Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
The recently unveiled Tupolev Tu-160M, dubbed “White Swan” in Russia and “Blackjacks” by NATO, is a modernized supersonic strategic bomber. Russia claims it to be the world’s fastest and heaviest payload-carrying bomber, designed for long-range nuclear and conventional strikes. With a 12,000km non-stop range, the Tu-160M features advanced navigation, radar, and in-flight refueling capabilities. It carries 12 cruise or short-range nuclear missiles, operated by a four-member crew, and powered by four afterburning turbofan engines.

Notes:
The world is on the verge of eradicating Guinea worm disease, a neglected tropical disease caused by the Dracunculus medinensis parasite. According to the World Health Organization, cases dropped to 14 in 2021, 13 in 2022, and just 6 in 2023. The disease is contracted by consuming water contaminated with Guinea worm larvae, leading to painful blisters. Currently, there is no drug treatment or vaccine for Guinea worm disease.

Notes:
Amid the recent farmers’ protest, Nihang Sikh warriors, an esteemed warrior order with a rich history dating back to Guru Gobind Singh, have joined in solidarity. Known for their distinct blue attire, martial traditions, and weaponry skills, they historically protected Sikh shrines. Today, Nihangs are divided into groups, mainly Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal, with headquarters in Talvandi Sabo and Baba Bakala, respectively. Anandpur Sahib remains their main gathering center, where they celebrate the Hola Mahalla festival showcasing military skills.

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:
The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) started at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from February 26 to 29, 2024. The conference will bring together trade ministers from around the world to review the multilateral trading system and chart the WTO’s future course. Priority items on the agenda include reforming the WTO’s dispute settlement function and new disciplines to eliminate fisheries subsidies that encourage overfishing.

Notes:
The Union Minister of Jal Shakti inaugurated the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) building in Noida. Established through a 1994 MoU among Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi, UYRB oversees the Yamuna stretch from its origin to the Okhla Barrage in Delhi. As a subordinate office under the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Water Resources, UYRB plays a crucial role in water management and collaboration among the mentioned states.

Notes:
Sweden’s recent NATO accession, following Finland’s entry, completes the alliance’s presence around the Baltic Sea, except for Russia. This move, dubbed the ‘NATO lake,’ aims to bolster regional security. Despite this, Russia, stationed in the heavily-armed Kaliningrad exclave, poses a continued threat, both above and below the water surface. The strategic significance of the Baltic Sea underscores the importance of Sweden’s membership in countering potential threats in the region.

Notes:
New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner announced his retirement from international cricket on February 27, 2024. Wagner, 37, made the decision after being told he would not be in the starting XI for the upcoming Test series against Australia.Wagner has played 64 tests for New Zealand and will finish fifth on New Zealand’s list of all-time Test wicket-takers with 260 at an average of 37.

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:
India concluded its successful run at the 43rd Asian Track Cycling Championships 2024 in New Delhi on February 26, winning a total of 18 medals. Held at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, the competition featured 500 riders from 18 countries, encompassing junior and para track cycling events. Notably, this championship served as the ultimate qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics, shaping the national team’s path to the prestigious global sports event.