Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Researchers at Odisha’s Berhampur University discovered a new marine amphipod species, a shrimp-like crustacean, in Chilika lagoon. Belonging to the genus Parhyale, which has 15 global species in marine and brackish water environments, this brown crustacean is around eight mm long with 13 pairs of legs. Notably, it distinguishes itself from the 15 species by featuring a stout robust seta on the male gnathopod’s propodus, the first pair of legs, used for capturing prey and feeding.

Notes:
The Nohar irrigation project in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is set to receive increased water supply as the Ferozepur feeder in Punjab undergoes repairs, enhancing its capacity and flow. Following Central Water Commission intervention, a technical committee recommended Nohar feeder remodelling due to inadequate water availability. Rajasthan and Punjab governments agreed to collaborate, and Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat convened a meeting to review the progress, focusing on renovating Baruwali distributary and Fatehabad branch. The estimated expenditure for the project is ₹139.51 crore.

Notes:
The Chairman of Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti recently advocated for promoting Indian languages in education, announcing that textbooks will soon be available in Indian languages on digital platforms. Established by the Ministry of Education in 2021, the committee’s mandate, under the National Education Policy 2020, involves recommending pathways for holistic growth of Indian languages, advising the Ministry on language revitalization, and organizing events to emphasize language promotion. The High-Powered Committee may appoint sub-committees and collaborate with government institutions for language teaching and research.

Notes:
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines to improve Indian ports’ performance, focusing on mapping, benchmarking, and aligning standards globally. Stemming from the success of GMIS 2023, a major maritime summit, the initiative aims to boost the maritime sector, evidenced by a ₹10 lakh crore investment commitment. The move underscores the government’s dedication to modernize and optimize India’s maritime infrastructure for economic growth and global competitiveness.

Notes:
Nawaf Salam, the first Lebanese and second Arab, succeeded US Judge Joan Donoghue as the President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. He serves a three-year term, starting in 2024. Salam began his ICJ journey in 2018, showcasing a distinguished career in international law. As the highest global judicial authority, ICJ resolves legal disputes between states and offers advisory opinions on UN-related legal matters, playing a crucial role in international relations.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
France leads the Henley Passport Index 2024 with visa-free access to 194 countries. European nations like Germany, Italy, and Spain, benefiting from EU influence, also rank high. India, now at 85th place, improved visa-free access to 62 countries but dropped one position. Maldives, India’s maritime neighbor, stands at 58th place with visa-free access to 96 countries, highlighting its global travel flexibility.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The 50th Khajuraho Dance Festival, 2024, commenced on February 20, inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Scheduled until the 26th, the festival features diverse classical dance styles performed by over 1500 Kathak artistes. Originating in 1975, the festival is organized by the Ustad Alauddin Khan Academy of Music and Arts, promoting various dance forms and drawing renowned artists like Padmashree Ranjana Gauhar and Pandit Rajendra Gangani, aiming to boost tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

Notes:
Malta has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), becoming its 119th member. Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary of Malta’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed the ISA Framework Agreement in New Delhi. Established in 2015 with headquarters in Gurugram, India, ISA aims to promote solar energy globally. India warmly welcomed Malta’s participation in this alliance, strengthening international cooperation for sustainable solar development.