Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Archaeologists unearthed an eighth-century Kotravai sculpture, dating back to the Pallava period, near Ulundurpet, Tamil Nadu. The Pallava Dynasty, a prominent South Indian power from the 3rd to 9th centuries, ruled northern Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Known for supporting Buddhism, Jainism, and Brahminical faith, the Pallavas were patrons of music, painting, and literature. Their origins trace back to the Andhra Satavahanas, gaining autonomy and establishing Kanchipuram as their capital in the 4th century CE.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Professor Karan Nathwani of IIT-Jammu developed an innovative anti-drone system using sound technology, priced at around Rs 4 lakh. This cost-effective solution outperforms traditional anti-drone technologies and detects drones, aircraft, and birds within a 300-meter range. With production costs between Rs 25,000 and Rs 40,000, it ensures accessibility for a diverse user base, showcasing versatility and effectiveness in various scenarios.

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In the Western Ghats of India, scientists discovered a Bonnet mushroom growing on the Golden-backed Frog, endemic to Karnataka and Kerala. This thumb-sized frog thrives near water bodies in evergreen forests and faces threats like habitat loss, water pollution, and non-native species introduction. The surprising mushroom-frog interaction adds a unique aspect to understanding their ecology and highlights the challenges these frogs encounter in their natural habitat.

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The 12th edition of the MILAN naval exercise took place in Visakhapatnam from February 19–27, 2024. The exercise, which has the theme “Forging Naval Alliances for a Secure Maritime Future,” aims to strengthen collaboration between participating navies.

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The Chairman of Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti recently advocated for promoting Indian languages in education, announcing that textbooks will soon be available in Indian languages on digital platforms. Established by the Ministry of Education in 2021, the committee’s mandate, under the National Education Policy 2020, involves recommending pathways for holistic growth of Indian languages, advising the Ministry on language revitalization, and organizing events to emphasize language promotion. The High-Powered Committee may appoint sub-committees and collaborate with government institutions for language teaching and research.

Notes:
Russia recently conducted a Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite (DA-ASAT) test, destroying the Tselina-D SIGINT satellite (Kosmos-1408). The U.S. criticized the test due to the significant debris it generated in low Earth orbit, posing a threat to the International Space Station. Russia has possessed ASAT capabilities since 1968. Anti-satellite weapons are designed to disable operational satellites, and China, India, Russia, and the United States have demonstrated successful ASAT capabilities.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu has banned the sale and production of cotton candy due to the presence of Rhodamine B, a chemical used in various industries for dyeing and coloring. Despite appearing green in powdered form, it turns pink when added to water. Rhodamine B, also used in incense and match sticks, is highly toxic and carcinogenic even in small quantities. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited its usage in food products.

Notes:
The “Aarogya-Doctors on Wheels” initiative has been introduced in Udhampur, J&K, featuring an AI-driven Tele Clinic to offer healthcare in remote areas. Patients can describe their ailments in their native language, and the AI doctor comprehends and responds in the same language. This free telemedicine service addresses challenges of accessibility, availability, and affordability, bringing healthcare solutions to underserved regions.

Notes:
The European Union has initiated Mission Aspides to safeguard commercial vessels in the Red Sea from potential attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This EU naval mission involves deploying warships and airborne early warning systems in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters. Participating countries include France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium. Aspides vessels, operating under strict rules of engagement, are stationed in Larissa, Greece, and are authorized to fire only in response to Houthi attacks. The mission, initially planned for a year, is subject to renewal.