UPSC EXAM QUIZ 20.11.2024

Explanation:

• Recent research has revealed the genus Coima, a new group of freshwater fish that is endemic to the island.
• The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the region and the need for further taxonomic studies.
• The research was carried out by a team from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies and the Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence. Their findings were published in the journal Zootaxa.

Significance of the name “Koima”

Inspired by local language

• The name “Koima” is derived from the Malayalam language, in which it means loaches.
• The name pays tribute to the local culture and knowledge.
• The discovery appeals to better understand and preserve the aquatic biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

Explanation:

• 73rd Miss Universe pageant ended on November 17, with 21-year-old Victoria Kjaer Theilvig winning the crown for Denmark.
• This is the first time a Danish contestant has won the Miss Universe title. 130 contestants from 125 countries participated in the pageant.
• India's Riya Singha could not make it to the top 12. Riya Singh was also the winner of the Miss Universe India beauty pageant earlier this year.

Event: Mexico

Edition: 73rd

Winner: Kjaer Theilvig

73rd Miss Universe Miss Universe 2024: Top 5 Finalists

• The top 5 finalists were announced in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico. These countries were Mexico, Nigeria, Thailand, Venezuela, and Denmark.

Explanation:

• Dhudhmaras, a village in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, has been selected by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to participate in the Best Tourism Village Upgradation Programme (BTVUP) under the United Nations Tourism Programme for Rural Development (UNTRDP). This recognition reflects its potential as a hub for ecotourism and sustainable development.

Key Facts about Dhudmaras Village

• Location: Located in Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP), Dhudmaras is surrounded by dense forests, Kanger River and rich biodiversity, making it a major ecotourism destination.
• KVNP is named after the Kanger River, which flows through it. It was declared a national park in 1982.

Explanation:

• K Sanjay Murthy appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
• Sanjay Murthy, a 1989 batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India by President Draupadi Murmu.
• Currently, Murthy is the Secretary, Department of Higher Education in the Union Ministry of Education.
• He replaced Girish Chandra Murmu, who retired on November 20.
• Girish Chandra Murmu assumed office on August 8, 2020.
• Before becoming CAG, Murmu was the first Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Comptroller and Auditor General of India

• It is an independent authority established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution.
• CAG is appointed by the President of India.
• He is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
• He can be removed from office in like manner and on like grounds as a Judge of Supreme Court.
• He is entrusted with responsibility to audit the accounts and activities of Central, State and local government.
• CAG reports are laid in the Parliament and state assembles.

Explanation:

• On November 18, the Global Freight Summit 2024 started in Dubai.
• Since its launch in 2022, this was its third edition. The summit is scheduled to conclude on November 20.
• Over 5,000 business executives from 155 nations are attending the three-day event, which is organised by DP World.
• They represent a variety of industries throughout the global supply chain.
• "Acting today to reach the opportunities of tomorrow" is the theme of this year's summit.
• Implementing workable digital solutions while addressing potential obstacles in the technological shift is a major topic of discussion this year.
• The conference gives business executives, trade associations, and government representatives a forum to establish strategic alliances and have significant conversations.