
  • According to the 2011 Census of India, the population of Rengmas in Nagaland stands at 62,951 and the population of Rengmas in Assam is around 22,000.
  • They call themselves by the names of "Njong" or "Injang".
  • They belong to the Mongoloid racial stock.
  • It is believed that Rengmas, along with other Naga tribes, migrated from Southeast Asia across the Yunnan Mountain ranges and settled down in the upper Burma region.
  • Slavery used to be practised among the Rengmas, and the slaves were most commonly known by the names menugetenyu and itsakesa.
  • By the time the Britishers arrived in the Naga region, slavery was a declining practice, and no Rengma appears to have been a slave during that time. 
  • Economy:
  • The Rengma tribes are agriculturalists.
  • They grow paddy through Jhum cultivation and wet cultivation. Besides paddy staple crops, seasonal crops and fruits are also grown.
  • Religion: Traditionally, Rengma tribes are worshippers of supernatural beings. Now most of the Rengma tribes are
  • Festivals:
  • Rengma Tribes celebrate a lot of seasonal festivals that are related to the agriculture.
  • "Ngada" is the most important festival of Rengma tribes.
Source : Nagaland: Rengma Naga tribe celebrates Ngada festival

9. Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Earth Observation (EO) data of Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary revealed that while the settlements increased from 2000 to 2020 at or near the main temple area, a large area of dense forest was converted to open forest during the same period of time.

About Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary:

  • It is located in the Junagadh district of
  • It spans the rugged terrain of the Girnar hills, which are a part of the Saurashtra region. 
  • It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2008.
  • It is home to several endangered species, including the Asiatic lion.
  • Flora:
  • It hosts predominantly dry deciduous forests with species like teak, dhak, acacia and other drought-resistant plants.
  • It supports a mix of dense forest, open scrub and grasslands.
  • Fauna:
  • It is filled with abundant wildlife, including Asiatic lions, spotted deer, Sambar, Chousinghas, Chinkaras, leopards, Indian golden jackals and around 300 species of birds.
  • It serves as an extension of the Gir National Park's lion population.
Source : From 94% in 2000 to 83% in 2020: CEPT varsity study highlights decline in vegetation in Gujarat’s Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary over 2 decades

10. What is Bar-Tailed Godwit?
In an unusual occurrence, five bar-tailed godwits were spotted by a naturalist at Pulicat lake recently.

About Bar-Tailed Godwit:

  • It is a migratory shorebird renowned for its extraordinary endurance during migration.
  • Scientific Name: Limosa lapponica
  • Distribution:
  • The bar-tailed godwit species is distributed in northern Europe and Asia, western Alaska, Africa, the Persian Gulf, India, southeast Asia, China and Australia.
  • These godwit species breed in the Arctic region. 
  • In India, wintering bar-tailed godwit species are distributed in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • Bar-tailed Godwits are the world record holders for non-stop flight. They have been recorded travelling 13,500 km from Alaska to Tasmania in only 11 days flying at an average of more than 50 km/h, losing almost half of their body weight along the way. 
  • Features:
  • They are quite large waders, with females being bigger than males. 
  • It is mainly mottled brown above and lighter and more uniform buff below.
  • It has dull white underwings and a long, slightly upturned bill.
  • As the name suggests, the white tail is barred with brown. 
  • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
Source : Rare sighting at Pulicat: 5 bar-tailed godwits together
About Authour
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Written by NDI EDITOR

National Defence Institute's Editor

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