Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024
1. What is Alzheimer’s disease, recently seen in the news?
[A] A progressive brain condition affecting memory and cognitive skills
[B] A disorder primarily affecting the lungs
[C] A contagious viral infection
[D] A type of cancer
[B] A disorder primarily affecting the lungs
[C] A contagious viral infection
[D] A type of cancer
Correct Answer: A [A progressive brain condition affecting memory and cognitive skills]
Notes:
Alzheimer’s disease is a prevalent brain condition, responsible for 60-80% of dementia cases, affecting memory, thinking, and daily activities. Recent studies suggest rare medical accidents can transmit the disease between humans. Typically impacting those aged 65 and older, with unknown exact causes, it involves genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Symptoms range from forgetting recent events to serious memory loss, and while there’s no cure, certain medications and therapies can temporarily manage the symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease is a prevalent brain condition, responsible for 60-80% of dementia cases, affecting memory, thinking, and daily activities. Recent studies suggest rare medical accidents can transmit the disease between humans. Typically impacting those aged 65 and older, with unknown exact causes, it involves genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Symptoms range from forgetting recent events to serious memory loss, and while there’s no cure, certain medications and therapies can temporarily manage the symptoms.
2. According to the ‘Solar Policy 2024’, what is the targeted installed capacity of solar power in Delhi by 2027?
[A] 5500 MW
[B] 3500 MW
[C] 4500 MW
[D] 2500 MW
[B] 3500 MW
[C] 4500 MW
[D] 2500 MW
Correct Answer: C [4500 MW]
Notes:
The Delhi government has launched the Delhi Solar Policy 2024 to boost solar power adoption. Residents can install rooftop solar panels, leading to zero electricity bills and potential income from excess power sales to the grid. The policy targets 4500 MW of solar power by 2027, up from the previous goal of 1500 MW. Stemming from the 2016 policy, which yielded 1500 MW capacity, the new policy aims to curb air pollution, cut electricity costs, and promote sustainable energy in Delhi.
The Delhi government has launched the Delhi Solar Policy 2024 to boost solar power adoption. Residents can install rooftop solar panels, leading to zero electricity bills and potential income from excess power sales to the grid. The policy targets 4500 MW of solar power by 2027, up from the previous goal of 1500 MW. Stemming from the 2016 policy, which yielded 1500 MW capacity, the new policy aims to curb air pollution, cut electricity costs, and promote sustainable energy in Delhi.
3. What is ‘Kudavolai System’, recently mentioned in the news?
[A] Caste system
[B] Electoral system
[C] Irrigation system
[D] Tax system
[B] Electoral system
[C] Irrigation system
[D] Tax system
Correct Answer: B [Electoral system]
Notes:
Tamil Nadu’s Republic Day Parade 2024 featured the Kudavolai System, an ancient electoral method dating back to the 10th century Chola era. Documented in Uthiramerur inscriptions, it was employed to elect village administration representatives. The system involved dividing villages into wards, with residents choosing their representatives through a unique process: contestants’ names on palm leaf tickets (volai) placed in a pot (kuda), and a boy selecting tickets to declare elected leaders. Tamil Nadu’s tableau showcasing this historical system earned the third-best award.
Tamil Nadu’s Republic Day Parade 2024 featured the Kudavolai System, an ancient electoral method dating back to the 10th century Chola era. Documented in Uthiramerur inscriptions, it was employed to elect village administration representatives. The system involved dividing villages into wards, with residents choosing their representatives through a unique process: contestants’ names on palm leaf tickets (volai) placed in a pot (kuda), and a boy selecting tickets to declare elected leaders. Tamil Nadu’s tableau showcasing this historical system earned the third-best award.
4. Recently, which five countries officially joined the BRICS group?
[A] Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Iran & Ethiopia
[B] Argentina, Chile, Iraq, Sudan & Somalia
[C] Peru, Namibia, Guyana, Bulgaria & Turkey
[D] Mali, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos & Bhutan
[B] Argentina, Chile, Iraq, Sudan & Somalia
[C] Peru, Namibia, Guyana, Bulgaria & Turkey
[D] Mali, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos & Bhutan
Correct Answer: A [Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Iran & Ethiopia]
Notes:
Five countries officially joined the BRICS group: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia. The countries were invited to join the group in August 2023, after the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Argentina was also invited but backed out at the end of December. BRICS is an acronym for the emerging national economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The term was originally coined in 2001 as “BRIC” by the Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill.
Five countries officially joined the BRICS group: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia. The countries were invited to join the group in August 2023, after the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Argentina was also invited but backed out at the end of December. BRICS is an acronym for the emerging national economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The term was originally coined in 2001 as “BRIC” by the Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill.
5. Which state has secured the first position in the medal tally at the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra ]
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.
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.
