Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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:
The European Union has initiated Mission Aspides to safeguard commercial vessels in the Red Sea from potential attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This EU naval mission involves deploying warships and airborne early warning systems in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters. Participating countries include France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium. Aspides vessels, operating under strict rules of engagement, are stationed in Larissa, Greece, and are authorized to fire only in response to Houthi attacks. The mission, initially planned for a year, is subject to renewal.

Notes:
The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee met in New Delhi from February 16-19, 2024, marking its 3rd meeting since the agreement’s signing in 2009. Initiated in September 2022 for a comprehensive review, eight sub-committees were established to enhance the agreement’s trade facilitation and mutual benefits. The recent meeting assessed negotiation progress, identified focus areas for further deliberations, and updated the work program, directing sub-committees for continued negotiations.

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:
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.

Notes:
Madhya Pradesh government unveils an innovative ‘bag-less school’ policy, challenging educational norms. Starting 2024-25, this initiative mandates a bag-free day each week. The state government issues weight limits for school bags, ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 kg for classes 1 and 2, to 2.5 to 4.5 kg for classes 9 and 10. This move aims to alleviate the physical burden on students, fostering a more comfortable and holistic learning environment.

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:
India has won three gold medals and one silver medal at the 2024 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Tehran, Iran. On the opening day of the championships, the following athletes won gold medals: Tajinderpal Singh Toor: Ace shot putter Jyothi Yarraji: 100m hurdler Harmilan Bains: 1500m

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:
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.