Daily Current Affairs Quiz: January 17, 2024

Notes:
A rare all-white Gentoo penguin was recently spotted in Chilean Antarctica, a species exclusive to the Southern Hemisphere between 45 and 65 degrees south latitude. Typically found along shorelines, Gentoo penguins have distinct head markings with two white wedges around their eyes. Predominantly inhabiting the Falkland Islands, these penguins are classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. The unique sighting highlights the diversity of wildlife in the region.

Notes:
The government aims to cut accidental deaths by 50% by 2030, as announced by Road, Transport, and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari at a National conclave on Road Safety in New Delhi. Gadkari highlighted that every hour sees 53 injuries and 19 deaths from road accidents. Emphasizing road safety as a top priority, he outlined government initiatives and stressed the importance of a public education campaign to alter behavior and enhance safety.

Notes:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently introduced the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative, promoting the use of RFID technology for toll payments. FASTag, a vehicle-specific RFID passive tag, allows seamless toll transactions while in motion. Affixed on the windshield, it deducts toll fares directly from the linked prepaid or savings/current account. Non-transferable between vehicles, FASTag is available through National Electronic Toll Collection Member Banks, requiring periodic recharging for prepaid accounts.

Notes:
India’s External Affairs Minister revealed that Farsi (Persian) is now classified as one of India’s nine classical languages under the New Education Policy. Farsi, a key Iranian language and an Indo-European member, is the official language in Iran. Additionally, its variations, Dari and Tajik, hold official status in Afghanistan and Tajikistan, respectively. India has currently 6 classical languages viz. Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Odia. The National Education Policy-2020 had noted that in addition to these classical languages, Pali, Persian, and Prakrit; and their works of literature too must be preserved for their richness and for the pleasure and enrichment of posterity.

Notes:
In 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared January 16 as National Startup Day, marking a significant initiative to celebrate and boost the Indian startup ecosystem. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, along with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, designated January 10 to 16 as National Startup Week. On January 11, 2024, Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh launched the Startup India Innovation Week under the theme “Startups Unlocking Infinite Potential.” PM Modi commended the sector’s growth during the inaugural National Startup Day on January 15, 2022.