Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched India Energy Week 2024 in Goa, highlighting India’s dedication to significant investments in the energy sector. Addressing global energy leaders, PM Modi underscored the nation’s commitment to unprecedented levels of investment, emphasizing India’s role in shaping the future of the global energy landscape.

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.

Notes:
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) launched “Pure for Sure” at India Energy Week 2024, aiming to enhance LPG distribution. Inaugurated by Hardeep Singh Puri, the initiative prioritizes consumer satisfaction by eliminating delivery inefficiencies. Unique features include a tamper-proof seal with QR codes for tracking cylinder integrity, ensuring quality and quantity assurance. “Pure for Sure” allow customers to authenticate cylinders pre-delivery, promoting transparency. Any tampering renders the QR code unscannable, ensuring product safety and trust in this innovative service.

Notes:
The National Board for Wildlife postponed the decision on diverting forest land for Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Project in Kali and Sahyadri tiger reserves. The project aims to address drinking water needs in Karnataka’s Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot, and Gadag districts by diverting water from Goa’s Mahadayi River to the Malaprabha River basin (a tributary of Krishna River). Proposed in the 1980s, the project faced disputes among Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. Barrages on Kalasa and Banduri streams are planned to redirect water to Karnataka’s drought-prone districts.

Notes:
The Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth-largest inland water body, has nearly disappeared due to a major Soviet water diversion project in 1960. The diversion of the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers for irrigation projects led to the sea’s gradual drying up. Located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the Aral Sea depression formed millions of years ago and drained several countries. Harsh Central Asian climate and unsustainable human interventions caused its decline, leaving it on the brink of complete disappearance.

Notes:
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has been honored with the 2024 Nelson Mandela Award (NMA) by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its exceptional commitment to promoting mental health and well-being. Recognized for pioneering mental health and neuroscience advancements, NIMHANS supports innovative research, education, and patient care, integrating mental health into general healthcare. The award coincides with NIMHANS’ 50th foundation year, reflecting on past achievements and the institute’s ongoing dedication to its mission.

Notes:
Violence erupted in Uttarakhand as a mosque and madrasa on Nazool land were demolished. Nazool land, owned by the government, is leased for 15-99 years and used for public purposes. Originating from British rule, it was confiscated from opposing kings and royals, marked as Nazool land. Governed by The Nazool Lands (Transfer) Rules, 1956, it’s often utilized for schools, hospitals, and housing societies. The government can renew or cancel leases, leading to recent conflicts in Uttarakhand.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, inaugurated Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, and RuPay card services in Mauritius via video conferencing. Mr. Jugnauth announced the co-branded RuPay card as Mauritius’ domestic card. This initiative aims to enhance economic ties and connectivity between the countries, providing convenience to their citizens. Sri Lankan President congratulated Modi on the consecration of Shri Ram Mandir and highlighted longstanding economic relations.

Notes:
India’s Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has received a commemorative plaque at Switzerland’s famous Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch, the ‘Top of Europe.’ Acknowledging his remarkable achievements, the sports icon unveiled the plaque and donated one of his javelins to the tourist attraction. Chopra joins other sports stars like Roger Federer and Rory McIlroy on the Wall of Fame at Jungfraujoch, celebrating their spirit of accomplishment and dedication, according to Switzerland Tourism.

Notes:
Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar inaugurated Precision Approach Radar (PAR) at INS Utkrosh in Andaman and Nicobar Islands during his 3-day visit to bolster the strategic tri-service command. The PAR, manufactured by a Chennai company, enhances aircraft landing safety in low visibility conditions, such as heavy rain and fog, offering precise horizontal and vertical guidance. This system strengthens the Andaman and Nicobar Command’s defense capabilities.