Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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ISRO is organizing the ‘Young Scientist Programme’ (YUVIKA) for school children, aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology and Science. Intended to create awareness and inspire STEM interest, the two-week residential program offers talks, lab visits, and discussions with experts. Eligible students, finishing class 8 and currently in class 9, can apply, with special consideration for rural students. Three participants from each state/UT are selected based on academic performance and extracurricular activities, emphasizing a younger age in case of ties.

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Nepal Rastra Bank have partnered to integrate India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Nepal’s National Payments Interface (NPI). The collaboration aims to establish infrastructure for seamless cross-border transactions, facilitating efficient remittances. The formalized agreement signifies a concerted effort to interlink UPI and NPI, enhancing the speed and ease of cross-border payments between the two countries.

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The Rajasthan Mines Department has discovered over 840 million tonnes of iron ore in Khoda, Dadaroli, Todupura, and Liloti near Hindon, Karauli. A composite license for iron ore blocks spanning 1,888 hectares is set for auction. Preliminary exploration revealed magnetite and hematite deposits across 462.3 hectares in Khoda, 754.38 hectares in Dadaroli, 260.71 hectares in Todupura, and 410.94 hectares in Liloti. The findings are expected to boost industrial investment, particularly benefiting steel, cement, coal, and related industries in the state, fostering economic growth and job opportunities.

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The Chief Minister of Assam has announced a mission to reclaim chars, riverine islands in the Brahmaputra, to preserve ecological integrity. Chars face constant migration, with erosion upstream and deposition downstream during floods, impacting their geometry. Char areas encounter challenges like poor communication, mobility, and infrastructure, hindering development. Issues include isolation, flood threats, and difficulties implementing schemes for roads, irrigation, power, and education in these unique, flood-prone regions.

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The Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair, hosted in New Delhi on 19-20 February 2024, is a collaborative initiative led by ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi. With diverse stakeholders, the event highlights neem’s versatile applications in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Embracing the theme “Neem for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Environment,” the summit aims to spotlight neem’s multifaceted benefits and promote its role in fostering sustainability across various sectors.

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Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first state in North-East India and the 10th in the country to attain 100% saturation of Har Ghar Jal under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Chief Minister Pema Khandu credited Team Arunachal’s dedication, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for guidance and support. The mission, launched on August 15, 2019, aims to provide assured tap water supply to every rural household in India by 2024, promoting an improved quality of life.

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Esteemed Vidarbha cricketer Faiz Fazal, aged 38, has announced his retirement from all forms of the game, marking the end of a remarkable career. Fazal leaves behind a significant legacy with immense contributions to Vidarbha cricket, celebrated for generations. The Vidarbha cricket team, representing eastern Maharashtra, participates in India’s domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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The Government of Goa is partnering with the World Bank to establish India’s first subnational blended finance facility, focusing on climate resilience. Announced at the 2024 India Climate and Development Partners Meeting, this innovative initiative aims to leverage concessional finance for low-carbon investments. The facility will bridge green financing and domestic capital markets, facilitating climate action projects with and without existing funding, ultimately enhancing Goa’s and other coastal states’ resilience to climate impacts.

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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.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 9th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as the Chief Guest. Mitsotakis praised India as a global power and essential ally in peace and security. He highlighted India’s role in the G20 and climate change. Mitsotakis urged deeper ties, emphasizing shared values and the strength of the partnership. He commended India’s economic prowess and mentioned mutual investment goals, noting India’s significant contributions to Greece’s infrastructure and the rising bilateral trade volume.