Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
The Rajasthan Mines Department has discovered over 840 million tonnes of iron ore in Khoda, Dadaroli, Todupura, and Liloti near Hindon, Karauli. A composite license for iron ore blocks spanning 1,888 hectares is set for auction. Preliminary exploration revealed magnetite and hematite deposits across 462.3 hectares in Khoda, 754.38 hectares in Dadaroli, 260.71 hectares in Todupura, and 410.94 hectares in Liloti. The findings are expected to boost industrial investment, particularly benefiting steel, cement, coal, and related industries in the state, fostering economic growth and job opportunities.

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The Kula Mama Volleyball Tournament-2024 at Melghat Tiger Reserve’s Semadoh promotes tiger and forest conservation with local youth engagement. Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, established in 1967, declared a tiger reserve in 1974, and the first in the state, is located in the Amaravati district. Characterized by tropical dry deciduous forests and major rivers, it plays a crucial role in protecting wildlife. The tournament underscores the significance of preserving this pristine landscape and its inhabitants.

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Astronomers announced the discovery of J0529-4351, the brightest and fastest-growing quasar to date. This quasar harbors a supermassive black hole 17 billion times the Sun’s mass. Quasars are active galactic nuclei (AGNs), fueled by supermassive black holes at a galaxy’s center. Not all AGNs are quasars, which form in regions of high matter density. Quasars are exceptionally luminous and powerful cosmic phenomena, arising from active galaxies with intense matter consumption, leading to the formation of spiraling accretion disks.

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Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh, known as the banana city, is hosting its annual Banana Festival in collaboration with the district administration. The two-day event, under the One-District One-Product programme, highlights Burhanpur’s agricultural strength with 23,650 hectares of banana cultivation involving 18,325 farmers. The region yields an impressive 16 lakh metric tonnes of bananas, contributing to a significant sales turnover of 1,700 crore rupees. The festival aims to attract investment by showcasing Burhanpur’s agricultural prowess to companies, experts, and scientists nationwide.

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IREDA and PNB inked an MoU at IREDA’s New Delhi office on Feb 19, 2024, fostering collaboration for nationwide renewable energy initiatives. The agreement facilitates joint efforts in co-lending and loan syndication for diverse renewable energy projects, signaling a significant step towards sustainable energy development in India.

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Kathmandu recently hosted the multinational military exercise ‘Shanti Prayas IV,’ becoming a hub for global peacekeeping efforts. The event involved army representatives from 19 nations engaged in UN Peacekeeping missions, emphasizing collaborative dedication to global peace and security. Co-hosted by the Nepali Army and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the exercise highlighted the robust military cooperation between Nepal and the United States.

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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.

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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:
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed a bill prohibiting hookah bars in the state, imposing imprisonment of 1-3 years and fines up to Rs 1 lakh for violations. The bill also bans tobacco products in public places, sale near educational institutions, and to those under 21. Titled the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2024, it amends the 2003 central act in the state. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed protecting youth’s health and preventing tobacco-related diseases, citing hookah’s glamorization among the youth.

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The world is on the verge of eradicating Guinea worm disease, a neglected tropical disease caused by the Dracunculus medinensis parasite. According to the World Health Organization, cases dropped to 14 in 2021, 13 in 2022, and just 6 in 2023. The disease is contracted by consuming water contaminated with Guinea worm larvae, leading to painful blisters. Currently, there is no drug treatment or vaccine for Guinea worm disease.