Current Affairs Lexicon – February, 2024

Agaléga Island

Agaléga Island is a small island in the Indian Ocean, part of Mauritius, located about 1,000 kilometres north of the main island. It consists of two islands, North Island and South Island, and has a population of around 300 people. The island is known for its pristine beaches and rich biodiversity. Recently, it was in the news due to India’s inauguration of an airstrip and jetty, which raised concerns about military implications amid regional tensions with China.

Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS)

The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) was introduced by the World Trade Organization in June 2022 to combat overfishing and promote sustainable fishing practices. It aims to reduce harmful subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The AFS is as it represents a global effort to protect marine ecosystems while balancing economic interests. It was in the news due to ongoing debates about its effectiveness and the need for stricter regulations to ensure compliance.

Agriculture Infrastructure Development Cess (AIDC)

Agriculture Infrastructure Development Cess (AIDC) is an additional tax imposed on certain goods to fund agricultural infrastructure projects in India. Currently, AIDC for gold imports is set at 5%. This cess is part of the government’s strategy to enhance agricultural development while regulating imports. The recent hike in import duties, including AIDC, aims to standardise taxation on gold and silver, reflecting the government’s focus on both economic growth and agricultural support amidst rising gold demand.

Ahatguri

Ahatguri is a town in the Nagaon district of Assam, known for its traditional buffalo fighting events during the Magh Bihu festival. This location has been an important centre for these fights for decades, attracting large crowds. The fights are deeply rooted in local culture and are organised by the Ahatguri Anchalik Moh-jooj aru Bhogali Utsav Udjapan Samiti. Recently, Ahatguri was in the news due to legal challenges regarding the revival of these traditional fights amid animal welfare concerns.

Altocumulus Clouds

Altocumulus clouds are mid-level clouds that typically form between 2,000 and 7,000 metres above sea level. They are characterised by their white or grey patches and often indicate a change in weather. These clouds contain supercooled water droplets, which can lead to the formation of cavum clouds when disturbed by aircraft. NASA’s recent observations of cavum clouds highlighted the significance of altocumulus clouds in understanding cloud formation and the impact of human activity on weather patterns.

Amphipods

Amphipods are small, shrimp-like crustaceans that play a vital role in marine ecosystems. They are important indicators of environmental health and contribute to the marine food web. Amphipods can be found in various habitats, from deep oceans to coastal areas. The recent discovery of new species, including Parhyale odian, has drawn attention to their ecological roles and the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity, emphasising the need for further research and conservation.

Angelshark

The Angelshark (Squatina squatina) is a flat-bodied shark found in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its unique appearance resembling a ray. It is critically endangered due to overfishing and habitat degradation. Historically, it was common in coastal waters, but its population has drastically declined over the past 50 years. Recently, the CMS COP14 adopted a Single Species Action Plan for the Angelshark, aiming to promote its long-term sustainability and address the threats it faces from human activities.

Arakan Army

The Arakan Army (AA) is an ethnic armed group in Myanmar, primarily representing the Rakhine people. Formed in 2009, it seeks greater autonomy for Rakhine State and has been involved in ongoing conflicts with the Myanmar military. The AA gained international attention for its role in the civil unrest following the 2021 coup. Its recent capture of Paletwa has heightened tensions with the Chin ethnic group, complicating the region’s already fragile dynamics.

Article 5

Article 5 of NATO’s founding treaty states that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all. This principle is crucial for collective security, but it does not guarantee an automatic military response. The strength of Article 5 relies on political leaders’ commitment to act. Trump’s recent remarks about not defending allies who do not meet defence spending targets have sparked outrage, as they challenge the foundational security assurances that ...

Originally written on February 25, 2024 and last modified on September 28, 2025.

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