Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
Every year January 4 is observed as World Braille Day to raise the importance of Braille, which serves as a communication medium for blind and partially sighted people. The day was first initiated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019 and January is observed as Braille Literacy month. French Educator, who innovated the Braille system Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809.

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Matarbari, which has been recently in the news, is the first deep sea port of Bangladesh. This port is being developed with assistance from Japan, with the aim of boosting exports for Bangladesh. It is expected to enhance economic ties and open up development prospects not only for Bangladesh but also for India’s northeastern states, including Tripura. The project is set to start operations in 2027 and is seen as a significant development in the region’s infrastructure and trade connectivity.

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The National Fisheries Development Board is establishing an Eri silk spinning plant at Mushalpur, Baksa district in Assam. This ₹15 crore project, part of the blue revolution scheme, will provide direct employment to 375 individuals and benefit 25,000 households engaged in silk production.

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Sri Lanka’s decision to impose a one-year ban on Chinese research vessels in its EEZ was influenced by concerns raised by India and the US. These concerns were regarding the potential activities of the Chinese vessels, including scientific research and ballistic missile tracking in the Indian Ocean. This move, which was communicated through diplomatic channels, reflects the geopolitical dynamics in the region, especially concerning the presence and activities of Chinese vessels in waters close to India.

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Dharavi Redevelopment Project, spearheaded by the Adani Group, aims to transform Asia’s largest slum into a model of urban renewal, revitalizing its infrastructure and elevating the quality of life of its residents. The project, which involves global experts like architect Hafeez Contractor, design firm Sasaki, and consultancy firm Buro Happold, as well as experts from Singapore, is not just focused on physical redevelopment but also on nurturing the vibrant culture of Dharavi. The project’s goal is to create a sustainable, integrated live-work-play environment that respects and enhances the local community’s life, setting a global benchmark in equitable urban housing and redevelopment.

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France announced that it will become the first European country to fully shift Schengen visa procedures for visitors online and issue digital Schengen visas, starting with over 70,000 applicants for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Applicants for the sporting events will apply via the special “Olympic Consulate” system avoiding hassles. The move aligns with EU’s plans to launch digital Schengen visa platform by end of 2024, eliminating visa sticker requirements in passports.

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IG Drones, an Indian drone technology company, has won a contract to survey the construction progress of India’s first Personal Rapid Transit system metro corridor in Uttarakhand using drones. Its UAVs equipped with high-resolution cameras and other sensors will conduct aerial mapping of the project considered India’s first “Neo Metro.” The drones’ data analytics capabilities will enable tracking the building progress in real-time. Companies like IG Drones are playing an increasing role in efficient monitoring of large infrastructure projects, reducing costs and delays.

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S Krishnan, the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), inaugurated ERNET India’s newly developed integrated web portal designed for educational institutes in India. This event took place at the head office of ERNET India in New Delhi on January 4, 2024. The portal aims to provide various services, including domain registration, DNS, Website as a Service (WaaS), and Learning Management as a Service (LMaaS), leveraging open-source software and emerging technologies like AI/ML. ERNET India, functioning under MeitY, serves as the exclusive domain registrar for educational and research institutes in India and offers a range of other technological services.

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The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has announced the recipients of the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar for the year 2023. Jain Deemed to be University, Bengaluru, and Odisha Mining Corporate Limited have been chosen for this prestigious award. Jain University is being recognized for its efforts in the identification and nurturing of budding and young talent, while Odisha Mining Corporate Limited is being awarded for its encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility activities. These awards, an integral part of India’s National Sports Awards, aim to acknowledge and honor significant contributions in the field of sports promotion and development.

Notes:
Professor B.R. Kamboj, Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, was awarded the M.S Swaminathan Award for his significant contributions in the field of agronomy. Recognized as a scientist/extension specialist, Prof. Kamboj’s work has been influential in agricultural science. He has published around 300 research papers and articles in various national and international journals, books, and technical magazines. His award was presented at the International Conference on ‘One Health One World’ in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, highlighting his impact on agricultural research and development.