Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
The 13th of February is National Women’s Day, an annual celebration in India. 13th February marks the 145th birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, the “Nightingale of India.” A key figure in India’s independence struggle and a celebrated poet, she is honored on National Women’s Day for her advocacy of women’s rights. Naidu’s literary legacy includes the iconic 1912 poem “In the Bazaars of Hyderabad,” known for its vivid imagery.

Notes:
India and Bangladesh launched the inaugural trial movement of vessels between Maia Port in India and Sultanganj Port in Bangladesh on February 12. Operating on Indo Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) Route no. 5 & 6, the waterway from Maia to Dhubri via Aricha is expected to cut the distance by approximately 930 kilometers, aligning with the Act East Policy’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and trade efficiency.

Notes:
Cuscuta dodder, an invasive weed native to North America, is threatening Chengalpet forests and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu, endangering local ecology and migratory bird habitats. This parasitic vine lacks roots, infesting acres of trees in reserve forests and penetrating India’s oldest bird sanctuary. Found on Barringtonia trees crucial for bird nesting, it forms dense canopies before strangling and killing hosts. In India, it poses a significant problem in oilseeds, pulses, and fodder crops. Globally, it’s listed as a ‘declared noxious weed’ in 25 countries. Cuscuta seeds, with a hard coat, can survive up to 50 years in dry storage and 10 years in the field.

Notes:
The Indian government, through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has issued guidelines for pilot projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, focusing on using Green Hydrogen in the transportation sector. With decreasing costs of renewable energy and electrolyzers, vehicles utilizing green hydrogen are expected to be cost-competitive soon. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, along with Scheme Implementing Agencies, will conduct pilot projects to replace fossil fuels in transportation with green hydrogen, supporting technology and infrastructure development.

Notes:
Archaeologists unearthed an eighth-century Kotravai sculpture, dating back to the Pallava period, near Ulundurpet, Tamil Nadu. The Pallava Dynasty, a prominent South Indian power from the 3rd to 9th centuries, ruled northern Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Known for supporting Buddhism, Jainism, and Brahminical faith, the Pallavas were patrons of music, painting, and literature. Their origins trace back to the Andhra Satavahanas, gaining autonomy and establishing Kanchipuram as their capital in the 4th century CE.

Notes:
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) have issued substantial suspensions to two athletes. Rachna Kumari, a hammer thrower, received a 12-year suspension for her second anti-doping violation, underscoring the gravity of doping offenses. Quarter-miler Nirmala Sheoran, with a history of violations, faces an eight-year suspension from NADA for her second offense, emphasizing the strict consequences for those breaching anti-doping rules in athletics.

Notes:
South Indian Bank has been honored as the Best Technology Bank of the Year at the 19th IBA Annual Banking Technology Conference. The bank received six awards, including three wins, one runner-up position, and two special mentions. T Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, presented the accolades to PR Seshadri, MD & CEO of South Indian Bank, at the Mumbai venue organized by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).

Notes:
The Broadcast Engineering Society (India) hosted the BSE EXPO-2024, the 28th International Conference and Exhibition on Broadcast and Media Technology in New Delhi. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur will be the chief guest, along with his deputy Dr L Murugan.

Notes:
The ‘INDUS-X’ summit in Delhi is a major milestone in the U.S.-India Defense Accelerator Ecosystem, launched in June 2023. Its objective is to enhance technology partnerships and defense cooperation between India and the US, focusing on joint research, development, and production in the defense sector. INDUS-X includes initiatives like Joint Challenges, Joint Innovation Fund, academia engagement, industry-startup connections, private entity investments, and collaboration on projects such as jet engines, long-range artillery, and infantry vehicles. iDEX and OSD, US, lead the initiative.

Notes:
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C has named Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as the state icon for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Gill will participate in various election campaigns to raise voter awareness and increase turnout in the state. Punjabi singer Tarsem Jassar has also been selected as a “state icon” and will conduct similar campaigns.