Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) confirmed that the Chang’e 6 sample return mission is scheduled to land on the Moon in the first half of 2024. This mission, aiming to collect lunar samples from the south pole, will contribute valuable data to understand the Moon’s geology. Marking the first attempt to retrieve samples from the far side of the Moon, Chang’e 6 plans to bring back up to two kilograms of lunar samples and involves collaboration with international partners like the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French space agency CNES. The mission includes a lander, rover, and contributions from various countries, emphasizing global scientific cooperation.

Notes:
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the 107 million Parikrama Prakalpa project around Puri’s Jagannath Temple, witnessed by 90 Indian temple heads and Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple reps, to improve pilgrim infrastructure – the biggest in 700 years. The inaugural event coincided with a 3-day ritual and launching of other Puri projects like a 27M bridge.

Notes:
India’s first solar-powered boat will be launched in the Saryu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Agency (UPNEDA) is behind the initiative, which aims to make Ayodhya a model solar city.The boat is made of a lightweight and durable fiberglass body and can stay in the water for five to six hours after a full charge. It also operates quietly and is environmentally friendly.

Notes:
The Forest Department of Tamil Nadu successfully cleared 356.50 hectares of invasive Senna spectabilis in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. This legume species, native to South and Central America, was introduced for shade and firewood but became a threat to biodiversity. With bright yellow flowers, it hindered the growth of indigenous trees and grass. Classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, this conservation effort aimed to protect the reserve’s ecosystem.

Notes:
The Prime Minister visited Guruvayur Temple during his two-day Kerala trip, praying at the Sreekrishna Temple. Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, known as the Dwarka of the South, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna’s young form. Located in Guruvayur, Kerala, the temple dates back to the 17th century, possibly even 5000 years. Notable features include traditional Kerala architecture; a 1638 C.E. rebuilt central shrine, ancient murals, and a 70-foot gold-covered Dwajasthamba. Thulabharam, where devotees are weighed against offerings, is a popular ritual. The temple also houses a significant number of captive male Asian elephants in the nearby Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary.

Notes:
The Indian Army initiated Operation Sarvashakti in Jammu and Kashmir to counter terrorism, focusing on the Pir Panjal range. Terrorists had ambushed Indian troops in Rajouri and Poonch. The Pir Panjal Range, a significant mountain chain in the Western Himalayas, spans Himachal Pradesh, disputed Jammu and Kashmir, and extends into Pakistan. Serving as the largest range in the Lesser Himalayas, it acts as a natural barrier, separating the Kashmir Valley from the Jammu region.

Notes:
The Indian government is actively promoting nature tourism at 16 Ramsar sites, including Chilika Lake and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. Sultanpur National Park, formerly Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, spans 1.42 sq km in Haryana’s Gurgaon district, recognized as a Ramsar site in 2021. Featuring tropical and dry deciduous vegetation, it hosts over 320 bird species, including the Common Hoopoe and Siberian Crane. This initiative aims to foster conservation efforts and boost local economies at these critical wetland locations.

Notes:
NASA has successfully re-established contact with its Ingenuity helicopter on Mars. Launched aboard the Perseverance rover, Ingenuity made history on April 19, 2021, as the first aircraft to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet. Operating independently of the rover’s science mission, it flew to a height of 10 feet, hovered for 30 seconds, and descended in a groundbreaking 39.1-second flight, demonstrating the feasibility of flight in Mars’ challenging atmosphere using onboard systems.

Notes:
Indian Prime Minister extends Parakram Diwas greetings on January 23, commemorating Subhash Chandra Bose’s 127th birth anniversary. Bose, a freedom fighter, played a key role in India’s independence movement against British colonial rule. Parakram Diwas aims to inspire fearlessness and patriotism, especially in the youth. Bose, born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Orissa, joined the Indian National Congress, served as its president, but resigned due to ideological conflicts with Mahatma Gandhi. In 1939, he formed the Forward Bloc, uniting anti-British forces in India.

Notes:
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam recently welcomed two new mammalian species: the elusive binturong (Arctictis binturong) and the small-clawed otter. Known colloquially as the bearcat, the binturong is India’s largest civet. It’s a solitary, nocturnal animal with scent glands for marking territory and a unique prehensile tail. Found in South-East Asia, its distribution spans several countries. Classified as Vulnerable by IUCN, it’s also listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Appendix III of CITES.