Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
The Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India launched the “Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI)” Portal, focused on showcasing Indian women and girls in STEMM fields. The portal, a first-of-its-kind in India, is developed by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research. SWATI aims to address gender-gap challenges in policy making by serving as a comprehensive interactive database. It includes sections for Icons, Faculty, and various organizations, fostering inclusivity and enabling long-term research on equality and diversity in Indian science.

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:
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has raised monthly pensions for 36.75 lakh beneficiaries, including elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities, unmarried women, AIDS patients, transgender individuals, orphans, and widows of COVID victims, under Madhu Babu Pension Yojana. The new amounts are Rs 1,000 for those up to 79 and Rs 1,200 for those 80 and above. This move aims to offer vital financial support, ensuring the well-being and dignity of vulnerable groups in the state.

Notes:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a life-size statue of late General Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), at TonsBridge School, Dehradun. In the presence of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Defence Minister praised General Rawat’s courage and humanity, terming him an enduring inspiration. Singh recalled an incident where Rawat, wounded at a remote border post, strengthened India’s defense strategies. Rawat epitomized the nation’s military dedication, transcending birthplace for the country’s security.

Notes:
The Assam government has launched the ‘Ten Cities Development Concept’ for sustainable urban development. Focused on ten cities including Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Nagaon, Tezpur, North-Lakhimpur, Bongaigaon, Silchar, Karimganj, Dhubri, and Haflong/Diphu, the initiative serves as ‘Lighthouses’ guiding other urban local bodies. It aims to enhance urban infrastructure, promote balanced development, and create economic opportunities, emphasizing the state’s commitment to inclusive growth in both urban and rural areas.

Notes:
The Ministry of Education has created 25 crore APAAR IDs in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 and National Credit and Qualifications Framework. The initiative, ‘One nation, One Student ID,’ assigns a unique 12-digit ID to each student, streamlining academic records. This system minimizes fraud and duplicates, offering a reliable reference for educational institutions, thus ensuring a unified academic experience for students.

Notes:
Renowned author Usha Kiran Khan, aged 78, passed away after a brief illness. A Padma Shri recipient in 2015, Khan earned various literary honors, such as the Sahitya Akademi Award and Mahadevi Verma Award. Her prolific career showcased dedication to writing, marked by prestigious recognitions like the Dinakar National Award and Bharat-Bharati. The literary community mourns the loss of this distinguished figure.

Notes:
Casualties during Hori Habba, a bull-taming sport in Karnataka, spark concerns over animal and human safety. Similar events like Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, Kambala in coastal Karnataka, Rooster fights in Andhra Pradesh, Bulbul fights in Assam, and Bullock Cart Races in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu face scrutiny for their association with gambling and potential risks to participants and animals.

Notes:
Food Processing Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras emphasized the significance of startups in the industry during the inauguration of “SUFALAM: Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors Startup Conclave 2024.” He highlighted the event’s role in networking, knowledge-sharing, and aiding startups in utilizing government programs. The minister underscored the government’s robust backing for new businesses, particularly in the food processing sector, facilitating entrepreneurs in establishing and flourishing within the industry.

Notes:
The Broadcast Engineering Society (India) hosted the BSE EXPO-2024, the 28th International Conference and Exhibition on Broadcast and Media Technology in New Delhi. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur will be the chief guest, along with his deputy Dr L Murugan.