Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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:
Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the AIIMS-SBI Smart payment card at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The card aims to facilitate hassle-free payments for patients, eliminating the need for carrying cash. Provided free of cost with no service charges, the card is linked to the patient’s Unique Hospital Identification number and Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID. Termed ‘One AIIMS, One Card,’ the initiative plans to extend these services to all AIIMS institutions nationwide.

Notes:
Researchers have identified a new damselfly species, named Cliffside Bambootail (Phylloneura rupestris), in Kerala’s Ponmudi hills. Ponmudi, part of the Western Ghats, sits at an altitude of 1100 meters. This discovery is significant as the genus Phylloneura was considered monotypic for 160 years, with only the Myristica Bambootail known. The new species lays eggs in moss beds in seasonal rills on rock cliffs, differing from the Myristica Bambootail found in myristica swamps. The latter is considered near-threatened on the IUCN Red List and endemic to the Western Ghats.

Notes:
The UNESCAP’s ‘Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024’ reveals that the region is 32 years behind the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals target. Established in 1947 as ECAFE, it became ESCAP in 1974, one of the UN’s five regional commissions. With 53 member states (including India) and 9 associate members, UNESCAP is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Its objective is to foster cooperation among members to address sustainable development challenges.

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:
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:
Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first Skill India Centre in Sambalpur, Odisha. The initiative aims to upgrade skills in demand-driven industries, empowering over 1200 students. Shri Pradhan emphasized the need for a skilled workforce to drive India’s development in the 21st century. The Centre offers low-cost courses to democratize access to quality education, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Equipped with modern facilities, it focuses on high-demand trades like Media & Entertainment, Leather, Tourism & Hospitality, and IT-ITeS, fostering industry-specific skills for youth empowerment.

Notes:
Renowned Indian Radio Presenter Ameen Sayani, born on December 21, 1932, in Mumbai, passed away at 91 on February 21, 2024, succumbing to heart failure. Known as a Radio Celebrity, his iconic presentation ‘Geetmala’ earned immense popularity, showcasing his charming voice and unique style. A key figure in popularizing radio in India, Sayani’s witty and captivating communication style left a lasting impact. Introduced to All India Radio by his brother, he transitioned from English to Hindi programming during his illustrious career.

Notes:
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) strives for UNESCO recognition of the ‘Paruveta’ festival at Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh. Also known as the ‘mock hunting festival,’ it promotes communal harmony, with devotees from diverse backgrounds participating. Legend traces its origin to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Narasimha marrying Chenchulakshmi, a tribal girl. The Chenchu tribes revere Ahobila Narasimha. While Paruveta rituals are widespread, Ahobilam uniquely observes them for a ‘mandala’ (forty days), emphasizing cultural richness and religious inclusivity.

Notes:
Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships recently joined the Maldives for Exercise Dosti 16, a trilateral coast guard exercise held every two years since 1991. Sri Lanka joined in 2012, and the 16th edition involves the Coast Guards of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, with observers from Bangladesh. The exercise focuses on mutual operational capability, interoperability, and cooperation in scenarios like sea accidents and pollution. India’s participation includes ICGS Samarth, ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier.