Daily Current Affairs Quiz: January 28-29, 2024

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:
All India Presiding officers’ conference concludes in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 84th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, emphasizing the ‘One Nation, One Legislative Platform’ through e-Vidhan and Digital Sansad. He commended the government’s removal of 2,000 outdated laws over the past decade. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, inaugurating the conference, expressed concerns about indiscipline in legislatures. The All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, celebrating its centenary in 2021, plays a crucial role in shaping legislative governance in India.

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:
Champion trap shooter Preeti Rajak made history as the first woman subedar in the Army, promoted from havildar. This marks a significant milestone as the Army recently opened soldier ranks to women in the Corps of Military Police (CMP). Subedar Rajak, a meritorious sportswoman in shooting, joined the Army in 2022 based on her trap shooting prowess. Currently, the CMP is the only Army branch with enlisted women, offering opportunities for aspiring female Agniveers.

Notes:
Ahead of the interim Budget 2024, exporters are urging the government to allocate $3.88 billion for the Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme. MAI is an export promotion initiative aimed at catalyzing sustained growth in India’s exports. The scheme focuses on specific products and countries, supporting activities like marketing projects abroad, capacity building, statutory compliances, and more. Eligible entities include government departments, trade promotion organizations, exporters, research institutions, and others. Funding is on a cost-sharing basis, administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).