Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
NASA’s SOFIA airborne observatory, a telescope mounted on a Boeing 747 SP aircraft, recently discovered water molecules on the surfaces of two asteroids, marking the first such detection. Operating for 12 years until its premature end in 2022, SOFIA, jointly operated by NASA and the German space agency, studied infrared light, allowing astronomers to observe the universe from 38,000-45,000 feet, above most of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere. It was the world’s largest airborne astronomical observatory, facilitating unique studies of celestial bodies and transient events globally.

Notes:
India’s women’s badminton team won their first-ever gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The team defeated Thailand 3-2 in the final match, with Anmol Kharb’s victory over Pornpicha Choeikeewong in the third singles game clinching the gold.

Notes:
The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee met in New Delhi from February 16-19, 2024, marking its 3rd meeting since the agreement’s signing in 2009. Initiated in September 2022 for a comprehensive review, eight sub-committees were established to enhance the agreement’s trade facilitation and mutual benefits. The recent meeting assessed negotiation progress, identified focus areas for further deliberations, and updated the work program, directing sub-committees for continued negotiations.

Notes:
The UNESCAP’s ‘Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024’ reveals that the region is 32 years behind the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals target. Established in 1947 as ECAFE, it became ESCAP in 1974, one of the UN’s five regional commissions. With 53 member states (including India) and 9 associate members, UNESCAP is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Its objective is to foster cooperation among members to address sustainable development challenges.

Notes:
Four bone fragments of Lord Buddha, known as Kapilvastu Relics, discovered by William Claxton Peppé in 1898 at Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, will be taken to Thailand after 30 years. The relics were excavated from the ancient city of Kapilavastu. According to Buddhist beliefs, Buddha attained salvation in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar at the age of 80, and his relics were divided among different communities to erect stupas, with Ashoka later enshrining them in numerous stupas to spread Buddhism.

Notes:
Babar Azam, former Pakistan captain, set a historic record as the fastest batter to score 10,000 runs in T20 cricket during a Karachi Kings vs. Peshawar Zalmi match in PSL 2024. This remarkable feat makes him the 13th player to achieve this milestone, adding another accolade to his illustrious career.

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:
Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships recently joined the Maldives for Exercise Dosti 16, a trilateral coast guard exercise held every two years since 1991. Sri Lanka joined in 2012, and the 16th edition involves the Coast Guards of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, with observers from Bangladesh. The exercise focuses on mutual operational capability, interoperability, and cooperation in scenarios like sea accidents and pollution. India’s participation includes ICGS Samarth, ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier.

Notes:
Social groups nationwide recently organized the Naanoo Rani Chennamma campaign, marking 200 years since Rani Chennamma’s rebellion against the British East India Company. Born in Kakati, Karnataka, she became Kitturu’s queen after marrying Raja Mallasarja. Post his death, the British refused to recognize Shivalingappa as the successor, leading to the Kittur Rebellion. British forces initially suffered losses, but eventually captured Kittur Fort in 1824. Rani Chennamma and family were imprisoned; she passed away in 1829 at the Bailhongal fort.

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.