Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
Sri Lanka’s decision to impose a one-year ban on Chinese research vessels in its EEZ was influenced by concerns raised by India and the US. These concerns were regarding the potential activities of the Chinese vessels, including scientific research and ballistic missile tracking in the Indian Ocean. This move, which was communicated through diplomatic channels, reflects the geopolitical dynamics in the region, especially concerning the presence and activities of Chinese vessels in waters close to India.

Notes:
As India pursues food self-sufficiency, an analysis shows reliance on importing vegetable oils, pulses and dried fruits persist due to domestic supply limitations. For 2023, these three categories dominate agriculture imports, contributing 72.1% of the total import bill as per commerce ministry data. Palm oils alone account for 51.9 percent due to poor oilseed yields constraining India’s progress in edible oil security.

Notes:
Jammu & Kashmir has become the first Union Territory to roll out the PM Vishwakarma Yojana skill training program for craftsmen and artisans. 30 trainees have enrolled in the first batch focused on tailoring and dress design at the ITI center in Shopian. Implementation aims to foster local businesses and self-employment.

Notes:
France announced that it will become the first European country to fully shift Schengen visa procedures for visitors online and issue digital Schengen visas, starting with over 70,000 applicants for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Applicants for the sporting events will apply via the special “Olympic Consulate” system avoiding hassles. The move aligns with EU’s plans to launch digital Schengen visa platform by end of 2024, eliminating visa sticker requirements in passports.

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Adani appointed Hafeez Contractor Architects as the city planning firm for charting out the draft development plan for Dharavi project along with US firms Sasaki and Buro Happold. Contractor is known for slum rehabilitation and social housing projects aimed at improving lives.

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NewSpace India Limited, the commercial arm of ISRO, plans to launch communications satellite GSAT-20 in Q2 of 2024 on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. It is a demand-driven high throughput satellite ordered by NSIL to meet India’s growing broadband needs.

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The European Union designated Russia’s state-run diamond producer Alrosa under sanctions by adding the world’s largest diamond mining firm and its CEO to a blacklist banning trade and freezing EU-based assets. This tightened restrictions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Chris Miller, author of “Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology” which explains the US-China semiconductor rivalry, has been invited to address Tamil Nadu’s Global Investors Meet. His presence will energize youth and foster policy discussions in this sector which the state aims to grow.

Notes:
IG Drones, an Indian drone technology company, has won a contract to survey the construction progress of India’s first Personal Rapid Transit system metro corridor in Uttarakhand using drones. Its UAVs equipped with high-resolution cameras and other sensors will conduct aerial mapping of the project considered India’s first “Neo Metro.” The drones’ data analytics capabilities will enable tracking the building progress in real-time. Companies like IG Drones are playing an increasing role in efficient monitoring of large infrastructure projects, reducing costs and delays.

Notes:
The West Bengal government plans to develop a tea park spread over 10-12 acres along the banks of the Hooghly River near Kolkata. It aims to establish an export-oriented tea processing and packaging facility inspired by Dubai’s models that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee observed during her Middle East visit. The initiative seeks to boost Darjeeling tea exports by value-addition leveraging Kolkata port’s connectivity. The tea industry stakeholders have welcomed the proposal to enable large scale investment in upgrading technology for the terrace tea gardens.