Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently introduced the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative, promoting the use of RFID technology for toll payments. FASTag, a vehicle-specific RFID passive tag, allows seamless toll transactions while in motion. Affixed on the windshield, it deducts toll fares directly from the linked prepaid or savings/current account. Non-transferable between vehicles, FASTag is available through National Electronic Toll Collection Member Banks, requiring periodic recharging for prepaid accounts.

Notes:
Two South American countries express interest in the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, designed by India’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). The Pinaka MBRL, utilized in the Kargil War, effectively neutralized Pakistan Army positions. It delivers lethal fire against various targets, boasting a range of 60 to 75 kilometers. The system includes a multi-tube launcher vehicle, replenishment-cum-loader vehicle, replenishment vehicle, and a command post vehicle. With two pods of six rockets each, it can cover a 700 × 500 square meter area in 48 seconds.

Notes:
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, inaugurating the 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace, highlighted global challenges like climate change, conflict, terrorism, and poverty. Emphasizing Buddha’s timeless wisdom, Dhankhar praised the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path as transformative guides for inner peace and conflict resolution. Stressing the importance of non-violence, he noted that violence doesn’t breed unity. Dhankhar called for embracing Buddha’s teachings, asserting their relevance in India’s governance, environmental sustainability, and as a beacon of hope for global harmony.

Notes:
The Delhi High Court has ruled that foreigners cannot claim the right to reside in India under Article 19(1)(e) of the Constitution. This decision, during a habeas corpus petition for Azal Chakma, a suspected Bangladeshi national, emphasized that foreign national can’t assert residency rights. The court cited the Supreme Court’s view, stating the government’s absolute power to expel foreigners. Article 19(1)(e) grants Indians the right to reside anywhere, but reasonable restrictions can be imposed for public interest or Scheduled Tribe protection.

Notes:
Recently, S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), launched the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Intelligent Internet of Things (IIoT) Sensors and India’s first graphene center, the India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG). The centers are located at Makers Village in Kochi. The centers’ technical partners are Digital University Kerala (DUK) and the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET)-Thrissur. The centers’ goal is to create a comprehensive ecosystem that includes R&D, incubation, innovation, skilling, capacity building, and testing and certification.

Notes:
Representatives from Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra will receive the traditional ceremonial bow, ‘Onavillu,’ from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, holds significance in epics and puranas. Balarama is mentioned to have visited, bathed in Padmatheertham, and made offerings. Onavillu, a bow-shaped instrument with puranic inscriptions, is crafted in Karamana, Thiruvanthapuram, and Kerala.

Notes:
According to a recent Forbes report, the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) is the world’s strongest currency. The Bahraini Dinar (BHD) and Omani Rial (OMR) follow the Kuwaiti Dinar, while the US dollar is in 10th place. According to Forbes, the strength of a currency is determined by the number of goods and services that can be purchased with one unit of the national currency and the foreign currency obtained in exchange. The Kuwaiti Dinar is highly sought after due to the country’s economic stability, which is a result of its oil reserves and tax-free system.

Notes:
Nandini Krishnan translated the Tamil novel Naanthaan Aurangzeb in English as “Conversations with Aurangzeb” by Charu Nivedita into English. The book is a combination of historical novel and satire, and is a commentary on the current times. It tells the story of a writer who meets the spirit of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who then tells his side of the story.

Notes:
The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme, a component of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, allocates Rs. 17,490 crore to boost domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production. Implemented by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), the program aims to make India a global Green Hydrogen hub. The broader mission, with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, targets a Green Hydrogen production capacity of 5 MMT annually, reducing fossil fuel imports, attracting ₹8 lakh crore in investments, and creating over 6 lakh jobs by 2030.

Notes:
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival, also known as Maru Mahotsav, is a vibrant cultural extravaganza scheduled for 2024 in the heart of Rajasthan’s desert city, Jaisalmer. This unique blend of music, dance, art, and tradition showcases the rich heritage of Rajasthan. The festival, themed “Back to the Desert,” is a captivating celebration from February 22–24, 2024, offering a delightful fusion of contemporary and age-old customs, creating an unforgettable experience and serving as a testament to Rajasthan’s enduring traditions.