Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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:
The ‘INDUS-X’ summit in Delhi is a major milestone in the U.S.-India Defense Accelerator Ecosystem, launched in June 2023. Its objective is to enhance technology partnerships and defense cooperation between India and the US, focusing on joint research, development, and production in the defense sector. INDUS-X includes initiatives like Joint Challenges, Joint Innovation Fund, academia engagement, industry-startup connections, private entity investments, and collaboration on projects such as jet engines, long-range artillery, and infantry vehicles. iDEX and OSD, US, lead the initiative.

Notes:
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced ‘Himalayan Basket’ at his residence, a venture initiated in 2018 by Sumit and Sneha Thapliyal. This initiative involves purchasing agricultural products such as milk, turmeric, and mint, processing them into various products, and supplying them internationally.

Notes:
Four bone fragments of Lord Buddha, known as Kapilvastu Relics, discovered by William Claxton Peppé in 1898 at Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, will be taken to Thailand after 30 years. The relics were excavated from the ancient city of Kapilavastu. According to Buddhist beliefs, Buddha attained salvation in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar at the age of 80, and his relics were divided among different communities to erect stupas, with Ashoka later enshrining them in numerous stupas to spread Buddhism.

Notes:
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.

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 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:
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:
In February 2024, India contributed $1 million to the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) Fund for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation. India has been a regular contributor to the fund since its inception, contributing a total of $15.1 million. The IBSA Fund’s projects aim to help partner countries in the Global South achieve their national priorities and other internationally agreed development goals.

Notes:
Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian aerospace manufacturer, introduces the Kalpana Fellowship, India’s inaugural program empowering women in space tech. Named after astronaut Kalpana Chawla, the initiative targets final-year students and recent graduates in relevant engineering disciplines, marking a significant step in promoting gender diversity in the space industry.