Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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.

Notes:
The mascot for the 2024 Khelo India Winter Games is the snow leopard, named “Sheen-e She” or “Shan” in the Ladakh region. The mascot was chosen to reflect the region’s biodiversity and tradition. The games will be held in Ladakh from February 2–6, and in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir from February 21–25. The mascot symbolizes the spirit of the games and highlights the need to conserve this endangered species.

Notes:
The 37th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2024 will feature Gujarat as the theme state. The fair will take place from February 2–18, 2024 in Surajkund, Faridabad. The fair complex, including decorations and stalls, will reflect the rich heritage of Gujarati culture. The event will also feature artists and cultural groups from 20 Indian states and multiple countries. The Surajkund Mela is organized annually by the Haryana Tourism Department. The town of Surajkund is known for its picturesque surroundings and is easily accessible from Delhi and other major cities in the region.

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 7th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) took place in Kochi from January 29 to February 2, 2024. Established in 2013 under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), India has consistently hosted the committee, with the Spices Board India serving as the organizing secretariat. In this session, quality standards for small cardamom, turmeric, juniper berry, allspice, and star anise were finalized. The Codex Alimentarius Commission, jointly established by FAO and WHO, is an international body with 189 member countries, meeting annually in Geneva and Rome.

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:
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.

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently achieved success with four flight trials of ‘ABHYAS,’ a high-speed expendable aerial target. Developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment, ABHYAS serves as a realistic threat scenario for weapon systems practice and validates Armed Forces equipment for aerial engagement. It features an autonomous flying design, an indigenously made autopilot, and a laptop-based Ground Control System for integration and analysis.

Notes:
The Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) program, initiated by the Ministry of Culture, aims to culturally map India’s 6.5 lakh villages, encompassing 29 States and 7 Union Territories. Launched on July 27, 2023, under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, it compiles information on seven categories, from arts and crafts to historical and ecological aspects. The virtual platform enables people to explore India’s rich cultural heritage, fostering appreciation, economic growth, social harmony, and artistic development in rural communities.

Notes:
Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the 1st BIMSTEC Aquatics Championships 2024 in New Delhi, marking the first-time hosting of the event. He emphasized the collaboration of seven BIMSTEC countries, transforming the Bay of Bengal into a hub for progress and development. The four-day competition features swimming, water polo, and diving events for Under-20 athletes, with 39 medals and nine trophies at stake.