Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first Skill India Centre in Sambalpur, Odisha. The initiative aims to upgrade skills in demand-driven industries, empowering over 1200 students. Shri Pradhan emphasized the need for a skilled workforce to drive India’s development in the 21st century. The Centre offers low-cost courses to democratize access to quality education, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Equipped with modern facilities, it focuses on high-demand trades like Media & Entertainment, Leather, Tourism & Hospitality, and IT-ITeS, fostering industry-specific skills for youth empowerment.

Notes:
The “world’s highest frozen lake marathon,” Pangong Lake marathon in Ladakh, hosted 120 runners from seven countries in its second edition. Organized by the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh, supported by the Administration Union Territory of Ladakh and the 14 Corps of the Indian Army, the event aimed to raise awareness about melting Himalayan glaciers and their environmental impact. Dubbed ‘theastrun,’ it hinted at the threat posed by climate change to the frozen lake, emphasizing the urgency of addressing environmental concerns.

Notes:
Japan has pledged JPY 232 billion for nine projects in India, as confirmed by the exchange of notes on February 20, 2024, between Vikas Sheel of the Indian Ministry of Finance and Suzuki Hiroshi, the Japanese Ambassador. The committed ODA loan assistance covers various initiatives, including the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge, NH 127B (Phulbari-Goeragre section), start-up promotion in Telangana, Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (Phase 2), sustainable horticulture in Haryana, climate change response in Rajasthan, medical facilities in Nagaland, urban water supply in Uttarakhand, and the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project.

Notes:
The Tamil Nadu Government has launched the “TN Endangered Species Conservation Fund” to protect lesser-known species like the Nilgiri Marten. This rare carnivore, scientifically named Martes gwatkinsii, is exclusive to the Western Ghats in India, spanning Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Found in Shola ecosystems, it boasts chocolate-colored fur and a canary yellow throat, resembling a civet or mongoose. The conservation effort focuses on its habitat in high altitudes (300 to 1200 m) across specific Western Ghats clusters.

Notes:
The CBI conducted raids related to alleged corruption in awarding a contract for the Kiru Hydel Project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, focusing on the former Governor. The Kiru Hydel Power Project is a run-of-the-river scheme over the Chenab River, developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP), a joint venture between NHPC, JKSPDC, and PTC. The project aims to benefit several states and union territories in Northern India, with a 49%, 49%, and 2% shareholding, respectively.

Notes:
The Gonda Forest Department in Uttar Pradesh is partnering with Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India to create a turtle conservation reserve in the Sarju River. Home to approximately 5,000 adult crowned river turtles, recent studies show that the Sarju River hosts around half of this population. The collaboration aims to protect and preserve the rich turtle diversity in the region, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts for these endangered species.

Notes:
The International Gita Mahotsav (IGM), rooted in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, expands to Sri Lanka for its fifth edition from March 1 to 3. With past editions in Mauritius, London, Canada, and Australia, the Mahotsav’s global appeal is evident. The event aims to unite devotees worldwide, showcasing the universal significance of the Bhagavad Gita.

Notes:
Dozens of exotic birds and animals, relocated to Gujarat’s Sardar Patel Zoological Park near the Statue of Unity, have perished in the past two years. The 182-meter tall statue, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands on Sadhu Bet Island, Gujarat, by the Narmada Dam. Constructed by Larsen & Toubro and designed by Ram V Sutar, the statue honors India’s ‘Iron Man’. The Gujarat government funded the INR 3,050-crore project, covering 20,000 square meters with a surrounding artificial lake of 12 square kilometers.

Notes:
The 11th bilateral Consular Dialogue between India and the US took place in New Delhi. The Indian delegation, led by Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, is hosting the US delegation led by Ambassador Rena Bitter. The dialogue is intended to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries on consular issues.The discussion includes topics such as: Extradition, Mobility of students and professionals, Safe and legal migration, Protection of vulnerable women and children and Enabling smooth travel of their respective nationals

Notes:
Odisha’s State Government has extended the KALIA scheme for three more years. The initiative aims to financially support small and marginal farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers, through direct income transfers. The scheme, synchronized with PM-KISAN, provides a combined annual benefit of ₹10,000 to small and marginal farmers, comprising ₹6,000 from PM-KISAN and ₹4,000 from KALIA. Additionally, it offers various benefits such as scholarships for KALIA beneficiaries’ children and livelihood packages for landless households.