Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
The ‘INDUS-X’ summit in Delhi is a major milestone in the U.S.-India Defense Accelerator Ecosystem, launched in June 2023. Its objective is to enhance technology partnerships and defense cooperation between India and the US, focusing on joint research, development, and production in the defense sector. INDUS-X includes initiatives like Joint Challenges, Joint Innovation Fund, academia engagement, industry-startup connections, private entity investments, and collaboration on projects such as jet engines, long-range artillery, and infantry vehicles. iDEX and OSD, US, lead the initiative.

Notes:
The Odisha government recently launched the “Swayam” scheme to provide interest-free loans to the state’s youth. The scheme aims to support young entrepreneurs by providing loans of up to Rs 1 lakh to help them start small businesses and contribute to the state’s business environment.

Notes:
The Supreme Court of India recently directed governments to adopt a ‘broad’ definition of forests, emphasizing the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Enacted to safeguard forests and resources, the Act’s Section 2 defines ‘forest land’ broadly, encompassing reserved, protected, or government-recorded areas. The landmark TN Godavarman Thirumalpad vs Union of India (1996) case reinforced this, interpreting ‘forest’ in line with its dictionary meaning. The Act applies to all areas resembling a forest, prioritizing conservation efforts across statutorily recognized forests in India.

Notes:
The Arunachal Pradesh government has partnered with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to create its inaugural Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF). Home to three tiger reserves – Namdapha, Kamlang, and Pakke – the state lacked a dedicated protection force. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines the deployment of a specialized force comprising 336 personnel to enhance tiger conservation efforts in these reserves, addressing the previous gap in protection measures.

Notes:
India has won three gold medals and one silver medal at the 2024 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Tehran, Iran. On the opening day of the championships, the following athletes won gold medals: Tajinderpal Singh Toor: Ace shot putter Jyothi Yarraji: 100m hurdler Harmilan Bains: 1500m

Notes:
Prasuma, an Indian frozen food brand, became the first and only Indian food brand to win an International Taste Award in February 2024. The judging criteria for the award focuses on parameters like first impression, vision, olfaction, taste, and texture.

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:
According to Morgan Stanley, India’s GDP growth is projected to drop to 6.5% in the financial year (FY) 2025, from 6.9% expected for FY2024. However, Morgan Stanley also says that GDP growth will remain healthy, with domestic demand improving and all the macro indicators slated to remain stable. The research emphasizes that domestic demand, supported by robust factors, will play a crucial role in sustaining India’s growth trajectory.

Notes:
The Madhya Pradesh government plans to launch a 130-kilometer cruise service on the Narmada River, connecting the ‘Statue of Oneness’ in Omkareshwar to Gujarat’s ‘Statue of Unity.’ Talks with the Gujarat government are underway, and the cruise, expected to commence next year, aims to promote rural tourism. Travelers will explore attractions like Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandu, and Sardar Sarovar Dam, with a road transfer from the Statue of Oneness to Kukshi in Dhar enhancing the overall experience.

Notes:
The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane has been raised to Rs 340 per quintal for the Sugar Season 2024-25, up from Rs 315. The new FRP is set at 107% higher than the A2+FL cost of sugarcane. This announcement is crucial for Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, the top sugarcane-growing states. Sugarcane, a major Kharif crop in tropical regions, is vital for sugar, gur, and khandsari production and is also grown for biofuel, notably in Brazil for ethanol.