Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Neuralink is the first company to implant a computer chip in a human brain. Neuralink is a neurotechnology company founded in 2016 by Musk and seven other scientists and engineers. The company’s implant, known as the “Link,” is a small device that’s surgically placed inside the human brain. Neuralink says its device can interpret neural activity so a person can operate a computer or smartphone by simply thinking. The company ultimately hopes to use the brain-machine interface to restore sensory and motor functions in people with disabilities, treat neurological conditions like dementia and depression, and even enable telepathic communication.

Notes:
The German eROSITA consortium has released data from the first all-sky survey conducted by the eROSITA X-ray telescope on the Russian-German SRG observatory. eROSITA stands for extended ROentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array and is the main instrument on the Russian spacecraft Spektrum-Roentgen-Gamma (SRG). Launched in July 2019, it maps the entire celestial sphere every six months, with eight surveys planned until December 2023. The survey aims to provide insights into various astrophysical phenomena, including supermassive black hole evolution and X-ray-emitting solar system bodies.

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:
Vice Admiral Lochan Singh Pathania is the Chief Hydrographer of the Indian government. Pathania is a Hydrography Specialist who has a naval career spanning over four decades. He joined the Indian Navy in 1990 in the Executive branch. He has commanded the ships Darshak and Sandhayak, and has carried out hydrographic surveys across India and the Indian Ocean Region.

Notes:
The endangered Forest Owlet, Athene blewitti, was recently sighted three times in the Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra. Initially described in 1873, it was considered extinct after 1884 but rediscovered in 1997. Endemic to central India, it’s observed in various states. Inhabiting diverse ecosystems, it’s small, stocky, with distinctive features. Diurnal and hunting during the day, it preys on rodents, reptiles, and insects. With an IUCN Red List status of Endangered and CITES Appendix I, conservation efforts are crucial.

Notes:
Karnataka secured the Nagesh Trophy in the Men’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2023-24, triumphing over Andhra Pradesh by nine wickets in a thrilling final in Nagpur. The win ended Karnataka’s 20-year national title drought, highlighting the remarkable talent, resilience, and determination of visually impaired cricketers. The victory not only celebrated their sporting prowess but also emphasized the spirit that defines blind cricket as a testament to overcoming challenges.

Notes:
Sunil Kumar won the 87 kg Greco-Roman title at the 2024 National Wrestling Championships, which took place in Jaipur, Rajasthan on February 4, 2024. Kumar, an Asian Games bronze medalist, beat Manoj Kumar 9-1 to win the title.

Notes:
The Kilkari program, launched by the Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare, is an m-health initiative for Gujarat and Maharashtra. It provides centralized IVR-based mobile health services, offering 72 free, weekly audio messages on pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare to registered women. Hosted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kilkari requires no additional investment from states/UTs and is integrated with the centralized RCH portal, presently implemented in 18 states/UTs.

Notes:
World Pulses Day, observed on February 10 annually, promotes awareness about the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses in sustainable food production. The United Nations assigns a theme each year; the 2024 theme is “Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People,” aiming to integrate pulses into diets and agricultural practices. The day originated in 2019, emphasizing pulses’ role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Notes:
Recent Maoist-securities clash occurred in Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Odisha’s Nuapada district. Established in 1983, the sanctuary spans 600 sq kms, adjacent to Chhattisgarh’s Sitanadi and Udanti sanctuaries. Featuring diverse habitats like plateaus, canyons, and waterfalls, it serves as Jonk River’s catchment area. Dry deciduous tropical forests house various flora such as Bija, Teak, and fauna including Barasingha, tigers, leopards, and serves as a migration link for rare wild buffaloes between Orissa and Chhattisgarh.