Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
‘Anuvadini’ is an AI-driven multilingual translation app designed in-house, enabling rapid conversion of English content into various languages via machine learning, supplemented by expert reviews. In the last two years, it has translated numerous textbooks for Ekumbh, an online platform. The initiative also offers 12 regional language choices for national entrance exams, showcasing substantial progress in the realm of AI-based language translation.

Notes:
Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, faces an alarming ecosystem collapse in 2024, marked by the absence of its native fly. Situated in East-central Northern Ireland, covering 392 sq km with a 5,700 sq km catchment area, it serves as a crucial water source, supplying over 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water. Known for Europe’s largest wild eel fishery and hosting 100 bird species, it holds cultural and archaeological significance as a jewel in the region.

Notes:
Renowned Indian Radio Presenter Ameen Sayani, born on December 21, 1932, in Mumbai, passed away at 91 on February 21, 2024, succumbing to heart failure. Known as a Radio Celebrity, his iconic presentation ‘Geetmala’ earned immense popularity, showcasing his charming voice and unique style. A key figure in popularizing radio in India, Sayani’s witty and captivating communication style left a lasting impact. Introduced to All India Radio by his brother, he transitioned from English to Hindi programming during his illustrious career.

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:
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:
In February 2024, India contributed 1 million to the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) Fund for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation. India has been a regular contributor to the fund since its inception, contributing a total of 15.1 million. The IBSA Fund’s projects aim to help partner countries in the Global South achieve their national priorities and other internationally agreed development goals.

Notes:
Prasuma, an Indian frozen food brand, became the first and only Indian food brand to win an International Taste Award in February 2024. The judging criteria for the award focuses on parameters like first impression, vision, olfaction, taste, and texture.

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 Gonda Forest Department in Uttar Pradesh is partnering with Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India to create a turtle conservation reserve in the Sarju River. Home to approximately 5,000 adult crowned river turtles, recent studies show that the Sarju River hosts around half of this population. The collaboration aims to protect and preserve the rich turtle diversity in the region, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts for these endangered species.

Notes:
A S Rajeev, former MD & CEO of Bank of Maharashtra, is appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) by President Droupadi Murmu. Rajeev retired voluntarily from the bank, a decision approved by competent authority as per DFS letter. CVC, established under CVC Act, is now a three-member body with Praveen Kumar Srivastava as Central Vigilance Commissioner since May 2023 and Arvinda Kumar as Vigilance Commissioner since August 2022.