Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Astronaut Lora O’Hara on the International Space Station captured Alpenglow near the Hindu Kush. This natural phenomenon occurs during sunrise or sunset, casting rosy, reddish, or orange hues on mountain slopes. Alpenglow’s colors vary due to the sun’s angle and atmospheric conditions. Vibrancy depends on sun location, light angle, clouds, humidity, and particulates. The phenomenon rapid changes make it a captivating spectacle during the twilight hours.

Notes:
Members of a Hindutva group recently breached the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected Martand Sun Temple, a historic Hindu temple near Anantnag in the Kashmir Valley. Built in the 8th century by King Lalitaditya Muktapida, it blends Kashmiri, Gupta, Chinese, Gandhara, Roman, and Greek architectural styles. Spanning 32,000 sq. ft., the stone temple features an 86-column courtyard, a 60-ft vimana with intricate carvings, and 84 smaller shrines. Sultan Sikandar Shah Miri is believed to have demolished it in the 14th century.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL). The restrictions will come into effect on February 29, 2024. The RBI has ordered PPBL to stop accepting fresh deposits in its accounts or wallets after February 29, 2024. The RBI has also ordered PPBL to halt deposits and credit transactions after February 29, 2024. Customers will face restrictions on deposits, credit transactions, and top-ups. Certain services, including fund transfers and UPI facilities, will be discontinued. The RBI’s action against PPBL follows a comprehensive system audit report and subsequent compliance validation report of external auditors.

Notes:
China has imposed a ban on the import of ruminants and related products from Iraq due to a bluetongue disease outbreak. Bluetongue is a non-contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants, transmitted by insects’ particularly biting species of Culicoides midges. The virus belongs to the Reoviridae family with 24 identified serotypes. Symptoms vary, but sheep are most severely affected. The disease is globally distributed in regions where the insect vector thrives, posing a threat to various species with transmission facilitated by the infected vector.

Notes:
The 2024-25 government budget is projected at Rs 47, 65,768 crore (47.66 lakh crore), indicating a 6% rise from the revised 2023-24 estimate. Anticipated growth includes a 3.2% increase in revenue expenditure and a significant 16.9% surge in capital expenditure, reflecting fiscal priorities and economic strategies for the upcoming year.

Notes:
The National Arogya Fair, supported by the Ministry of Ayush, takes place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, from February 1 to February 4, 2024. Featuring India’s healing traditions, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, the event aims to showcase and promote holistic well-being. It includes workshops, seminars, exhibitions, free health consultations, and cultural programs, fostering collaboration and awareness. The objective is to highlight the benefits of Ayush systems, encouraging holistic health practices and providing a platform for businesses in the field.

Notes:
Researchers modeling future wheat blast spread predict a 13% global wheat production reduction by 2050 due to the fast-acting fungal disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae. Wheat blast affects various grasses, especially wheat, barley, lolium, and rice. It spreads through infected seeds and spores, thriving in warm, humid conditions. Resistant to fungicides, it induces bleaching, lower yields, and poor seed quality, leading to crop burning as a preventive measure. The severity necessitates constant vigilance in regions with susceptible climates.

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.

Notes:
The rare Dusted Apollo butterfly (Parnassius stenosemus) was recently spotted and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh, extending its known distribution from Ladakh to West Nepal. Resembling Ladakh Banded Apollo, it distinguishes with a complete discal band on the upper forewing. The sighting of the protected Regal Apollo (Parnassius charltonius) also occurred, highlighting the rich diversity of Apollo butterflies in the region. Urgent conservation is needed as Apollos face commercial poaching threats, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and establishing conservation measures like butterfly parks.

Notes:
The Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant, an 800 MW unit in Yamunanagar, Haryana, is set to be completed in 57 months. A Rs 6900 crore tender was awarded to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited by Chief Minister Manohar Lal in a High Power Workers Purchase Committee meeting. The plant’s ultra-supercritical unit will increase capacity by 8%, reducing coal consumption and electricity costs. Aligned with ‘Make in India,’ it employs indigenous technology, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and featuring advanced, smaller-sized components for faster, eco-friendly electricity generation.