Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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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.

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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.

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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.

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India won the 9th GovTech Prize at the 2024 World Government Summit in Dubai for its innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing government services. The award recognizes the Government of India’s Ministry for Road Transport and Highways’ transformative project, iRASTE. The Emirates Government Service Excellence Program (EGSEP) manages the annual GovTech Prize and the “M-Gov Award”.

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The Odisha government’s SWAYAM scheme provides interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh to rural youth who are unemployed or underemployed. The scheme also helps entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses.

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On February 14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir in Abu Dhabi. BAPS, a socio-spiritual Hindu faith rooted in the Vedas, was formally established in 1907 CE. It promotes practical spirituality and addresses spiritual, moral, and social challenges. BAPS followers adhere to five lifetime vows, and the organization is involved in global humanitarian activities, education, women’s development, and holds NGO status with the UN Economic and Social Council.

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Dubai has made history by unveiling plans for the world’s first air taxi service at the World Government Summit 2024. The city will pioneer a city-wide electric aerial taxi service using Joby Aviation S4, accommodating four passengers and a pilot. With a 161 km range and 321 km/h top speed, the innovative aircraft offers efficient vertical take-off and landing, reducing space requirements and noise pollution. Set to launch in 2026, this initiative represents Dubai’s commitment to sustainable and accessible urban transportation.

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Reality tech firm recently revealed a digital twin of Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s grand tomb in Hyderabad. The tomb, constructed in 1602, stands at a majestic height of 60 m within the Qutb Shahi heritage park complex. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth king of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and founder of Hyderabad, was a prolific poet in Persian, Telugu, and Deccani Urdu. His poetry touched on diverse aspects of communal life, festivals, love, and faith, blending traditions in a unique manner.

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India is set to introduce its inaugural Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in Uttarakhand, as announced by Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The HEMS, based at AIIMS in Rishikesh, aims to swiftly airlift accident victims within a 150 km radius for timely critical care. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to extend medical outreach and trauma care services, prioritizing timely transportation for patients in hilly terrains to access vital care at AIIMS within the crucial ‘golden hour’ post-accident.

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The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) have issued substantial suspensions to two athletes. Rachna Kumari, a hammer thrower, received a 12-year suspension for her second anti-doping violation, underscoring the gravity of doping offenses. Quarter-miler Nirmala Sheoran, with a history of violations, faces an eight-year suspension from NADA for her second offense, emphasizing the strict consequences for those breaching anti-doping rules in athletics.