Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
The Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana is a National Entrepreneurship Development Project that aims to provide entrepreneurship training. The program is part of the Skill India Mission and is specifically tailored to beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme.

Notes:
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and IIM Shillong have joined forces to establish India’s inaugural ‘Gati Shakti Research Chair.’ This collaborative effort aims to boost academic research in multimodal logistics, with a specific focus on the North-East region. The initiative aims to empower students in logistics-related fields by fostering skill development and creating career opportunities.

Notes:
Recently, 40 spotted deer were relocated from Mysuru Zoo to Kali Tiger Reserve’s Panasoli range. The spotted deer, or chital, are native to the Indian subcontinent and are prevalent in Indian forests. They inhabit subtropical grasslands and forests, with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, standing at 35 inches tall and weighing 187 pounds. Only males have antlers, and they live in social herds of 10 to 50 individuals. The species is categorized as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) annually unites the mobile industry for networking and collaboration. In 2024, GSMA, the global association for mobile network operators, will host the event in Barcelona, Spain—a city renowned for its cultural heritage and innovation. This gathering provides a platform for industry professionals to connect and collaborate, showcasing the latest advancements in mobile technology and fostering global cooperation within the dynamic mobile ecosystem.

Notes:
February 24th marks India’s Central Excise Day, commemorating the 1944 enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act. First celebrated in 1944, it honors CBIC’s contribution to the nation. The day underscores tax obligations for citizens, vital for national development. In 2024, the government focuses on modernizing India’s tax system, prioritizing user-friendliness to advance the nation’s goals. Central Excise Day serves as a timely reminder to promote tax compliance for collective progress.

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 International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology (iCreate) and Microsoft signed an MoU, facilitated by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, to boost AI startups in India. The partnership, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, aims to support AI startups in both big cities and smaller towns/villages. The collaboration launches the IMPEL AI program, screening 1100 innovators to become AI Most Valuable Players (MVPs) and focusing on themes like Healthcare, Financial Inclusion, Sustainability, Education, Agriculture, and Smart Cities. The top 25 startups will receive go-to-market support from Microsoft’s Global Network.

Notes:
A recent study focused on the Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention (SAI) to combat global warming in West Asia and North Africa. SAI involves injecting reflective aerosols into the stratosphere to mimic the cooling effects of volcanic eruptions. Inspired by the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, this method aims to scatter radiation in the stratosphere, reducing tropospheric absorption. The artificial aerosol layer can be created by deploying sulfur particles via cannons, balloons, or aircraft. The study evaluates SAI’s potential impact on mitigating global warming in the MENA region.

Notes:
Odisha has appealed to the NTCA to introduce tigers into Similipal Tiger Reserve to address the emergence of pseudo-melanistic tigers. Out of 30 tigers in the reserve, 13 adults exhibited pseudo-melanistic traits, a phenomenon unique to Similipal. This indicates potential inbreeding and strong stochastic effects. No other wild habitat globally has pseudo-melanistic tigers. The move seeks to enhance genetic diversity and preserve the unique characteristics of Similipal’s tiger population.

Notes:
Recently, scientists found North Atlantic right whales are diminishing in size, impacting their breeding. Migratory, they winter in warm waters and migrate to polar regions in late summer. Inhabiting temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, their distribution is mainly along the East Coast of the United States and Canada. There are three recognized species globally. Critically endangered, North Atlantic right whales skim-feed on plankton, facing threats like habitat loss, making conservation crucial (IUCN: Critically endangered, CITES: Appendix I).