Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a laser weapon called DURGA-2 (Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array). DURGA-2 is a 100-kilowatt, lightweight, directed-energy weapon (DEW). It can be used for land, naval, and air use. DURGA-2 can neutralise drone or ballistic missile attacks from the skies or even at the originating location. It can travel at the speed of light.

Notes:
A team of Indian scientists discovered a new species, Agasthyagama Edge, a northern kangaroo lizard, in Kerala’s Idukki district. Differentiated by scale characters and genetics, it’s part of the Agasthyagama genus, previously known for Agasthyagama beddomii. Named for Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered, it’s small to medium-sized, residing in India’s Western Ghats. Known for bipedal movement, it has a distinctive gait, resembling a kangaroo. The discovery highlights increasing reptile diversity in the Western Ghats, emphasizing the importance of continued exploration in the region.

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:
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:
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Armenia had “suspended” its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). According to a Russian expert, Pashinyan’s remarks are a result of recent agreements with France and a move to work with Western nations for military cooperation. The CSTO is a Russian-led regional military bloc established on May 14, 2002.

Notes:
The Bihar Governor visited Thailand’s Ancient City of Ayutthaya, named after Lord Ram’s birth city in Ayodhya, India. Founded in 1350, it served as the Siamese Kingdom’s second capital. Flourishing from the 14th to the 18th centuries, it was a global diplomatic and commercial hub on an island strategically located above tidal bores, protecting it from sea attacks. Burmese forces razed it in 1767, leaving an extensive archaeological site with advanced water management and monumental structures.

Notes:
Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation introduced Vantara, led by Anant Ambani, a comprehensive initiative for rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating animals. The program centers around a 3,000-acre sanctuary within the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, designed as a jungle-like haven. Vantara aims to provide a natural and enriching habitat for rescued animals, promoting their healing and thriving.

Notes:
Indian PM and Mauritius PM will inaugurate a modern airstrip and jetty on Agalega Island, Mauritius, strengthening connectivity with mainland Mauritius. Agalega, a dependency of Mauritius, comprises two outer islands in the southwest Indian Ocean, situated 1,050 km north of Mauritius Island, with a total area of 2,600 ha. The projects enhance transportation infrastructure for the remote islands.

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:
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.