Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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:
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 Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has signed an MoU with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to enhance the Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’. The collaboration aims to integrate future weapons and sensors, crucial for modernizing in the current war scenario. The technology transfer for weapons and sensors integration has begun, enhancing Tejas’ operational capabilities, including independent sensor functionality, seamless weapons integration, and access to flight tests. ADA’s successful development of Tejas, with 10,000+ sortie credits, has led to the formation of two Air Force squadrons, with two-seater aircraft being inducted.

Notes:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting recently launched four portals, including NaViGate Bharat, a bilingual platform by the New Media Wing. NaViGate Bharat serves as a unified gateway hosting government-related videos, simplifying access to developmental measures and citizen welfare initiatives. The platform empowers users with an interactive interface for searching, streaming, sharing, and downloading content, streamlining information retrieval from various sources into a single, reliable platform for both media and the public.

Notes:
The recently unveiled Tupolev Tu-160M, dubbed “White Swan” in Russia and “Blackjacks” by NATO, is a modernized supersonic strategic bomber. Russia claims it to be the world’s fastest and heaviest payload-carrying bomber, designed for long-range nuclear and conventional strikes. With a 12,000km non-stop range, the Tu-160M features advanced navigation, radar, and in-flight refueling capabilities. It carries 12 cruise or short-range nuclear missiles, operated by a four-member crew, and powered by four afterburning turbofan engines.

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 Philippines has made history as the first Asian country to ratify the Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 (No. 190) by the International Labor Organization. This significant step addresses workplace violence globally, underlining the nation’s commitment to fostering safe and respectful work environments. With this ratification, the Philippines joins 37 other nations in standing against workplace violence and harassment, marking a crucial milestone in the pursuit of safer workplaces worldwide.

Notes:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “grey list” on February 23, 2024. The FATF is an intergovernmental organization that sets global standards for combating illicit finance. The FATF placed the UAE under closer scrutiny in 2022, highlighting the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing involving banks, precious metals and stones as well as property. The FATF said the UAE had taken significant steps to address concerns from a 2022 FATF action plan and demonstrated political support for further action. As of February 2024, only the Democratic Republic of North Korea, Iran and Myanmar are mentioned in the FATF blacklist.

Notes:
According to the Indian government, India’s mineral production increased by 5.1% in December 2023 compared to the same month in 2022. The index of mineral production for the mining and quarrying sector in December 2023 is 139.4, which is 5.1% higher than the same month in 2022.

Notes:
SECI has successfully commissioned India’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Chhattisgarh, funded by the World Bank and Clean Technology Fund. The project utilizes battery storage to store solar energy for peak demand in the evening. It incorporates bifacial solar panels capturing direct and reflected light, increasing electricity generation. This innovation is estimated to save tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, marking a significant milestone in sustainable energy solutions.