Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Malta has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), becoming its 119th member. Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary of Malta’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed the ISA Framework Agreement in New Delhi. Established in 2015 with headquarters in Gurugram, India, ISA aims to promote solar energy globally. India warmly welcomed Malta’s participation in this alliance, strengthening international cooperation for sustainable solar development.

Notes:
Mulugu, Telangana is gearing up for the grand celebration of Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, the largest Tribal Festival in Asia. The event, held at Medaram village in Telangana, showcases the rich tribal heritage of the region. Located 240 km from Hyderabad, the festival signifies unity and cultural devotion, drawing visitors globally. Started as a small gathering, it gained State festival status in 1998, commemorating the 12th-century revolt by Sammakka and Saralamma against oppressive taxes during a drought by Kakatiya rulers.

Notes:
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) strives for UNESCO recognition of the ‘Paruveta’ festival at Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh. Also known as the ‘mock hunting festival,’ it promotes communal harmony, with devotees from diverse backgrounds participating. Legend traces its origin to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Narasimha marrying Chenchulakshmi, a tribal girl. The Chenchu tribes revere Ahobila Narasimha. While Paruveta rituals are widespread, Ahobilam uniquely observes them for a ‘mandala’ (forty days), emphasizing cultural richness and religious inclusivity.

Notes:
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed a bill prohibiting hookah bars in the state, imposing imprisonment of 1-3 years and fines up to Rs 1 lakh for violations. The bill also bans tobacco products in public places, sale near educational institutions, and to those under 21. Titled the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2024, it amends the 2003 central act in the state. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed protecting youth’s health and preventing tobacco-related diseases, citing hookah’s glamorization among the youth.

Notes:
Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian aerospace manufacturer, introduces the Kalpana Fellowship, India’s inaugural program empowering women in space tech. Named after astronaut Kalpana Chawla, the initiative targets final-year students and recent graduates in relevant engineering disciplines, marking a significant step in promoting gender diversity in the space industry.

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:
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 theme of the 8th Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2024 is “Geo-economic Challenges in an Era of Flux”. The conference will be held in Pune from February 29 to March 2, 2024. The AED is an annual geo-economics conference that will feature 46 speakers from 11 countries participating in 12 sessions over three days. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Pune International Centre are jointly hosting the event.

Notes:
A birdwatching team from Telangana recently discovered a spur-winged lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) near Warangal, marking the first sighting in the region. The Vanellus spinosus, native to North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, is a carnivorous wading bird found abundantly in tropical Africa. Thriving in various wetland habitats, it preys on insects, larvae, and small invertebrates. Notably, the species holds a conservation status of “Least Concern” according to the IUCN.

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.