Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
Queen Margrethe II, who recently announced her abdication after 52 years on the throne, is the Queen of Denmark. This decision was made official during her New Year’s speech on the anniversary of her own accession to the throne, where she expressed her desire to pass on the responsibilities of the crown to her son, Crown Prince Frederik. Queen Margrethe is Europe’s longest-reigning living monarch and has been a popular public figure in Denmark, known for her warm manners, linguistic skills, and design talents. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen praised her lifelong dedication to the Kingdom of Denmark.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Jakson Green, engaged in renewable energy solutions, recently signed an MoU with the government of Rajasthan to set up a green hydrogen & green ammonia project. This assumes significance as India targets becoming a global hub for green hydrogen production and export by 2030. Jakson Green is exploring sites in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu too for potential scale up. Its partnership with Rajasthan advances national decarbonization goals.

Notes:
The Supreme Court of India issued the SOP for summoning government officials after observing that the constant summoning of officials instead of relying on government lawyers runs contrary to the constitutional scheme. The SOP aims to outline guidelines and restrain the overuse of summons power by courts which often pressurizes the government. It states that officials cannot be summoned just because their stance differs from the court’s view. This move brings much-needed reforms to strengthen executive-judiciary coordination by avoiding unnecessary harassment of government officials.

Notes:
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar released his new book “Why Bharat Matters” at an event in New Delhi. The book examines India’s transformation in foreign policy over the past decade under PM Modi. It also juxtaposes India’s evolution with the Ramayana. Jaishankar outlined how 2024 will be turbulent due to geopolitics but India can face challenges given its strength.

Notes:
Megha Engineering & Infrastructures contributed ₹87 crore, the highest among corporates, to electoral trusts in political funding during 2022-23 followed by Serum Institute of India at ₹50.25 crore as per the ADR report. Top 10 donors comprised 90.66% of total corporate contributions received by such trusts.

Notes:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a new kind of battery cell with an energy density of 190 Wh/kg. This Silicon High energy Li-ion cell, featuring a Si-Graphite composite as anode material, offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to conventional Li-ion cells, which typically have an energy density of 157 Wh/kg. The new cell design not only improves the energy density but also utilizes cost-effective hardware and a crimped sealing-based design, significantly reducing the hardware and fabrication costs. This innovation is poised to be used in upcoming operational missions, offering potential weight savings of 35-40% in battery mass. The successful flight demonstration of these cells on the POEM-3 platform of PSLV-C58 marks a significant advancement in space battery technology, showcasing ISRO’s continuous efforts in developing more efficient and cost-effective solutions for space missions.

Notes:
The Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, which was recently in the news due to issues related to encroachment, is located in the state of Chhattisgarh. The tiger reserve, situated in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district, has faced challenges due to illegal encroachment in its buffer area. The Chhattisgarh high court ordered the removal of encroachers from the reserve, following a legal battle where the court rejected the petition filed by the encroachers. This action was based on evidence, including ISRO satellite imagery, which showed that the encroached region was once dense forest until 2012. The issue has highlighted the challenges faced by wildlife reserves in India in terms of illegal encroachment and the need for vigilant conservation efforts.

Notes:
The defence ministry signed a contract with Jupiter Wagons Ltd for the procurement of 697 ‘bogie open military (BOM)’ railway wagons for the Indian Army. The deal, worth Rs 473 crore, is aimed at enhancing the Army’s logistical capabilities, particularly for the transportation of infantry combat vehicles. These wagons are essential for the speedy and simultaneous induction of Army units and equipment into operational areas during conflict situations, as well as facilitating their peacetime movement for military exercises and inter-station transfers. Jupiter Wagons Ltd’s involvement in providing this critical rolling stock underscores the company’s role in supporting the Indian defence sector’s logistical needs.

Notes:
Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserve near the International Border in Jammu witnesses a significant annual event: the arrival of thousands of migratory birds. This wetland, located approximately 35 kilometres from Jammu, becomes a hub for bird enthusiasts as over 6,000 bar-headed geese and various other species from the northern hemisphere migrate to the region during winter each year. The wetland serves as a winter habitat for these birds, attracting a large number of visitors, including students and photography enthusiasts.