Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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:
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:
Himachal Pradesh’s 2024-25 annual budget prioritizes environmental concerns, unveiling the Mukhya Mantri Harit Vikas Chhattravriti Yojana for postgraduate researchers. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, in the February 17 presentation, emphasized climate change threats and outlined action plans at district and Panchayat levels. The state aims to collaborate with the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and the German development agency GIZ to address climate change’s impact on agriculture and horticulture, conducting a need assessment study for effective mitigation.

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 “world’s highest frozen lake marathon,” Pangong Lake marathon in Ladakh, hosted 120 runners from seven countries in its second edition. Organized by the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh, supported by the Administration Union Territory of Ladakh and the 14 Corps of the Indian Army, the event aimed to raise awareness about melting Himalayan glaciers and their environmental impact. Dubbed ‘theastrun,’ it hinted at the threat posed by climate change to the frozen lake, emphasizing the urgency of addressing environmental concerns.

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:
NASA’s recent images reveal Badwater Basin, North America’s driest spot, transformed into a lake for 6 months. Situated 282 feet below sea level in Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, it’s known for extreme aridity. Manly Lake, formed after Hurricane Hilary in August 2023, defied expectations by persisting through fall and winter. Its revival in February 2024, fueled by an atmospheric river, expanded it to 11 km length, 6.5 km width, and 60 cm depth, filling the expansive salt flat.

Notes:
The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) has launched India’s largest drone pilot training facility. This program is aligned with PM’s Namo Drone Didi initiative. The program is also tailored for a variety of defense personnel. This initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to position India as a prominent drone hub by 2030.

Notes:
The International Gita Mahotsav (IGM), rooted in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, expands to Sri Lanka for its fifth edition from March 1 to 3. With past editions in Mauritius, London, Canada, and Australia, the Mahotsav’s global appeal is evident. The event aims to unite devotees worldwide, showcasing the universal significance of the Bhagavad Gita.

Notes:
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and IIM Shillong have joined forces to establish India’s inaugural ‘Gati Shakti Research Chair.’ This collaborative effort aims to boost academic research in multimodal logistics, with a specific focus on the North-East region. The initiative aims to empower students in logistics-related fields by fostering skill development and creating career opportunities.