Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, at the launch of “Assam’s Braveheart Lachit Barphukan” by Arup Kumar Dutta, stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Assam’s conflicts have largely ceased, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a thriving Northeast. Shah praised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s efforts to promote Lachit Barphukan, considering him a national hero. The book, published by the State government in English and translated into 24 Scheduled Indian languages, aims to spread awareness about Barphukan’s greatness and valor nationwide. Shah affirmed the importance of inclusiveness and multilingualism in fostering national strength.

Notes:
The Vice-President of India will inaugurate the ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ campaign on the 75th Republic Day. The campaign, led by the Ministry of Law and Justice, aims to reaffirm commitment to the Constitution, celebrating shared values. Themes include Sabko Nyay –Har Ghar Nyaya, Nav Bharat Nav Sankalp, Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyan. The Panch Pran goals include making India developed, eradicating a slave mentality, embracing cultural pride, promoting unity, and respecting national protectors.

Notes:
Assam grapples with a rising menace of invasive Mimosa plants, endangering its forests and biodiversity. Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces the invasion, impacting the diet of wildlife. Originally introduced by the tea industry for soil enrichment, Mimosa, also known as Touch-Me-Not, now threatens the region due to climate and geographical factors. Renowned botanist Ishwar Chandra Baruah warns of the plant’s rapid spread, choking Kaziranga’s grasslands within a few decades.

Notes:
National Tourism Day was celebrated on January 25, 2024. The theme for 2024 was “Sustainable Journeys, Timeless Memories”. The theme promotes responsible and mindful travel. The central government organizes seminars, cultural events, and other programs to mark the day.

Notes:
India recently overtook Hong Kong as the world’s fourth-largest equity market, boasting a total market value of 4.33 trillion, surpassing Hong Kong’s 4.29 trillion. The leading global stock markets are currently the U.S., China, and Japan. This milestone underscores India’s rising prominence in the global financial arena, propelled by a robust GDP, political stability, foreign investments, and its appeal as an alternative to China. Meanwhile, Hong Kong grapples with challenges like COVID-19 restrictions, regulatory crackdowns, a property crisis, and geopolitical tensions, affecting its attractiveness to investors.

Notes:
The Irrigation Department has initiated the third phase test run for the Pazhassi Irrigation Project, aiming to restore water supply halted since 2008. Canal shutters will open on January 31 at 9:00 am, covering the Renovated Main Canal and Mahi Branch Canal. The test assesses canal conditions, emphasizing public awareness to avoid designated sections during water release. Cooperation is sought from local authorities, voluntary organizations, and residents. A Vigilance Committee will address concerns, ensuring collective responsibility for the project’s success.

Notes:
The new Mahindra Armado, India’s first Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV), debuted at the Republic Day Parade. Designed and built by Mahindra Defence Systems, it’s intended for the Indian armed forces in counter-terrorism, Special Forces, reconnaissance, and border patrolling. With a seating capacity of six (expandable to eight), it boasts a 1,000 kg load capacity, B7-level ballistic protection, and a 3.2-liter diesel engine generating 216 hp. Armado accelerates from 0 to 60 kmph in 12 seconds, reaching speeds exceeding 120 kmph, equipped with self-cleaning exhaust and air filtration for extreme climates.

Notes:
The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a Government of India enterprise, launched ‘Pahal,’ its Vigilance Department’s insightful house journal. Unveiled by Chairman & Managing Director Shri Pradip Kumar Das in New Delhi, the initiative aims at enhancing transparency, accountability, and promoting renewable energy initiatives. Chief Vigilance Officer Shri Ajay Kumar Sahani and senior officials attended the ceremony, marking a noteworthy step in advancing IREDA’s commitment to renewable energy.

Notes:
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The three countries accused ECOWAS of imposing “illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible” sanctions against them after their militaries seized power in recent coups. The sanctions, which limit border movements and trade, have hurt the countries’ economies. The three countries’ withdrawal could weaken the regional bloc and escalate tensions.

Notes:
The Indian Navy bid farewell to INS Nirupak, a survey ship commissioned in 1985, after 38 years of service. Launched on June 4, 1981, and based in Visakhapatnam, the vessel played a crucial role in hydrography, earning awards for excellence. It actively participated in humanitarian operations, including the 2004 tsunami relief. The decommissioning ceremony marked the end of an era, with plans for four advanced survey ships to bolster India’s hydrographic capabilities between 2024 and 2026.