Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Tamil Nadu has banned the sale and production of cotton candy due to the presence of Rhodamine B, a chemical used in various industries for dyeing and coloring. Despite appearing green in powdered form, it turns pink when added to water. Rhodamine B, also used in incense and match sticks, is highly toxic and carcinogenic even in small quantities. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited its usage in food products.

Notes:
The ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises offers artisans and craftsmen affordable loans, skill training, modern equipment, and promotes digital transactions. With a budget of Rs 13,000 crore, the scheme covers 18 businesses and is set to run for five years until the financial year 2027-28, aiming to boost the growth and development of the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector.

Notes:
The Indian Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ICGS Varaha made a port call at Maputo Port, Mozambique. The visit is part of a strategic overseas deployment to East Africa and is a milestone in diplomatic maritime engagements. The visit lasts three days and includes professional interactions in the fields of: Marine Pollution Response (MPR) Maritime Law Enforcement Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR). The visit also includes engagements with the Mozambican Navy, outreach events, yoga, and coastal cleanup as part of Puneet Sagar Abhiyaan.

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:
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:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has signed an MoU with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to enhance the Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’. The collaboration aims to integrate future weapons and sensors, crucial for modernizing in the current war scenario. The technology transfer for weapons and sensors integration has begun, enhancing Tejas’ operational capabilities, including independent sensor functionality, seamless weapons integration, and access to flight tests. ADA’s successful development of Tejas, with 10,000+ sortie credits, has led to the formation of two Air Force squadrons, with two-seater aircraft being inducted.

Notes:
The Gonda Forest Department in Uttar Pradesh is partnering with Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India to create a turtle conservation reserve in the Sarju River. Home to approximately 5,000 adult crowned river turtles, recent studies show that the Sarju River hosts around half of this population. The collaboration aims to protect and preserve the rich turtle diversity in the region, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts for these endangered species.

Notes:
Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and ex-Lok Sabha Speaker, Manohar Joshi, passed away on February 23, 2024, at 86. He succumbed to a cardiac arrest at a Mumbai hospital at 3 am. Joshi, the first Shiv Sena leader to be Maharashtra’s Chief Minister (1995-1999), also served as Lok Sabha Speaker from 2002 to 2004. His last rites will be held at Dadar cremation ground.