Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the 300 MW Barsingsar Solar Power Plant in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district, advancing India’s renewable energy goals. NLC India Limited, a Navratna CPSE, is implementing the project under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy’s CPSE Scheme. The initiative, aligned with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, uses cutting-edge technology, aims to produce 750 million units of green power annually, and marks NLCIL as the first CPSE to achieve a 1 GW Solar capacity milestone in India.

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.

Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released guidelines on managing diphtheria, a contagious bacterial infection of the nose and throat caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets or touching infected sores. While treatable with medications, advanced cases can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Symptoms include a gray throat membrane, sore throat, swollen glands, and difficulty breathing. Current treatments involve Diphtheria Antitoxin, antibiotics, and supportive care to prevent complications like airway obstruction and myocarditis.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
NASA’s SOFIA airborne observatory, a telescope mounted on a Boeing 747 SP aircraft, recently discovered water molecules on the surfaces of two asteroids, marking the first such detection. Operating for 12 years until its premature end in 2022, SOFIA, jointly operated by NASA and the German space agency, studied infrared light, allowing astronomers to observe the universe from 38,000-45,000 feet, above most of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere. It was the world’s largest airborne astronomical observatory, facilitating unique studies of celestial bodies and transient events globally.

Notes:
Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the AIIMS-SBI Smart payment card at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The card aims to facilitate hassle-free payments for patients, eliminating the need for carrying cash. Provided free of cost with no service charges, the card is linked to the patient’s Unique Hospital Identification number and Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID. Termed ‘One AIIMS, One Card,’ the initiative plans to extend these services to all AIIMS institutions nationwide.

Notes:
Nawaf Salam, the first Lebanese and second Arab, succeeded US Judge Joan Donoghue as the President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. He serves a three-year term, starting in 2024. Salam began his ICJ journey in 2018, showcasing a distinguished career in international law. As the highest global judicial authority, ICJ resolves legal disputes between states and offers advisory opinions on UN-related legal matters, playing a crucial role in international relations.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh secures ₹740 crore, the highest in India, under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) Scheme, a revamped version of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). The centrally sponsored scheme, under the Ministry of Education, aims to enhance the quality of state higher educational institutions in line with the National Education Policy 2020. PM-USHA emphasizes conformity to prescribed norms, standards, and accreditation for quality assurance in higher education.

Notes:
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:
Babar Azam, former Pakistan captain, set a historic record as the fastest batter to score 10,000 runs in T20 cricket during a Karachi Kings vs. Peshawar Zalmi match in PSL 2024. This remarkable feat makes him the 13th player to achieve this milestone, adding another accolade to his illustrious career.