Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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:
Four bone fragments of Lord Buddha, known as Kapilvastu Relics, discovered by William Claxton Peppé in 1898 at Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, will be taken to Thailand after 30 years. The relics were excavated from the ancient city of Kapilavastu. According to Buddhist beliefs, Buddha attained salvation in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar at the age of 80, and his relics were divided among different communities to erect stupas, with Ashoka later enshrining them in numerous stupas to spread Buddhism.

Notes:
The 50th Khajuraho Dance Festival, 2024, commenced on February 20, inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Scheduled until the 26th, the festival features diverse classical dance styles performed by over 1500 Kathak artistes. Originating in 1975, the festival is organized by the Ustad Alauddin Khan Academy of Music and Arts, promoting various dance forms and drawing renowned artists like Padmashree Ranjana Gauhar and Pandit Rajendra Gangani, aiming to boost tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

Notes:
The High Commission of India in Bangladesh hosted a Seminar on Indian Defence Equipment – SIDE 2024 in Dhaka, featuring High Commissioner Pranay Verma and Lt. Gen. M.R. Shameem. Verma highlighted Indian defense industry advancements under Prime Minister Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, resulting in increased investments and exports. SIDE 2024 signifies India’s interest in advancing defense cooperation with Bangladesh, utilizing the US$500 million Defence Line of Credit extended by the Indian government.

Notes:
The Maritime Technical Exposition MTEX-24 is a key feature of MILAN 2024 in Visakhapatnam, showcasing India’s strides in naval technology. Inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MTEX-24 spans three days and emphasizes self-reliance in defence. It highlights advancements in shipbuilding, communication, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy solutions. Key participants include major players, defence start-ups, PSUs, and Naval organizations, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. MTEX-24 aims to propel India’s maritime industry towards a secure and prosperous future.

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.

Notes:
According to a 2023 report, India is the 80th most targeted country worldwide for cybercrime. The report states that 34% of Indian users were targeted by local threats in 2023, totaling 74 million incidents. In 2023, India has a national cybercrime rate of 129 per hundred thousand citizens. In the third quarter of 2023, India was ranked 10th globally for data breaches, with 369,000 leaked accounts.

Notes:
February 24th marks India’s Central Excise Day, commemorating the 1944 enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act. First celebrated in 1944, it honors CBIC’s contribution to the nation. The day underscores tax obligations for citizens, vital for national development. In 2024, the government focuses on modernizing India’s tax system, prioritizing user-friendliness to advance the nation’s goals. Central Excise Day serves as a timely reminder to promote tax compliance for collective progress.

Notes:
Odisha’s State Government has extended the KALIA scheme for three more years. The initiative aims to financially support small and marginal farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers, through direct income transfers. The scheme, synchronized with PM-KISAN, provides a combined annual benefit of ₹10,000 to small and marginal farmers, comprising ₹6,000 from PM-KISAN and ₹4,000 from KALIA. Additionally, it offers various benefits such as scholarships for KALIA beneficiaries’ children and livelihood packages for landless households.

Notes:
Attukal Pongala, the world’s largest women’s congregation festival, extends globally with devotees observing rituals in the US and the UK. It is celebrated annually at Kerala’s Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, the event spans 10 days, starting on the Karthigai star of the Malayalam month of Makaram or Kumbham. On the 9th day, the Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam occurs, featuring the ritualistic preparation and offering of a sweet payasam to the Goddess Bhagavathy, signifying the festival’s cultural and religious significance.