Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
A recent discussion between the United States and China have focused on joint efforts to combat the influx of fentanyl into the U.S. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid (a type of drug), has wreaked havoc in America and is linked to ingredients produced in China. The drug, 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, is FDA (Food and Drug Administration) -approved for severe pain but is also illegally manufactured and sold recreationally, often mixed with other drugs, posing a high risk of addiction and fatality in large doses or when combined.

Notes:
Astro Sat, India’s inaugural multi-wavelength astronomy mission, successfully measured the X-ray polarization of the Cygnus X-1 black hole system. Discovered four decades ago, Cygnus X-1 is among the first confirmed black hole systems in our galaxy. The black hole is 20 times the Sun’s mass, with a companion supergiant star (40 times more massive) in a binary system. Located 400 times farther than Earth-Sun distance, the gravitational pull forms an accretion disk, generating soft X-rays.

Notes:
The Kamakhya Divyalok Pariyojana, a Rs 498 crore project by the central government, aims to transform the Kamakhya Temple pilgrimage experience in Guwahati, Assam. Enhancements include infrastructure upgrades, improved connectivity, temple beautification, and facilities for devotees. The initiative is expected to boost tourism in the Northeast, drawing a large number of devotees to the revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. The temple, with Tantric significance, is atop Nilachal Hill and hosts the annual Ambubachi Mela.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Geological Institute of Israel discovered an unknown underwater canyon near Cyprus dating back to the Messinian Event, also known as the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC). Lasting from approximately 6 to 5.3 million years ago, MSC occurred when the connection between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea was cut off, leading to a severe drying up of the Mediterranean. The resulting large canyon, deeper than the Grand Canyon, formed as water evaporated, leaving behind salt deposits and causing a deadly increase in salinity. The MSC concluded with the Zanclean flood, restoring the connection with the Atlantic.

Notes:
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the two-day ULLAS Mela at the National Bal Bhavan in New Delhi. Organized by the Department of School Education and Literacy, the event showcases national and state-level activities under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram. With 700 participants and 100 dignitaries, the government’s New India Literacy Program, spanning 2022 to 2027, targets individuals aged 15 and above for foundational literacy, numeracy, life skills, and vocational development, emphasizing “Jan-Jan Sakshar” for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society.

Notes:
Fitch Ratings predicts India’s fiscal deficit will reach 5.4% in 2025-2026 (FY25-2026), which is higher than the government’s 5.1% target. Fitch’s prediction is due to more conservative revenue forecasts for FY25. Fitch also expects the central government’s fiscal deficit to be 5.4% in FY25, and the aggregate state deficit to remain around 2.8% of GDP. Fitch says that the slow pace of fiscal consolidation after the pandemic could leave India’s public finances exposed if there are major economic shocks.

Notes:
Noida has been honored as a “water warrior” city by the Union water ministry for outstanding efforts in wastewater treatment and reuse. The city boasts eight sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a total capacity of 411 MLD (million litres daily), treating 260 MLD of sewage. Notably, 70-75 MLD is repurposed for irrigation, construction, firefighting, pond maintenance, and road sprinkling. Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presented the awards in Delhi.

Notes:
The Centre has integrated 11 fair price shops into the Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC), an initiative by DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. ONDC, an open-source network, facilitates transactions across various sectors, promoting local commerce and supporting small enterprises. Aimed at breaking digital monopolies, it democratizes electronic commerce, offering small retailers nationwide exposure. The system standardizes operations and is expected to digitize the entire value chain, fostering inclusivity and efficiency.

Notes:
Recent aircraft-collected samples of natural gas flares in the USA reveal significant variations in nitrogen oxides emissions. Gas flaring, burning associated with oil extraction, persists due to safety, but is wasteful and polluting. Lack of infrastructure or financial incentives leads firms to flare when unable to bring associated gas to market. Most flared gas is similar to natural gas, requiring processing to remove contaminants. Associated gas can be used on-site or converted using gas-to-liquid technologies for various applications.