Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
A recent study in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore reveals that a minimal increase in rainfall can escalate scrub typhus cases by 0.5 to 0.7%. This infectious disease, caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, spreads through infected mites. Symptoms include fever, headache, body ache, and, in severe cases, respiratory distress, brain inflammation, and multi-organ failure leading to death. Factors like vector abundance, climate, farming, and outdoor activities affect its prevalence. The disease, treatable with doxycycline, peaks in cooler months, and no vaccine exists.

Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed crucial tests on the Insat-3DS satellite, a collaborative effort with the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Part of a climate observatory satellite series, it aims to enhance climate services. The satellite, along with INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR already in orbit, will be launched using the more advanced Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14), featuring cryogenic liquid propellants. INSAT-3DR boasts improvements like imaging in the Middle Infrared band for night-time cloud and fog pictures and enhanced accuracy in Sea Surface Temperature estimation.

Notes:
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is set to inaugurate the Samalei project in Sambalpur on January 27, following the success of the Parikrama Project in Puri. The state government invested over Rs 200 crore in the project, which spans 40 acres and focuses on the beautification and development of the Maa Samaleswari temple in western Odisha. The initiative includes a heritage corridor, amenities for pilgrims, improved temple access, and Mahanadi riverfront development.

Notes:
The recent Supreme Court ruling clarified that prosecuting someone under Section 420 of the IPC for cheating requires examining if deceitful acts were coupled with inducement leading to property transfer. IPC 420 addresses cheating, inducing individuals to surrender property, alter valuable securities, or destroy signed/sealed items. This serious offence entails imprisonment up to seven years and fines. It is cognizable and non-bailable, emphasizing dishonest acts to gain advantages. The ruling sheds light on the crucial role of inducement in such cases.

Notes:
In the year 2024, the President approved the conferment of 132 Padma awards on the eve of Republic Day. This prestigious list includes five Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri awards, recognizing exceptional contributions across various fields. Additionally, the list comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, as it features nine awardees from the category of “Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI.”

Notes:
Four new emperor penguin colonies were recently discovered in Antarctica through satellite imagery. The Emperor Penguin, Aptenodytes forsteri, is the largest penguin species, inhabiting the Antarctic continent and sub-Antarctic islands. During breeding months (April to November), colonies are found between 66° and 78° south latitude along the Antarctic coastline. These ice-adapted birds have distinct black and white coloring with orange and yellow accents, measure around 120 cm, and weigh approximately 40 kg. They exhibit unique behaviors like huddling for warmth and are capable of diving to depths of 550 meters. Conservation status: Near Threatened.

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:
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, has decided not to dismiss the genocide case against Israel. Established in 1945 as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the ICJ operates from The Hague, Netherlands. Unlike other UN organs in New York, it holds public hearings. The ruling underscores the ICJ’s role in global justice and its commitment to addressing significant international disputes.

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:
According to a Transparency International report, India ranked 93 out of 180 countries in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The CPI is published annually by Transparency International, a non-governmental organization. The CPI ranks countries on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean) based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption.