Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
The theme for the 9th International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2024 is “Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability”. The theme emphasizes the importance of women’s leadership in science for achieving global sustainability goals. The day is celebrated on February 11th. The Royal Academy of Science International Trust organizes the 2024 International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly.

Notes:
India’s Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has received a commemorative plaque at Switzerland’s famous Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch, the ‘Top of Europe.’ Acknowledging his remarkable achievements, the sports icon unveiled the plaque and donated one of his javelins to the tourist attraction. Chopra joins other sports stars like Roger Federer and Rory McIlroy on the Wall of Fame at Jungfraujoch, celebrating their spirit of accomplishment and dedication, according to Switzerland Tourism.

Notes:
Renowned author Usha Kiran Khan, aged 78, passed away after a brief illness. A Padma Shri recipient in 2015, Khan earned various literary honors, such as the Sahitya Akademi Award and Mahadevi Verma Award. Her prolific career showcased dedication to writing, marked by prestigious recognitions like the Dinakar National Award and Bharat-Bharati. The literary community mourns the loss of this distinguished figure.

Notes:
Casualties during Hori Habba, a bull-taming sport in Karnataka, spark concerns over animal and human safety. Similar events like Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, Kambala in coastal Karnataka, Rooster fights in Andhra Pradesh, Bulbul fights in Assam, and Bullock Cart Races in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu face scrutiny for their association with gambling and potential risks to participants and animals.

Notes:
The National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) and Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) were launched in Assam by the Secretary, Department of Land Resources. Initiated by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, NGDRS is a common application for registration departments nationwide. Developed by the National Informatics Centre Pune, it offers a user-friendly interface for online land buying, property valuation, and document submission, reducing the need for multiple visits to the sub-registrar’s office.

Notes:
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that they would link their instant payment platforms, UPI (India) and AANI (UAE). The agreement will allow for seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries.  AANI is an instant payment platform that allows users to transfer and settle funds in less than 10 seconds. It initially supports transactions of up to $13,600.  The agreement is part of a number of pacts signed between the two countries in February 2024, including BIT and IGA on IMEC.

Notes:
A statue of U Tirot Sing, a Khasi Hills freedom fighter who resisted British colonialism 200 years ago, was recently unveiled at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka. Known as the ‘Hero of the Khasi Hills,’ Tirot Sing’s heroic struggle against British forces in 1829, during the Anglo-Khasi War, has inspired many. Captured and dying in Dhaka on July 17, 1835, Tirot Sing’s legacy is celebrated, with Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and High Commissioner Pranay Verma attending the unveiling.

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.

Notes:
NASA’s recent images reveal Badwater Basin, North America’s driest spot, transformed into a lake for 6 months. Situated 282 feet below sea level in Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, it’s known for extreme aridity. Manly Lake, formed after Hurricane Hilary in August 2023, defied expectations by persisting through fall and winter. Its revival in February 2024, fueled by an atmospheric river, expanded it to 11 km length, 6.5 km width, and 60 cm depth, filling the expansive salt flat.

Notes:
A team of conservationists led by the University of Portsmouth discovered the nesting site of the Cantor’s giant softshell turtle on the banks of the Chandragiri River in Kerala, India. The discovery is the first-ever nesting evidence and discovery of a breeding population of this critically endangered species. The Cantor’s giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) is a native to the rivers of south and Southeast Asia. It is known for its rarity and secretive nature.