Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2023

Notes:
The ‘zero-draft’ of the pandemic treaty was launched recently by the World Health Organization’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB).
The international treaty is expected to be presented at the World Health Assembly in 2024. The aim of the pandemic treaty is to strengthen national and international-level preparedness against future pandemics.

Notes:
Kerala Police have recently arrested 113 people who were accused in various criminal cases, under ‘Operation Aag’.
The raids are being held to arrest those who were placed under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. Other initiatives of the state police include ‘Pink patrol’ which is specifically for women’s safety, ‘Prasanthi’ for senior citizens among others.

Notes:
In the fifth Khelo India Youth Games recently concluded in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra ranks first in the medal table with 161 medals including 56 gold medals. Maharashtra had already won the titles in 2019 and 2020.
Haryana claimed the first runners-up trophy with 128 medals, followed by the hosts Madhya Pradesh in the third place.

Notes:
The earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria has badly damaged Gaziantep Castle, a historic site and tourist attraction in south-eastern Turkey.
The castle collapsed during the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which hit Turkey. According to archaeological excavations, the castle was first built as a watchtower in the Roman period in the second and third centuries C.E. and expanded over time. Most recently, it served as ‘Gaziantep Defense and Heroism Panoramic Museum’.

Notes:
The 14th edition of the Aero India 2023 is being held by the Indian Department of Defense Production at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru.
The event is expected to showcase India’s growth in aerospace and defence capabilities. The event also provides an opportunity for defence personnel to interact with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) representatives.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched phase 2 of the ‘Pudumai Penn’ scheme, a scholarship scheme for girl students, in Chennai.
The scheme involves the distribution of a scholarship amount of ₹1,000 per month to girl students pursuing their higher studies after completing their schooling at a government school. The scholarship is provided through the Social Welfare Department.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Mines announced that lithium reserves have been found in Jammu and Kashmir, a first in the country.
The Geological Survey of India established 5.9 million tonnes of inferred lithium resources in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District in Jammu and Kashmir. This could boost the manufacturing of rechargeable batteries for electric cars, smartphones, and laptops and cut India’s dependence on lithium imports. ​​

Notes:
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur flagged off the Formula E Championship in Hyderabad.
Hyderabad city hosts India’s first ever Formula E-race Hyderabad E-Prix at the ‘Hyderabad Street Circuit’ on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake. This is also the first motorsport event in the country in the last 10 years. Hyderabad is the 27th city in the world to host the race as non-carbon emission event.

Notes:
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has informed that the Bima Sugam portal will be an insurance market infrastructure.
Insurers, distribution networks and the policy holders can virtually meet across the digital platform. The portal is expected to improve accessibility and ease of insurance purchase to policyholders.

Notes:
World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the first-ever outbreak of Marburg disease in Equatorial Guinea
As per WHO, the virus which causes hemorrhagic fever, is similar to the ‘Ebola’ virus and is highly infectious, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%.