Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in Faridabad recently developed an AI model called “Garbhini-GA2”. The model can accurately determine the age of a fetus in pregnant women during the second and third trimesters. The model was developed as part of the GARBH-Ini program, a collaboration between the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) and THSTI. The model reduces error by almost three times compared to other methods.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Sudarshan Setu,’ India’s longest cable-stayed bridge, spanning 2.32 km over the Arabian Sea. Connecting Beyt Dwarka to mainland Okha in Gujarat, it features a unique design with a Bhagavad Gita-adorned footpath and Lord Krishna images. The bridge incorporates solar panels generating one megawatt of electricity and cost Rs 979 crore. Beyt Dwarka, believed to be Lord Krishna’s residence, is a small island with temples, white sand beaches, and coral reefs at the Gulf of Kutch mouth.

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NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd. (NTPC-REL) inaugurated its first solar project in Rajasthan. The 70 MW project is designed to produce 370 million units annually and is part of NTPC’s renewable energy expansion strategy. NTPC is also developing India’s largest floating solar power plant in Telangana.

Notes:
Former Attorney General Feleti Teo has been chosen as Tuvalu’s new prime minister by parliamentary members after a recent election spotlighted the nation’s ties with Taiwan. Teo, the sole nominee, was unanimously elected by 15 lawmakers without a vote. Following the January 26 election where the pro-Taiwan predecessor, Kausea Natano, lost his seat, Teo’s swearing-in ceremony and cabinet appointment are scheduled for later this week.

Notes:
Hyderabad-based Raghu Vamsi Machine Tools Private Limited unveiled its indigenous Micro Turbojet Engine, “INDRA RV25: 240N.” Developed with support from IIT Hyderabad, this micro turbojet is designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), air taxis, jetpacks, and power generation. The engine, operating on the principle of accelerating air to produce thrust, offers applications in various sectors. The fully indigenous technology marks a significant milestone in India’s aerospace capabilities, showcasing the firm’s expertise in turbojet engine development.

Notes:
Adani Defence and Aerospace opened two facilities for the manufacturing of ammunition and missiles in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The facility is the first of its kind in the private sector in India. The 500-acre complex will produce high-quality small, medium, and large-caliber ammunition for the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and police.

Notes:
The world’s first Vedic clock, displaying time according to the ancient Indian Panchang, has been erected in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, standing at 85 feet within Jantar Mantar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate it on March 1. The clock, adjacent to the Jiwaji observatory, showcases Vedic Hindu Panchang, planetary positions, Muhurat, astrological calculations, predictions, and indicates Indian Standard Time (IST) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Its time calculation is based on the duration from one sunrise to the next.

Notes:
The Uttarakhand government plans to introduce the Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Bill in the upcoming budget session. This legislation aims to hold rioters financially responsible for damages to both government and private property during protests or strikes. If enacted, Uttarakhand would be the third state, following Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, to implement such a law. The initiative aligns with the government’s agenda to uphold law and order and safeguard public and private assets from unlawful destruction.

Notes:
The US Chamber of Commerce released the 12th edition of the International Intellectual Property (IP) Index, ranking 55 economies on their IP frameworks. India secured the 42nd position with a 38.64% overall score. The United States, the United Kingdom, and France topped the list, emphasizing the pivotal role of strong IP systems in economic development. The index evaluates the effectiveness of IP landscapes in fostering innovation and creative industries globally.

Notes:
The Ministry of Education (MoE) introduced the SWAYAM Plus Platform, an extension of the Massive Open Online Course platform, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020. SWAYAM Plus now incorporates courses fostering industry-specific skills in collaboration with leaders, promoting learners’ employability. Notable features include multilingual content, AI-guidance, credit recognition, and pathways to employment. IIT Madras is the appointed nodal agency for implementation, with funding from MoE and the Department of Higher Education.