Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
‘Anuvadini’ is an AI-driven multilingual translation app designed in-house, enabling rapid conversion of English content into various languages via machine learning, supplemented by expert reviews. In the last two years, it has translated numerous textbooks for Ekumbh, an online platform. The initiative also offers 12 regional language choices for national entrance exams, showcasing substantial progress in the realm of AI-based language translation.

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 Odisha government recently launched the “Swayam” scheme to provide interest-free loans to the state’s youth. The scheme aims to support young entrepreneurs by providing loans of up to Rs 1 lakh to help them start small businesses and contribute to the state’s business environment.

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:
Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first state in North-East India and the 10th in the country to attain 100% saturation of Har Ghar Jal under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Chief Minister Pema Khandu credited Team Arunachal’s dedication, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for guidance and support. The mission, launched on August 15, 2019, aims to provide assured tap water supply to every rural household in India by 2024, promoting an improved quality of life.

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:
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:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a laser weapon called DURGA-2 (Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array). DURGA-2 is a 100-kilowatt, lightweight, directed-energy weapon (DEW). It can be used for land, naval, and air use. DURGA-2 can neutralise drone or ballistic missile attacks from the skies or even at the originating location. It can travel at the speed of light.

Notes:
According to a 2023 report, India is the 80th most targeted country worldwide for cybercrime. The report states that 34% of Indian users were targeted by local threats in 2023, totaling 74 million incidents. In 2023, India has a national cybercrime rate of 129 per hundred thousand citizens. In the third quarter of 2023, India was ranked 10th globally for data breaches, with 369,000 leaked accounts.