Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Food Processing Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras emphasized the significance of startups in the industry during the inauguration of “SUFALAM: Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors Startup Conclave 2024.” He highlighted the event’s role in networking, knowledge-sharing, and aiding startups in utilizing government programs. The minister underscored the government’s robust backing for new businesses, particularly in the food processing sector, facilitating entrepreneurs in establishing and flourishing within the industry.

Notes:
Saudi Arabia is launching the “Dream of the Desert” train service in late 2025. The 800-mile trip will start in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital city, and travel northwest toward the border with Jordan. The route will pass through long stretches of scenic deserts and UNESCO World Heritage archeological sites.

Notes:
Professor Karan Nathwani of IIT-Jammu developed an innovative anti-drone system using sound technology, priced at around Rs 4 lakh. This cost-effective solution outperforms traditional anti-drone technologies and detects drones, aircraft, and birds within a 300-meter range. With production costs between Rs 25,000 and Rs 40,000, it ensures accessibility for a diverse user base, showcasing versatility and effectiveness in various scenarios.

Notes:
OpenAI has introduced Sora, a cutting-edge generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) model capable of transforming text prompts into high-quality videos up to a minute in length. GenAI utilizes machine learning to produce content by learning patterns from training data. Sora maintains visual excellence and follows user prompts, showcasing the potential of AI in creative content generation.

Notes:
NASA and Japan’s space agency, JAXA, are planning to launch the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, in 2024. The satellite is designed to reduce space debris and is made of biodegradable magnolia wood, known as Hoonoki in Japanese. The satellite is being developed by scientists at Kyoto University. First tests have been performed in space-simulating laboratories, and wood samples found no signs of damage, decomposition, or mass changes. The initiative aims to make spaceflight operations more sustainable and pave the way for a more sustainable future in orbit.

Notes:
The US House of Representatives has bolstered the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) by passing legislation to strengthen ties among the member nations – USA, Australia, India, and Japan. The bill mandates the creation of an Intra-Parliamentary Working Group for regular discussions among lawmakers, fostering political exchanges. It also instructs the Biden Administration to submit a report for enhanced governmental coordination within 180 days, urging talks with partner countries within 60 days to establish a parliamentary group.

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:
AIIMS Vijaypur in Jammu is founded under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, addressing regional healthcare imbalances. The scheme aims to enhance affordable tertiary healthcare services and improve medical education facilities across India. This initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare infrastructure throughout the country.

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 recently unveiled Tupolev Tu-160M, dubbed “White Swan” in Russia and “Blackjacks” by NATO, is a modernized supersonic strategic bomber. Russia claims it to be the world’s fastest and heaviest payload-carrying bomber, designed for long-range nuclear and conventional strikes. With a 12,000km non-stop range, the Tu-160M features advanced navigation, radar, and in-flight refueling capabilities. It carries 12 cruise or short-range nuclear missiles, operated by a four-member crew, and powered by four afterburning turbofan engines.