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.

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The Karnataka Government, in partnership with AIGDF and NIMHANS, introduced the Digital Detox Initiative to address mental health challenges arising from excessive technology use. The initiative aims to promote responsible gaming, offering awareness programs, personalized guidance at Digital Detox centers, and community connection through workshops. It responds to issues like decreasing attention spans and strained real-world connections due to over reliance on electronic devices, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to technology use for improved mental well-being.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed the swift implementation of the U-WIN platform in the Union interim Budget 2024-2025 to streamline immunization management nationwide. The U-WIN portal is integral to digitizing India’s Universal Immunization Programme, currently undergoing pilot testing in two districts of every state and union territory, marking a significant step toward enhancing healthcare accessibility and efficiency.

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The formal launch of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) occurred during Republic Day celebrations in Paris, with French President Emmanuel Macron present. The Indian Embassy introduced UPI at the Eiffel Tower, marking its global expansion. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India in 2016, UPI consolidates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, offering a convenient system for managing diverse accounts on one platform.

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India’s “Vyommitra,” a female robot astronaut, will precede the Gaganyaan mission, marking India’s inaugural human space flight. Set for a third-quarter launch in 2024, Vyommitra simulates human functions in space, monitoring parameters, issuing alerts, and executing life support operations. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed these details, emphasizing Vyommitra’s capabilities. Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2025, aims to launch Indian astronauts into orbit, demonstrating human space capabilities. The successful TV D1 test in October 2023 validated crucial systems for Gaganyaan, assuring readiness for the manned mission.

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At least 112 people have died in the Valparaíso region of Chile due to fast-moving wildfires. The fires are thought to be the deadliest ever recorded in Chile. The government is investigating whether some of the fires were deliberately started. The fires have also destroyed an estimated 3,000 to 6,000 homes. The fires are thought to be the result of a week of record-setting temperatures caused by El Niño. High heat has also caused droughts and generally increased wildfire risk.

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Australian researchers recently developed a solution for a lupus defect. Lupus, an autoimmune disease, prompts the immune system to harm organs and tissues, causing inflammation in skin, joints, blood, and vital organs like kidneys and heart. Its origin is unknown, believed to result from a blend of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Lupus predominantly affects women. Variants include Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Discoid lupus, Subacute cutaneous lupus, Drug-induced lupus, and rare Neonatal lupus linked to maternal antibodies in newborns.

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The DIVYA Kala Mela, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, kicked off at Agartala. Minister Ratanlal Nath and others inaugurated the event, promoting disabled artisans’ creations, spanning home décor, clothing, stationery, and eco-friendly products. The program empowers disabled entrepreneurs, aligning with its core mission of creativity and empowerment.

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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched India Energy Week 2024 in Goa, highlighting India’s dedication to significant investments in the energy sector. Addressing global energy leaders, PM Modi underscored the nation’s commitment to unprecedented levels of investment, emphasizing India’s role in shaping the future of the global energy landscape.

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The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a 3-year extension of the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) until 2025-26. The extension maintains the approved fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore with a budgetary support of Rs 939.48 crore. FIDF, initiated in 2018-19, has so far approved 121 projects, creating fisheries infrastructure and generating over 2.5 lakh employment opportunities. The extension aims to further boost development in fisheries, encouraging both public and private sector investments for economic growth in the sector.