Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched CM-Elevate, a state-funded entrepreneurship program, aiming to support over 20,000 entrepreneurs in various businesses over the next 3-4 years. The government has allocated Rs. 300 crore for the scheme, offering up to 75 percent subsidy and comprehensive support for proposal implementation. Sangma emphasized promoting entrepreneurship to reduce dependency on government jobs and encourage private sector job creation. The first batch of beneficiaries received financial assistance for diverse projects, marking the beginning of a three-year journey to foster entrepreneurship in the state.

Notes:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a life-size statue of late General Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), at TonsBridge School, Dehradun. In the presence of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Defence Minister praised General Rawat’s courage and humanity, terming him an enduring inspiration. Singh recalled an incident where Rawat, wounded at a remote border post, strengthened India’s defense strategies. Rawat epitomized the nation’s military dedication, transcending birthplace for the country’s security.

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:
The National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) and Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) were launched in Assam by the Secretary, Department of Land Resources. Initiated by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, NGDRS is a common application for registration departments nationwide. Developed by the National Informatics Centre Pune, it offers a user-friendly interface for online land buying, property valuation, and document submission, reducing the need for multiple visits to the sub-registrar’s office.

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Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the significant potential of India’s inland waterways as a growth engine, emphasizing PM Narendra Modi’s focus on harnessing this vital resource. Speaking at Kalugaht, Bihar, he inaugurated the Kalughat Inland Waterways Transport terminal on National Waterways-1, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of water transport. Sonowal credited Prime Minister for amending the Inland Vessel Act, simplifying permit systems and transforming India into a major player in riverways and maritime cargo handling with the increase of National Waterways from 5 to 111.

Notes:
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the launch of Mission Basundhara 4.0, focusing on surveying land within riverine areas. The government aims to settle land in mission mode, terming it as Basundhara. Basundhara 3.0 will commence after Lok Sabha elections, focusing on comprehensive land management and reserving revenue villages with 100% ST and SC communities. Mission Basundhara 2.0, launched in November 2022, addressed indigenous peoples land rights, settling over 3 lakh bigha in Brahmaputra Valley and 1 thousand bigha in Barak Valley. Mission Basundhara 3.0 will bring reforms, waiving the ‘three-generation’ requirement for tea, Adivasi, Gorkha, ST, and SC communities. Sunsali and Tea Garden Grant areas residents get a one-time opportunity under Mission Basundhara 3.0 for land patta applications.

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 ‘INDUS-X’ summit in Delhi is a major milestone in the U.S.-India Defense Accelerator Ecosystem, launched in June 2023. Its objective is to enhance technology partnerships and defense cooperation between India and the US, focusing on joint research, development, and production in the defense sector. INDUS-X includes initiatives like Joint Challenges, Joint Innovation Fund, academia engagement, industry-startup connections, private entity investments, and collaboration on projects such as jet engines, long-range artillery, and infantry vehicles. iDEX and OSD, US, lead the initiative.

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The Odisha government recently launched the “Swayam” scheme to provide interest-free loans to the state’s youth. The scheme aims to support young entrepreneurs by providing loans of up to Rs 1 lakh to help them start small businesses and contribute to the state’s business environment.

Notes:
On February 21, 2024, International Mother Language Day is celebrated globally, acknowledging linguistic diversity. Originating in Bangladesh, the day emphasizes the historical movement for linguistic rights. In 2024, the theme is “Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning,” underscoring the importance of linguistic education. This Wednesday marks a special occasion to recognize and celebrate the significance of mother languages worldwide.