Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Prabowo Subianto, a 72-year-old former Special Forces commander and defense minister, claimed victory in the Indonesian presidential election, securing nearly 60% of votes according to quick counts. Born in Jakarta in 1951, he joined the Indonesian Military Academy in 1970, rising through the ranks. Prabowo, a close associate of Soeharto, married the former leader’s daughter. Notably, he led the Kopassus unit during the anti-Chinese riots in May 1998.

Notes:
The Sominsai festival, deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, recently marked its millennium-long legacy’s final celebration. This ancient tradition, occurring on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, showcased fervent nude wrestling matches among hundreds of men over wooden talismans. The festival, a captivating spectacle of tradition and spirituality, has left an indelible mark on Japan’s cultural landscape.

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:
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 Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair, hosted in New Delhi on 19-20 February 2024, is a collaborative initiative led by ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi. With diverse stakeholders, the event highlights neem’s versatile applications in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Embracing the theme “Neem for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Environment,” the summit aims to spotlight neem’s multifaceted benefits and promote its role in fostering sustainability across various sectors.

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:
Shashi Tharoor, a diplomat, author, and politician, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur,’ France’s highest civilian honor, for his lifelong commitment to global understanding and substantial service to India and the world. The Legion of Honour, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, symbolizes French recognition for exceptional contributions, transcending nationality. Tharoor’s accolade reflects his notable dedication to fostering international relations and his significant impact on both India and the global community.

Notes:
Japan has pledged JPY 232 billion for nine projects in India, as confirmed by the exchange of notes on February 20, 2024, between Vikas Sheel of the Indian Ministry of Finance and Suzuki Hiroshi, the Japanese Ambassador. The committed ODA loan assistance covers various initiatives, including the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge, NH 127B (Phulbari-Goeragre section), start-up promotion in Telangana, Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (Phase 2), sustainable horticulture in Haryana, climate change response in Rajasthan, medical facilities in Nagaland, urban water supply in Uttarakhand, and the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project.

Notes:
The CBI conducted raids related to alleged corruption in awarding a contract for the Kiru Hydel Project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, focusing on the former Governor. The Kiru Hydel Power Project is a run-of-the-river scheme over the Chenab River, developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP), a joint venture between NHPC, JKSPDC, and PTC. The project aims to benefit several states and union territories in Northern India, with a 49%, 49%, and 2% shareholding, respectively.

Notes:
Social groups nationwide recently organized the Naanoo Rani Chennamma campaign, marking 200 years since Rani Chennamma’s rebellion against the British East India Company. Born in Kakati, Karnataka, she became Kitturu’s queen after marrying Raja Mallasarja. Post his death, the British refused to recognize Shivalingappa as the successor, leading to the Kittur Rebellion. British forces initially suffered losses, but eventually captured Kittur Fort in 1824. Rani Chennamma and family were imprisoned; she passed away in 1829 at the Bailhongal fort.