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 Nagi Bird Festival is associated with the state of Bihar. The Bihar government’s Forest and Environment department hosts the three-day festival in Jamui, the district’s Nagi bird sanctuary. The festival’s primary objective is to educate people on migratory birds and their habitats, and to promote bird conservation.

Notes:
Russia recently conducted a Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite (DA-ASAT) test, destroying the Tselina-D SIGINT satellite (Kosmos-1408). The U.S. criticized the test due to the significant debris it generated in low Earth orbit, posing a threat to the International Space Station. Russia has possessed ASAT capabilities since 1968. Anti-satellite weapons are designed to disable operational satellites, and China, India, Russia, and the United States have demonstrated successful ASAT capabilities.

Notes:
India’s women’s badminton team won their first-ever gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The team defeated Thailand 3-2 in the final match, with Anmol Kharb’s victory over Pornpicha Choeikeewong in the third singles game clinching the gold.

Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) as part of India’s G20 presidency. The initiative aims to democratize digital health technologies, featuring components such as a country needs tracker and a transformation toolbox. Union Health Minister Mandaviya highlighted its role in creating an institutional framework for digital health, while Bagchi emphasized India’s digital response during the pandemic. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros emphasized GIDH’s support in addressing health system fragmentation and overlap, promoting global digital health standards.

Notes:
On February 21, 2024, International Mother Language Day is celebrated globally, acknowledging linguistic diversity. Originating in Bangladesh, the day emphasizes the historical movement for linguistic rights. In 2024, the theme is “Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning,” underscoring the importance of linguistic education. This Wednesday marks a special occasion to recognize and celebrate the significance of mother languages worldwide.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Babar Azam, former Pakistan captain, set a historic record as the fastest batter to score 10,000 runs in T20 cricket during a Karachi Kings vs. Peshawar Zalmi match in PSL 2024. This remarkable feat makes him the 13th player to achieve this milestone, adding another accolade to his illustrious career.

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:
In February 2024, India contributed 1 million to the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) Fund for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation. India has been a regular contributor to the fund since its inception, contributing a total of 15.1 million. The IBSA Fund’s projects aim to help partner countries in the Global South achieve their national priorities and other internationally agreed development goals.