Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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The Delhi government unveiled free bus rides for the transgender community, marking a significant step towards inclusive public transportation. The decision awaits Cabinet approval, with plans to promptly implement the initiative. This move aims to facilitate accessible and cost-free travel for transgender individuals on public buses in Delhi.

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The 7th Indian Ocean Conference, hosted in Perth, Australia, is a key consultative forum for Indian Ocean Region nations. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and India Foundation, the theme is “Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean.” Notable attendees include India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong. Over 22 countries and 400 leaders will discuss regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

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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.

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Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda unveiled the ‘Sarathi’ portal, aiming to offer a range of insurance products, including PMFBY, for Indian farmers. The Krishi Rakshak portal and helpline number 14447 were also launched to enhance grievance redressal for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Learning materials for PMFBY, MIIS, and KCC were introduced for stakeholders. Munda emphasized India’s development, embracing digital technology. The Sarathi portal ensures a simplified, digitized insurance journey for farmers, offering various insurance products in phases. The Krishi Rakshak initiative serves as a mediator for farmer-insurer communication.

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India’s logistics performance has shown significant improvement, ranking 38th out of 139 countries in the World Bank’s 2023 Logistics Performance Index, a climb of six places since 2018 and sixteen places since 2014. This data, shared by Union Minister Shri Som Parkash, highlights advancements in Customs, Infrastructure, Logistics Services, Shipment Arrangement, Tracking, and Timeliness. Initiatives like the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy, along with digital reforms like the Unified Logistics Interface Platform, contribute to this positive trend.

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Saturn’s moon Mimas, discovered in 1789 by William Herschel, may conceal a vast ocean beneath its surface. As the smallest and innermost of Saturn’s major moons, Mimas is also known as Saturn I. A recent analysis suggests a relatively “young” ocean formed on Mimas approximately 5 to 15 million years ago, adding intrigue to the moon’s geological history.

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The government of India appointed IRS officer Narendra Kumar Yadav as the brand ambassador for the Fit India movement. Yadav is the Additional Director of GST and the first civil servant to be appointed as a brand ambassador for the movement.

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The 67th All India Police Duty Meet (AIPDM) was hosted by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, from February 12th to 16th, 2024. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony, and Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath will attend the closing ceremony. The event, organized by the RPF, aims to promote excellence and collaboration among police officers, fostering scientific detection, investigation, and internal security. The dedicated mobile app and website facilitate real-time updates and communication, enhancing the overall participant experience.

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The former Vice-President of India and Union Minister for Culture will inaugurate the ‘Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik Kendra’ in Hyderabad, part of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s national academy for music, dance, and drama. Established in 1953, it aims to preserve and promote India’s diverse cultural heritage. The Akademi operates autonomously under the Ministry of Culture, with a Chairman appointed by the President for a five-year term. Fully funded by the government, it coordinates regional Akademies, promotes research, and encourages collaboration for the enrichment of Indian culture.

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The Bor Tiger Reserve (BTR) in Maharashtra, declared a tiger reserve in July 2014, recently sought Rs 1 crore for wildlife safari initiatives in Bangdapur and Hingni forest ranges. It is India’s smallest tiger reserve located in Wardha District. Situated amidst various Bengal Tiger habitats, it neighbors Pench, Nagzira Navegaon, Karhandla, Tadoba Andhari, Melghat, and Satpura reserves. The area boasts Dry Deciduous Forest vegetation and includes the Bor Dam drainage basin.