Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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.

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India has proposed the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” for UNESCO World Heritage List recognition in 2024-25. Developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, these military landscapes showcase an exceptional fortification system envisioned by Maratha rulers. The network of forts, spanning the Sahyadri mountain ranges, Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau, and Eastern Ghats, integrates distinctive landscapes. Notable components include Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Raigad, Vijaydurg, and others. The Maratha Military ideology, dating from the 17th century, continued until Peshwa rule in 1818 CE.

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The Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, unveiled the “Bharat 5G Portal” during ‘Bharat Telecom 2024.’ This integrated platform focuses on quantum, 6G, IPR, and 5G domains, catering to startups, industry, and academia. In collaboration with PANIIT USA, it introduces the Future Tech-Experts registration portal to support India’s Telecom ecosystem. The portal serves as a centralized hub for quantum, IPR, PoCs/Pilot, 5G, and 6G, promoting innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing in the telecom sector for Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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The theme of the 20th National Good Governance Webinar Series for 2023-2024 was “Promoting Excellence in Sports and Wellness through Khelo India Scheme”. The webinar included presentations on initiatives taken by the districts of Churu, Rajasthan and Bishnupur, Manipur, which were awarded the PM’s Award for 2021.

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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.

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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.

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Emerge-2024 is India’s first beachside startup festival, taking place February 16–18, 2024 at Tannirbhavi Beach in Mangaluru. The festival is expected to feature more than 100 startups, 50 investors, and around 1,000 participants.

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The GHAR (Go Home and Re-Unite) Portal, developed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), facilitates the digital monitoring and repatriation of children under the Juvenile Justice Act. It expedites repatriation by tracking cases, transferring them to relevant authorities, and facilitating communication with State Governments for translators or experts. Child Welfare Committees use the portal’s checklist to identify children in need, linking them to government schemes for family strengthening during restoration.

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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.

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Researchers discovered a new fungus species, Trichoglossum syamviswanathii, in Kerala. Trichoglossum is a genus of fungus known as “hairy earth tongues” due to its filamentous structure. The fungus, with 55 identified genera and 21 recognized species globally, exhibits saprotrophic behavior and can be found in plant roots as endophytes. Predominantly distributed in tropical and temperate forests across five continents, these fungi play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter.