Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
Nawaf Salam, the first Lebanese and second Arab, succeeded US Judge Joan Donoghue as the President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. He serves a three-year term, starting in 2024. Salam began his ICJ journey in 2018, showcasing a distinguished career in international law. As the highest global judicial authority, ICJ resolves legal disputes between states and offers advisory opinions on UN-related legal matters, playing a crucial role in international relations.

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Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first state in North-East India and the 10th in the country to attain 100% saturation of Har Ghar Jal under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Chief Minister Pema Khandu credited Team Arunachal’s dedication, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for guidance and support. The mission, launched on August 15, 2019, aims to provide assured tap water supply to every rural household in India by 2024, promoting an improved quality of life.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 9th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as the Chief Guest. Mitsotakis praised India as a global power and essential ally in peace and security. He highlighted India’s role in the G20 and climate change. Mitsotakis urged deeper ties, emphasizing shared values and the strength of the partnership. He commended India’s economic prowess and mentioned mutual investment goals, noting India’s significant contributions to Greece’s infrastructure and the rising bilateral trade volume.

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 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.

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According to the Indian government, India’s mineral production increased by 5.1% in December 2023 compared to the same month in 2022. The index of mineral production for the mining and quarrying sector in December 2023 is 139.4, which is 5.1% higher than the same month in 2022.

Notes:
Vietnam targets annual hydrogen production of 100,000-500,000 metric tonnes by 2030, a key element in its energy transition. The nation plans to scale up output to 10-20 million tonnes by 2050, incorporating green hydrogen, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainable energy initiatives and contributing to global decarbonization efforts.

Notes:
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) called ‘Nisarg Gram’ in Pune, Maharashtra. Named after Mahatma Gandhi’s Nature Cure campaign, the campus includes a hospital, multidisciplinary research center, extension service center, and a Naturopathy Medical College. The institute is a significant step towards promoting natural healing methods and holistic healthcare.

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Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism introduces a five-year multiple-entry visa to boost travel between India and the UAE. In response to a surge in Indian visitors, India is the leading source market for tourists in the region. The visa, processed in 2-5 days, allows a 90-day stay, extendable for another 90 days, totaling a maximum of 180 days within a year. This initiative aims to facilitate and encourage increased tourism between the two countries.

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.