Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
An Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter made a precautionary landing in Punjab due to a technical snag. The Chinook/CH-47F, manufactured by Boeing, is a tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter used for troop and supply transport. India operates 15 Chinooks, featuring advanced cargo handling, a fully integrated digital cockpit, and a triple hook system. With a maximum speed of 160 knots, it can carry 55 troops or 10 tonnes of cargo, showcasing its versatility in military operations.

Notes:
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is attending the 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany, engaging in discussions with global leaders to address bilateral cooperation and global concerns. The three-day conference serves as a platform for high-level debates on pressing security challenges, fostering international dialogue and cooperation.

Notes:
Astronomers announced the discovery of J0529-4351, the brightest and fastest-growing quasar to date. This quasar harbors a supermassive black hole 17 billion times the Sun’s mass. Quasars are active galactic nuclei (AGNs), fueled by supermassive black holes at a galaxy’s center. Not all AGNs are quasars, which form in regions of high matter density. Quasars are exceptionally luminous and powerful cosmic phenomena, arising from active galaxies with intense matter consumption, leading to the formation of spiraling accretion disks.

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:
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.

Notes:
In February 2024, scientists uncovered the world’s largest anaconda in the Amazon rainforest—a colossal Northern Green Anaconda. Discovered by TV wildlife presenter Professor Freek Vonk during a National Geographic expedition, this previously unknown snake measures 26 feet, weighs 200 kg, and boasts a head the size of a human’s. Featured in National Geographic’s Disney+ series ‘Pole to Pole’ with Will Smith, the snake has been named ‘Eunectes akayima’ by researchers, solidifying its status as the planet’s largest and heaviest snake.

Notes:
Amid the recent farmers’ protest, Nihang Sikh warriors, an esteemed warrior order with a rich history dating back to Guru Gobind Singh, have joined in solidarity. Known for their distinct blue attire, martial traditions, and weaponry skills, they historically protected Sikh shrines. Today, Nihangs are divided into groups, mainly Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal, with headquarters in Talvandi Sabo and Baba Bakala, respectively. Anandpur Sahib remains their main gathering center, where they celebrate the Hola Mahalla festival showcasing military skills.

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:
Over 500 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the defense sector are participating in Maharashtra’s inaugural MSME Defence Expo in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune. Organized by the state government and inaugurated by Chief Eknath Shinde, the event showcases products developed for the Indian Armed Forces by these enterprises. The expo highlights the growing contribution of MSMEs to the defense industry, fostering innovation and collaboration in the region.

Notes:
The completion of Shahpur Kandi barrage on the Punjab-Jammu and Kashmir border has stopped water flow from the River Ravi to Pakistan. Located downstream from the Ranjit Sagar Dam, the Shahpur Kandi Dam Project aims at power generation and irrigation in Punjab and J&K. Constructed by the Punjab government’s irrigation department; it includes a 55.5 m high concrete gravity dam, a 7.70 km long hydel channel, two head regulators, and two powerhouses, with a total output capacity of 206 MW.