6. What are ‘Manatees’, recently mentioned in the news?
[A] Large aquatic mammals
[B] Invasive plants
[C] Asteroid
[D] Ancient irrigation system
[B] Invasive plants
[C] Asteroid
[D] Ancient irrigation system
Correct Answer: A [Large aquatic mammals]
Notes:
A record number of manatees recently gathered at a Florida state park. Manatees, often called “sea cows,” are large aquatic mammals belonging to the Sirenia group, which also includes dugongs. While they share similarities in appearance and behavior, the key difference lies in their tails – manatees have paddle-shaped tails, while dugongs have fluked tails, resembling whales. Manatees inhabit shallow coastal areas and rivers, with three species identified: Amazonian, African, and Caribbean manatees. They are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species
A record number of manatees recently gathered at a Florida state park. Manatees, often called “sea cows,” are large aquatic mammals belonging to the Sirenia group, which also includes dugongs. While they share similarities in appearance and behavior, the key difference lies in their tails – manatees have paddle-shaped tails, while dugongs have fluked tails, resembling whales. Manatees inhabit shallow coastal areas and rivers, with three species identified: Amazonian, African, and Caribbean manatees. They are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species
7. ‘INS Sandhayak’, recently seen in the news, is what kind of vessel?
[A] Survey vessel ship
[B] Frigate
[C] Naval Destroyer
[D] Aircraft Carrier
[B] Frigate
[C] Naval Destroyer
[D] Aircraft Carrier
Correct Answer: A [Survey vessel ship]
Notes:
The Indian Navy commissioned its latest survey vessel, INS Sandhayak, in Vizag, the first in a series of four Survey Vessels (Large). Constructed at GRSE, Kolkata, its primary purpose is hydrographic surveys for port approaches and navigational routes. The vessel covers the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf, gathering oceanographic data. With limited defence capabilities, it can serve as a hospital ship. Equipped with advanced tools, INS Sandhayak, measuring 110m, displacing 3400 tons, and powered by two diesel engines, emphasizes indigenous content and multifunctional capabilities.
The Indian Navy commissioned its latest survey vessel, INS Sandhayak, in Vizag, the first in a series of four Survey Vessels (Large). Constructed at GRSE, Kolkata, its primary purpose is hydrographic surveys for port approaches and navigational routes. The vessel covers the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf, gathering oceanographic data. With limited defence capabilities, it can serve as a hospital ship. Equipped with advanced tools, INS Sandhayak, measuring 110m, displacing 3400 tons, and powered by two diesel engines, emphasizes indigenous content and multifunctional capabilities.
8. Recently, which state government police adopted Self-Balancing e-scooters For Smart Patrols?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Punjab
[D] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Punjab
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
In February 2024, the Uttarakhand Police adopted self-balancing electric scooters to patrol the streets of Haridwar. The scooters are part of a new law enforcement method and are intended to improve safety for locals and tourists. The scooters are donated by Utkarsh Small Finance Bank and are intended to be used in crowded and narrow areas.
In February 2024, the Uttarakhand Police adopted self-balancing electric scooters to patrol the streets of Haridwar. The scooters are part of a new law enforcement method and are intended to improve safety for locals and tourists. The scooters are donated by Utkarsh Small Finance Bank and are intended to be used in crowded and narrow areas.
9. Recently, which space agency has identified a potential “super-Earth” that could harbor life?
[A] NASA
[B] ISRO
[C] ROCOSMAS
[D] ESA
[B] ISRO
[C] ROCOSMAS
[D] ESA
Correct Answer: A [NASA]
Notes:
NASA has identified a potential “super-Earth,” TOI-715 b, situated 137 light-years away. This distant planet orbits a small, reddish star within the conservative habitable zone, indicating the possibility of liquid water. TOI-715 b is 1.5 times wider than Earth, completes an orbit in just 19 days, and may have a companion Earth-sized planet. NASA’s findings suggest conditions for surface water, pending atmospheric factors. This groundbreaking discovery opens avenues for further investigation into extraterrestrial life.
NASA has identified a potential “super-Earth,” TOI-715 b, situated 137 light-years away. This distant planet orbits a small, reddish star within the conservative habitable zone, indicating the possibility of liquid water. TOI-715 b is 1.5 times wider than Earth, completes an orbit in just 19 days, and may have a companion Earth-sized planet. NASA’s findings suggest conditions for surface water, pending atmospheric factors. This groundbreaking discovery opens avenues for further investigation into extraterrestrial life.
10. Which Russian cosmonaut recently set the record for spending the maximum time in space?
[A] Sergei Krikalev
[B] Yuri Malenchenko
[C] Yelena Serova
[D] Oleg Kononenko
[B] Yuri Malenchenko
[C] Yelena Serova
[D] Oleg Kononenko
Correct Answer: D [Oleg Kononenko ]
Notes:
Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko set the world record for the most time spent in space, breaking the record of fellow Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka. Kononenko is 59 years old and has spent more than 878 days and 12 hours in space. Padalka’s record was 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds, set during five space missions until 2017. Kononenko works out regularly to deal with the physical effects of weightlessness. He has said that he doesn’t feel deprived or isolated, but that he realizes how much life he missed out on when he returns to Earth.
Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko set the world record for the most time spent in space, breaking the record of fellow Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka. Kononenko is 59 years old and has spent more than 878 days and 12 hours in space. Padalka’s record was 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds, set during five space missions until 2017. Kononenko works out regularly to deal with the physical effects of weightlessness. He has said that he doesn’t feel deprived or isolated, but that he realizes how much life he missed out on when he returns to Earth.