Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

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 Supreme Court of India recently directed governments to adopt a ‘broad’ definition of forests, emphasizing the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Enacted to safeguard forests and resources, the Act’s Section 2 defines ‘forest land’ broadly, encompassing reserved, protected, or government-recorded areas. The landmark TN Godavarman Thirumalpad vs Union of India (1996) case reinforced this, interpreting ‘forest’ in line with its dictionary meaning. The Act applies to all areas resembling a forest, prioritizing conservation efforts across statutorily recognized forests in India.

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:
Babar Azam, former Pakistan captain, set a historic record as the fastest batter to score 10,000 runs in T20 cricket during a Karachi Kings vs. Peshawar Zalmi match in PSL 2024. This remarkable feat makes him the 13th player to achieve this milestone, adding another accolade to his illustrious career.

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.

Notes:
A birdwatching team from Telangana recently discovered a spur-winged lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) near Warangal, marking the first sighting in the region. The Vanellus spinosus, native to North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, is a carnivorous wading bird found abundantly in tropical Africa. Thriving in various wetland habitats, it preys on insects, larvae, and small invertebrates. Notably, the species holds a conservation status of “Least Concern” according to the IUCN.

Notes:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “grey list” on February 23, 2024. The FATF is an intergovernmental organization that sets global standards for combating illicit finance. The FATF placed the UAE under closer scrutiny in 2022, highlighting the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing involving banks, precious metals and stones as well as property. The FATF said the UAE had taken significant steps to address concerns from a 2022 FATF action plan and demonstrated political support for further action. As of February 2024, only the Democratic Republic of North Korea, Iran and Myanmar are mentioned in the FATF blacklist.

Notes:
Over 500 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the defense sector are participating in Maharashtra’s inaugural MSME Defence Expo in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune. Organized by the state government and inaugurated by Chief Eknath Shinde, the event showcases products developed for the Indian Armed Forces by these enterprises. The expo highlights the growing contribution of MSMEs to the defense industry, fostering innovation and collaboration in the region.

Notes:
Attukal Pongala, the world’s largest women’s congregation festival, extends globally with devotees observing rituals in the US and the UK. It is celebrated annually at Kerala’s Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, the event spans 10 days, starting on the Karthigai star of the Malayalam month of Makaram or Kumbham. On the 9th day, the Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam occurs, featuring the ritualistic preparation and offering of a sweet payasam to the Goddess Bhagavathy, signifying the festival’s cultural and religious significance.