Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
The investigation by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute uncovered an extensive YouTube propaganda network dubbed “Operation Shadow Play” comprising at least 30 channels promoting pro-Chinese viewpoints and criticism of the US. These channels had a combined subscribership of 730,000, with around 4,500 total videos that garnered 120 million views. The network coordinated to exploit YouTube’s algorithms to gain visibility and spread messaging across borders with plausible deniability about the controller. While unknown, analysts suggest a Mandarin-speaking commercial entity following some degree of Chinese state direction.

Notes:
Kerala teenager has carved a name for herself in the Guinness Book of World Records by singing in a whopping 140 languages. Footage of 18-year-old Suchetha Satish singing at an event has surfaced online. The event took place on November 24, 2023, in Dubai, where Suchetha wowed judges with her singing skills. Suchetha sang in 140 languages to raise awareness for climate change at the Indian Consulate Auditorium in Dubai. The number 140 represented the same number of countries that attended the summit.

Notes:
The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX-DIO) is gearing up to participate in the tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024. Launched in 2018, iDEX-DIO is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Its primary objective is to foster an innovation ecosystem in the Defence and Aerospace sector by collaborating with startups, innovators, MSMEs, incubators, and academia. The scheme provides grants and support for research and development with the potential for future adoption in the Indian defence and aerospace industry. Currently engaged with over 400 startups and MSMEs, iDEX has received recognition as a game-changer in the defence ecosystem, earning the PM Award for Innovation in the defence sector. The initiative is funded and managed by the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), a ‘not for profit’ company formed under the Companies Act 2013, with Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) HAL & BEL as the founder members. iDEX serves as the executive arm, executing necessary activities, while DIO provides high-level policy guidance.

Notes:
The innovative jet fuel, recently developed by Firefly Green Fuels, is derived primarily from human sewage. This pioneering approach, led by CEO James Hygate, transforms sewage into kerosene-like fuel. The process is part of a broader effort to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, which is crucial given the industry’s significant contribution to global carbon emissions. This development represents a major stride in sustainable aviation, offering a potential 90% reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional fossil jet fuels.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the ‘Swachh Mandir’ (Clean Temple) campaign ahead of the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya on January 22. He called for a nationwide initiative to make Ayodhya the cleanest city in India. The campaign encourages citizens to clean pilgrimage sites from January 14 to 22, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the initiative. All elected representatives, including MPs, MLAs, and panchayat representatives, are involved in ensuring the success of this cleanliness drive.

Notes:
Rear Admiral Upal Kundu has recently taken over as the Chief of Staff at the Southern Naval Command (SNC). An alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, he joined the Indian Navy in 1991 and specializes in anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Throughout his career, he has commanded various naval vessels, including the guided missile frigate INS Trikand, missile corvette INS Kuthar, and the erstwhile INS Akshay. Additionally, he has led ashore units such as INS Tanaji and INS Kadamba. Graduating from the Defence Services Staff College (Wellington), Rear Admiral Kundu served as the Commodore at the Bureau of Sailors. Following his promotion to flag rank, he took on the role of Chief Staff Officer (Training) at the SNC headquarters before assuming the position of Chief of Staff, as per a Navy release.

Notes:
Rhythm Sangwan clinched a bronze medal in the women’s 25m pistol event at the Asian Shooting Championships 2024, held in Jakarta, Indonesia, securing a Paris 2024 Olympic quota for India. This marked India’s 16th shooting quota, surpassing the previous record of 15 for Tokyo 2020. Sangwan’s stellar performance in the final, scoring 28 out of 45, earned her the bronze, while South Korea’s Jiin Yang and Yeji Kim claimed gold and silver. The Olympic quotas were redistributed to India due to South Korea’s prior qualifications.

Notes:
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated Yuva Nidhi, a scheme providing financial aid to unemployed graduates and diploma holders for two years. The event, held in Shivamogga on Swamy Vivekananada’s birth anniversary, saw symbolic cheques distributed by the Chief Minister and other ministers to beneficiaries from various districts. Administered by the Department of Skill Development, registration for the scheme began on December 26, attracting nearly 70,000 participants. Graduates receive ₹3,000 monthly, while diploma holders get ₹1,500.

Notes:
The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister has announced tenders for the PM-eBus Sewa scheme, aiming to deploy 10,000 e-buses across Indian cities. The scheme operates on a 10-year Public Private Partnership model, where states/cities manage services and the central government provides subsidies from a Rs 57,613 crore fund. Covering cities with populations over 300,000, it has two segments: augmenting city bus services and associated infrastructure, and supporting green urban mobility initiatives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Notes:
A delegation from the Department of Science and Technology recently visited Mauna Kea to address challenges facing the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project. The TMT, a collaborative effort among the U.S., Japan, China, Canada, and India, is set to be the world’s most advanced ground-based observatory. With a 30-meter segmented mirror at its core, the telescope, located on the inactive volcano Mauna Kea in Hawaii, will enable groundbreaking optical, near-infrared, and mid-infrared observations into deep space.