Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
The Udupi station, part of the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd., has been added to the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) for redevelopment. Launched in February 2023 by the Indian Railways Ministry, ABSS targets the transformation of 1,309 stations across India. The scheme focuses on modernizing stations, enhancing passenger amenities, improving traffic circulation, facilitating inter-modal integration, and implementing long-term Master Plans. It aims to turn railway stations into vibrant city centers by introducing new amenities and upgrading existing ones.

Notes:
The International Camel Festival in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district started with a vibrant Heritage Walk from Rampuriya Haveli, showing decorated camels, traditional costumes, and local folk artists. Tourists and locals enjoyed folk songs, Rammats’ tunes, and dances, fostering a festive atmosphere in the city park. The event featured a warm reception by residents with flowers and rangoli decorations. Additionally, the Tourism Department organized Rangoli, Mehndi, and drawing competitions at Bikaji ki Tekri, rewarding winners with mementos.

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:
The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), evaluated for the first time on the IUCN Red List, is now classified as ‘Vulnerable.’ Thriving at altitudes over 4,000 meters in the Himalayas, these genetically distinct Tibetan wolves adapted to hypoxic conditions. Their habitat spans China’s Tibetan Plateau and parts of northern India. Classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by IUCN and under Appendix I of CITES, the Himalayan Wolf faces threats from illegal hunting for fur and body parts, including paws and heads.

Notes:
Cabo Verde, a group of islands off the west coast of Africa, has been certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization. This volcanic archipelago, comprising ten islands and five islets, boasts a moderate climate and diverse terrain. The population, mainly of mixed European and African descent, speaks Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole. Praia serves as the capital. The achievement of malaria-free status marks a significant milestone for the nation’s public health efforts.

Notes:
Archaeologists in Egypt have recently made significant discoveries at Saqqara, a historic site with a rich archaeological legacy. Saqqara is part of the necropolis of the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis, situated on the western bank of the Nile, 40 kilometers south of Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Named after the burial god Sokar, Saqqara served as an active burial ground for over 3500 years, making it Egypt’s largest archaeological site.

Notes:
The Supreme Court recently questioned the Centre about the oversight of court-appointed Technical Experts Committee (TEC) reports on the biosafety of genetically modified (GM) crops by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). GEAC, a statutory committee under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Responsible for approving large-scale hazardous microorganism use, it also assesses proposals for the release of genetically engineered organisms, including GM crops. GEAC, chaired by a MoEF&CC official, comprises 24 members and convenes monthly for reviews.

Notes:
Rohit Sharma, Team India’s captain, created history by being the first male player to participate in 150 T20 International matches during the second T20I against Afghanistan at Holkar Cricket Stadium. In a triumphant return to the T20I squad after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, Sharma led India to a convincing 6-wicket victory in the first T20I in Mohali. Notably, he also achieved a milestone by securing 100 T20I victories, highlighting his leadership skills and team success.

Notes:
The Tibetan brown bear, a rare subspecies, was recently spotted in Sikkim, marking the first confirmed sighting in India. Scientifically known as Ursus arctos pruinosus, it historically thrived in the alpine eastern Tibetan plateau. With distinctive features like shaggy dark fur and a white collar, these solitary bears have acute senses and feed on marmots and alpine vegetation. Despite their rarity, their conservation status is currently listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
Switzerland will host a global peace summit on Ukraine at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The summit will be a meeting of world leaders to discuss ending Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy has said that it’s important to show that the world is against Russia’s aggression and for a fair peace. He also wants countries from the Global South to be present. The Swiss government has said that it’s working out further details.