Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
India and Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share India’s open-sourced digital public infrastructure (DPI). The MoU is for cooperation in digital transformation, including sharing successful digital solutions that have been implemented at population scale. India has developed some of the world’s best digital public goods infrastructure, including delivering services to the public during the COVID pandemic.

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:
NASA’s SOFIA airborne observatory, a telescope mounted on a Boeing 747 SP aircraft, recently discovered water molecules on the surfaces of two asteroids, marking the first such detection. Operating for 12 years until its premature end in 2022, SOFIA, jointly operated by NASA and the German space agency, studied infrared light, allowing astronomers to observe the universe from 38,000-45,000 feet, above most of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere. It was the world’s largest airborne astronomical observatory, facilitating unique studies of celestial bodies and transient events globally.

Notes:
The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee met in New Delhi from February 16-19, 2024, marking its 3rd meeting since the agreement’s signing in 2009. Initiated in September 2022 for a comprehensive review, eight sub-committees were established to enhance the agreement’s trade facilitation and mutual benefits. The recent meeting assessed negotiation progress, identified focus areas for further deliberations, and updated the work program, directing sub-committees for continued negotiations.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh. Constructed by Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust, chaired by Acharya Pramod Krishnam, the temple’s unique feature is its ten garbh grihas, representing all ten avatars of the Lord, including the human form. The Prime Minister highlighted the intricate architecture, emphasizing the embodiment of various divine forms in the scriptures.

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:
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:
The Madhya Pradesh government plans to launch a 130-kilometer cruise service on the Narmada River, connecting the ‘Statue of Oneness’ in Omkareshwar to Gujarat’s ‘Statue of Unity.’ Talks with the Gujarat government are underway, and the cruise, expected to commence next year, aims to promote rural tourism. Travelers will explore attractions like Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandu, and Sardar Sarovar Dam, with a road transfer from the Statue of Oneness to Kukshi in Dhar enhancing the overall experience.

Notes:
State-run SJVN achieved commercial electricity supply from its 50 MW Gujrai solar power station in Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh. The project, executed by SJVN through its renewable arm SGEL at a cost of Rs 281 crore, is now operational. SJVN’s total installed power capacity is 2,277 MW across 10 power stations. The Gujrai station is expected to generate 107 million units in the first year, with a cumulative energy generation of 2,477 million units over 25 years, generating annual revenue of about Rs 32 crore.

Notes:
The sacred MakhaBucha (Magh Puja) ceremony, a revered event for Buddhists in Thailand, was led by esteemed Somdet and senior monks. MakhaBucha Day marks Lord Buddha’s teachings, celebrated on the full moon of the third lunar month. “Makha” refers to the month, and “bucha” means “to worship” in Pali language. The day aims to purify the mind with good deeds. Celebrations include offering food to monks and candlelight processions. It’s the first significant Buddhist festival, observed in Theravada Buddhism practicing nations like Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.