Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Birders recently observed the fire-capped tit, a small bird species. It is a part of the Paridae family, in Aravalli hills, signaling reverse migration from winter to summer. Native to the Himalayas, it migrates south to Western Ghats and Kerala in September, returning in February/March. Inhabiting montane broadleaf forests, it feeds on invertebrates, nectar, and pollen. Despite early migration due to mild winters, the fire-capped tit holds a “Least Concern” conservation status.

Notes:
The Assam government has launched the ‘Ten Cities Development Concept’ for sustainable urban development. Focused on ten cities including Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Nagaon, Tezpur, North-Lakhimpur, Bongaigaon, Silchar, Karimganj, Dhubri, and Haflong/Diphu, the initiative serves as ‘Lighthouses’ guiding other urban local bodies. It aims to enhance urban infrastructure, promote balanced development, and create economic opportunities, emphasizing the state’s commitment to inclusive growth in both urban and rural areas.

Notes:
India is set to introduce its inaugural Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in Uttarakhand, as announced by Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The HEMS, based at AIIMS in Rishikesh, aims to swiftly airlift accident victims within a 150 km radius for timely critical care. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to extend medical outreach and trauma care services, prioritizing timely transportation for patients in hilly terrains to access vital care at AIIMS within the crucial ‘golden hour’ post-accident.

Notes:
World Hippo Day, observed annually on February 15, aims to raise awareness about the endangered status of hippos, with a population estimated between 115,000 and 130,000. Threats include poaching, water loss, mechanized farming, and urbanization. The day serves as a platform to highlight these challenges and advocate for conservation initiatives to safeguard the future of these vulnerable creatures.

Notes:
Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala unveiled the enhanced Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) scheme with an increased outlay of ₹29,610 crore, up from ₹15,000 crore, showcasing the government’s dedication to boost the livestock sector. The Cabinet approved the realignment, extending the scheme until 2025-26, emphasizing support for rural livelihoods. Additionally, a Radio Jingle for AHIDF was introduced during the event in New Delhi.

Notes:
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the ‘Van Mitra’ scheme, focusing on community-driven afforestation in non-forest areas. The initiative aims to involve local communities in expanding the state’s green cover, increasing survival rates of newly planted trees, and promoting tree planting beyond conventional forest zones. The scheme emphasizes environmental conservation and underscores the importance of community engagement in fostering sustainable afforestation efforts across Haryana.

Notes:
ISRO is organizing the ‘Young Scientist Programme’ (YUVIKA) for school children, aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology and Science. Intended to create awareness and inspire STEM interest, the two-week residential program offers talks, lab visits, and discussions with experts. Eligible students, finishing class 8 and currently in class 9, can apply, with special consideration for rural students. Three participants from each state/UT are selected based on academic performance and extracurricular activities, emphasizing a younger age in case of ties.

Notes:
A dispute in Lakshadweep has arisen over the administration’s assertion of government ownership of Pandaram lands, leading to tension with locals. The conflict escalated as the administrator claimed Pandaram properties belonged to the government, contradicting traditional ownership. Locals allege the administration is violating a High Court stay on numbering coconut trees on Pandaram lands, suggesting potential felling. Despite officials refusing to comment on record, a senior official dismissed concerns as presumptions.

Notes:
As of February 2024, Germany is the world’s third largest economy, surpassing Japan. Japan’s economy was contracted by 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2023, pushing the country into recession. This is due to weak domestic consumption, a weak yen, and a shrinking population. The IMF’s latest projections estimate Germany’s nominal GDP at 4.4 trillion this year, compared with 4.2 trillion for Japan.

Notes:
The Rajasthan Mines Department has discovered over 840 million tonnes of iron ore in Khoda, Dadaroli, Todupura, and Liloti near Hindon, Karauli. A composite license for iron ore blocks spanning 1,888 hectares is set for auction. Preliminary exploration revealed magnetite and hematite deposits across 462.3 hectares in Khoda, 754.38 hectares in Dadaroli, 260.71 hectares in Todupura, and 410.94 hectares in Liloti. The findings are expected to boost industrial investment, particularly benefiting steel, cement, coal, and related industries in the state, fostering economic growth and job opportunities.