Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government for the development of green hydrogen and renewable energy. The MoU includes the development of green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as green ammonia and green methanol, with a capacity of up to 1 million tons per year. The MoU also includes the development of renewable energy projects and pumped storage projects of 2 GW.

Notes:
The mascot for the 2024 Khelo India Winter Games is the snow leopard, named “Sheen-e She” or “Shan” in the Ladakh region. The mascot was chosen to reflect the region’s biodiversity and tradition. The games will be held in Ladakh from February 2–6, and in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir from February 21–25. The mascot symbolizes the spirit of the games and highlights the need to conserve this endangered species.

Notes:
Maharashtra topped the medal tally at the 2023 Khelo India Youth Games with 158 medals. The host state, Tamil Nadu, finished second with 98 medals. Haryana came in third. Maharashtra’s medal count included 57 gold, 48 silver, and 53 bronze medals. Tamil Nadu’s medal count included 38 gold, 21 silver, and 39 bronze medals.

Notes:
An international team of astronomers recently observed AT 2023clx, the nearest Tidal Disruption Event (TDE) to Earth. TDEs happen when a star comes too close to a supermassive black hole, torn apart by tidal forces. The resulting debris falls onto the black hole, emitting radiation that indicates a TDE’s occurrence. This international team’s multi-wavelength observations enhance our understanding of these celestial events.

Notes:
Emerge-2024 is India’s first beachside startup festival, taking place February 16–18, 2024 at Tannirbhavi Beach in Mangaluru. The festival is expected to feature more than 100 startups, 50 investors, and around 1,000 participants.

Notes:
The Interim Budget prioritizes the advancement of ‘Blue Economy 2.0,’ concentrating on sustainable development concerning oceans, seas, and coasts. Key initiatives include schemes for coastal restoration, aquaculture, and mariculture, with an integrated approach. Plans encompass setting up five integrated aquaparks and enhancing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for increased productivity, exports, and job creation. The Blue Economy is defined by the World Bank as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods, preserving ocean ecosystem health.

Notes:
The 7th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) took place in Kochi from January 29 to February 2, 2024. Established in 2013 under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), India has consistently hosted the committee, with the Spices Board India serving as the organizing secretariat. In this session, quality standards for small cardamom, turmeric, juniper berry, allspice, and star anise were finalized. The Codex Alimentarius Commission, jointly established by FAO and WHO, is an international body with 189 member countries, meeting annually in Geneva and Rome.

Notes:
At the “Digital India FutureLABS Summit 2024,” three indigenous technologies – Thermal camera, CMOS camera, and Fleet Management System – developed by CDAC Thiruvananthapuram under the InTranSE Program of MeitY were transferred to 12 industries. The InTranSE initiative, led by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, collaborates with academic institutes and R&D centers to transform Intelligent Transportation Systems. The program aims to enhance traffic efficiency, optimize infrastructure usage, provide advance traffic information, reduce travel time, and improve the safety and comfort of commuters.

Notes:
Rajendra Prasad Gupta is the new Advocate General of Rajasthan. In India, the Advocate General is a legal advisor to the state government. The Governor of each state appoints an Advocate General who is qualified to be appointed as a Judge of a High Court.

Notes:
Nikhil Mukund Wagh, a public relations officer at Goa Shipyard Limited, was awarded the 2024 Maha Gaurav Award in February 2024. The award was presented by Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on behalf of the Digital Media Editor Journalist Association Maharashtra.