Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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:
The Sominsai festival, deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, recently marked its millennium-long legacy’s final celebration. This ancient tradition, occurring on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, showcased fervent nude wrestling matches among hundreds of men over wooden talismans. The festival, a captivating spectacle of tradition and spirituality, has left an indelible mark on Japan’s cultural landscape.

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:
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:
Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, faces an alarming ecosystem collapse in 2024, marked by the absence of its native fly. Situated in East-central Northern Ireland, covering 392 sq km with a 5,700 sq km catchment area, it serves as a crucial water source, supplying over 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water. Known for Europe’s largest wild eel fishery and hosting 100 bird species, it holds cultural and archaeological significance as a jewel in the region.

Notes:
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, in partnership with DRDO, launches a Rs 60,000 crore project to upgrade the Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet. The initiative focuses on enhancing capabilities by integrating advanced technologies and indigenous systems. With over 50% indigenous content, India demonstrates a commitment to self-sufficiency in defense production, emphasizing a significant stride towards technological independence.

Notes:
Mulugu, Telangana is gearing up for the grand celebration of Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, the largest Tribal Festival in Asia. The event, held at Medaram village in Telangana, showcases the rich tribal heritage of the region. Located 240 km from Hyderabad, the festival signifies unity and cultural devotion, drawing visitors globally. Started as a small gathering, it gained State festival status in 1998, commemorating the 12th-century revolt by Sammakka and Saralamma against oppressive taxes during a drought by Kakatiya rulers.

Notes:
AIIMS Vijaypur in Jammu is founded under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, addressing regional healthcare imbalances. The scheme aims to enhance affordable tertiary healthcare services and improve medical education facilities across India. This initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare infrastructure throughout the country.

Notes:
A surge in cases of ‘Zombie Deer Disease’ (Chronic Wasting Disease) in the USA has raised concerns. The fatal neurological condition, caused by misfolded proteins called prions, affects cervids like deer and elk. There are no treatments or vaccines, and symptoms include weight loss, stumbling, and listlessness. While no evidence of human transmission exists, the disease’s increasing prevalence among wildlife is alarming, demanding continued monitoring and research for potential risks.

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.