Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
The Forest Department is actively combating invasive species in the Ulandy range, core to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR). Native tree saplings are replacing cleared invasive plants on 90 hectares of Ulandy’s forest lands this fiscal year. The ATR, Carved out of the Tamil Nadu portion of the Anamalais , situated in the Western Ghats south of the Palakkad gap, is surrounded by wildlife reserves: Parambikulum Tiger Reserve, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Eravikulum National Park. Notable ranges within the reserve include Amaravathi, Udumalpet, Pollachi, Ulandy, Valparai, and Manamboli.

Notes:
The second International AYUSH Conference in Dubai showcases AYUSH as a reliable and cost-effective healthcare approach for preventing and managing Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases. With over 1500 experts from across the globe, 50 talks, 300 research papers, and 1300 delegates, it aims to highlight traditional medicine’s efficacy in tackling NCDs.

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 Indian Army exhibited its indigenous firepower capabilities in the ‘Exercise Topchi’ at Devlali, Maharashtra. Conducted on January 14, 2024, the event showcased Atmanirbhar Bharat’s artillery equipment, including K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, and Pinaka rocket launchers. K-9 Vajra is a 155 mm tracked artillery system developed by Larsen & Toubro. Dhanush, a 155 mm towed artillery gun, was also featured. The exercise emphasized the integrated use of guns, mortars, rockets, drones, and aviation assets for enhanced firepower and surveillance.

Notes:
INOX Air Products, an industrial and medical gases manufacturer, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the government of Maharashtra for the establishment of a green ammonia plant. The planned investment for the project is $3 billion, and the plant is expected to be commissioned within the next 3 to 5 years. The primary objective of the facility is to produce 500,000 metric tons per annum (MTPA) of liquid ammonia. INOX Air Products, a privately-held company, currently operates in about 45 locations across India.

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:
In response to severe water shortages in dry regions of Africa, the ancient “qanat system” is proposed as a solution. Originating in arid areas worldwide, this water-supply system channels mountain water through sloping tunnels to address limited water supplies. Known by various names, such as “foggara” and “falaj,” qanats have been used for centuries in regions like North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This gravity-based system, requiring no electricity, offers sustainability, minimal evaporation, and widespread irrigation potential, fostering social cohesion.

Notes:
As of January 17, 2024, Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha is the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command. Jha is a 1993 graduate of the NDA and a recipient of the Nausena Medal. Before becoming Chief Staff Officer, Jha was the Commodore in (Strategy, Concepts & Transformation) at Naval Headquarters. The Eastern Naval Command is commanded by a Vice Admiral with the title Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command (FOC-in-C). Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar became the FOC-in-C on August 1, 2023.

Notes:
A 2,800-year-old human settlement has been unearthed in Vadnagar, Gujarat. The historic town, with roots dating to the 8th century BCE, was known by various names like Vridhanagar and Anandapur. Vadnagar’s L-shaped layout includes Sharmishtha Lake and features ancient mounds, Darbar Ghat, and distinct blocks named Mohallas. Notable structures include the Ambaji Mata Temple (10th-11th century CE) and fortifications covering 1km east-west and 700m north-south. The town played a vital role in Western India’s hinterland trade network, noted in Puranas and Hieu-en-Tsang’s travelogue.

Notes:
Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha faces impending connectivity with the proposed Jajpur Road-Dhamra railway line traversing through it. Established in 1998, this 672 km² park, located in the Kendrapara district, ranks as India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem. Its delta formed by Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra rivers. It houses diverse flora like Thespia and fauna such as endangered saltwater crocodiles and the largest Olive Ridley Sea Turtles colony at Gahirmatha Beach. The area, a Ramsar Site since 2002, showcases a rich intertidal biodiversity and diverse wildlife.