Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
The DPIIT, a part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will host the Startup India Innovation Week 2024 from January 10th to 18th. This initiative aims to bring together stakeholders, including startups, entrepreneurs, and investors, to celebrate and boost the Indian Startup Ecosystem, culminating in National Startup Day on January 16th, 2024.

Notes:
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj won the first prize in the Innovation Sandbox presentation for “Digital Transformation Initiatives in Land Governance through SVAMITVA Scheme”. The award was given at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy’s (BIPP) second annual three-day “Public Policy Dialogues” Conclave. Scheme is a reformative step towards establishment of clear ownership of property in rural inhabited (“Abadi”) areas, by mapping of land parcels using drone technology and providing ‘Record of Rights’ to village household owners with issuance of legal ownership cards (Property cards/Title deeds) to the property owners.

Notes:
Clean Core Thorium Energy, a Chicago-based company, has introduced ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life), a fuel combining Thorium and High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU). Named after India’s scientist Dr. Anil Kakodkar, ANEEL is designed for use in India’s existing Pressurized Heavy-Water Reactors (PHWRs), potentially revolutionizing the country’s nuclear energy sector. With India boasting the world’s largest Thorium reserves at 1.07 million tonnes, ANEEL offers a promising solution for efficiently harnessing Thorium in nuclear reactors. The fuel brings several advantages, including reduced nuclear waste volume, lower operating costs, and enhanced long-term efficiency.

Notes:
The century-old Yakshagana mela in Dakshina Kannada, known as Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Yakshagaana Dashavatara Mandali or Kateel Mela, is set to resume its all-night performances following approval from the Karnataka High Court. This renowned Yakshagana troupe, founded in the mid-19th century, plays a significant role in ‘Harake Seva’—fulfilling devotees’ wishes by hosting Yakshagana shows. Yakshagana is a traditional folk dance form in Coastal Karnataka, incorporating dance, music, song, scholarly dialogues, and vibrant costumes. Originally performed solely by men, including female roles, the art form now includes women in troupes. A typical Yakshagana troupe comprises 15 to 20 actors and a Bhagawatha, the master of ceremonies and main storyteller.

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:
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries achieved a milestone by launching the 48th H-IIA rocket, carrying Japan’s Information-Gathering Satellite “Optical-8.” The successful launch, announced on social media X, underscores the reliability of the H-IIA, with a commendable success rate of 97.92% since its inception in 2001 under the development of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Japan is set to retire the H-IIA after two more launches, paving the way for the H3 as its successor. However, the transition has faced challenges, notably with JAXA’s first test launch of the H3 experiencing failure in March the previous year.

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a milestone with the successful flight-test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. This surface-to-air missile intercepted a high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle at a low altitude, affirming the complete weapon system’s efficacy. Equipped with an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker, the AKASH-NG enhances the Indian Air Force’s capabilities, defending against agile aerial threats. Notably, it can engage up to 10 targets simultaneously within a range of 40 km, showcasing superior performance compared to its predecessors.

Notes:
The Climate Conference 2024, themed “Decoding the Green Transition for India,” was recently held on January 12, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The event highlighted the crucial role of the private sector, climate tech startups, and institutional investors in mobilizing financial resources and technical capabilities to support government initiatives. The conference, under the Green Climate Fund Readiness Programme with UNDP India as the Delivery Partner and Avaana Capital as the Knowledge Partner, featured esteemed dignitaries such as Ms. Leena Nandan, Mr. Amitabh Kant, Mr. K Rajaraman, Mr. Mike Hankey, and Mr. Nadir Godrej.

Notes:
Lionel Messi won the Best FIFA Men’s Player Award for 2023, beating out Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. This is the third time Messi has won the award, making him the first player to do so. The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award was previously known as the FIFA World Player of the Year (1991–2009) and the FIFA Ballon d’Or (2010–2015). FIFA’s selection criteria for the 2023 men’s awards were based on achievements during the period from December 19, 2022 to August 20, 2023.

Notes:
The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) is scheduled from January 18-20, 2024, in Seijosa, Arunachal Pradesh. Initiated in 2015, the festival celebrates the Nyishi tribal group’s conservation efforts for hornbills in Pakke Tiger Reserve. The theme, “Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh,” emphasizes preserving these iconic birds. PPHF aims to generate alternative income sources, raise awareness about Pakke Tiger Reserve, and highlight the significance of hornbill preservation.