Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
India’s “Vyommitra,” a female robot astronaut, will precede the Gaganyaan mission, marking India’s inaugural human space flight. Set for a third-quarter launch in 2024, Vyommitra simulates human functions in space, monitoring parameters, issuing alerts, and executing life support operations. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed these details, emphasizing Vyommitra’s capabilities. Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2025, aims to launch Indian astronauts into orbit, demonstrating human space capabilities. The successful TV D1 test in October 2023 validated crucial systems for Gaganyaan, assuring readiness for the manned mission.

Notes:
Nikhil Mukund Wagh, a public relations officer at Goa Shipyard Limited, was awarded the 2024 Maha Gaurav Award in February 2024. The award was presented by Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on behalf of the Digital Media Editor Journalist Association Maharashtra.

Notes:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has declared a public health emergency due to a surge in mosquito-borne dengue fever just days before Carnival. Despite the outbreak, Carnival festivities are expected to proceed. Rio city hall has implemented measures including 10 care centers, an emergency operations center, and dedicated hospital beds. “Smoke cars” will disperse insecticide in high-incidence areas. With over 10,000 cases in 2024, the municipality faces a significant increase compared to 2023’s total of 23,000 cases. Dengue, a viral infection, thrives in Rio’s tropical climate with frequent rains and high temperatures.

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The Maharashtra government is enhancing the well-being of senior citizens and bolstering cooperative societies with a comprehensive set of initiatives. Ranging from welfare programs to development projects, these efforts underscore the government’s dedication to citizen needs and statewide growth. The ‘Chief Minister Vayoshree Yojana’ introduces a crucial financial aid of INR 3,000 for over 15 lakh senior citizens above 65 facing physical or mental disabilities, demonstrating a commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society.

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The Delhi government unveiled free bus rides for the transgender community, marking a significant step towards inclusive public transportation. The decision awaits Cabinet approval, with plans to promptly implement the initiative. This move aims to facilitate accessible and cost-free travel for transgender individuals on public buses in Delhi.

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The Centre has integrated 11 fair price shops into the Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC), an initiative by DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. ONDC, an open-source network, facilitates transactions across various sectors, promoting local commerce and supporting small enterprises. Aimed at breaking digital monopolies, it democratizes electronic commerce, offering small retailers nationwide exposure. The system standardizes operations and is expected to digitize the entire value chain, fostering inclusivity and efficiency.

Notes:
The Kalingarayan Anicut, a 13th-century barrage on the Bhavani River in Erode, Tamil Nadu, is among the world’s oldest water diversion projects. Acknowledged as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure in 2021 by ICID, it was commissioned by Kalingarayan, the ruler of Poondurai Nadu, a Kongu Nadu subdivision. In 1240, he joined Madurai Pandyas as a soldier, and in 1265, earned the title ‘Kalingarayan’ from Sadayavarman Sundara Pandyan, subsequently ruling Poondurai Nadu.

Notes:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is urging the Romanian government to designate Mahmudia wetland as a ‘national interest ecological restoration area’ for conservation. Mahmudia, located in the Danube Delta, is crucial for its unique ecosystems, acting as a natural buffer zone with extensive marshes and filtering pollutants from the Danube River. The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, hosting over 5,500 flora and fauna species, is the third most biodiverse area globally and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, earning it the title ‘the pearl of Romanian tourism.’

Notes:
NASA and SpaceX rescheduled the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission launch due to weather delays. The mission, exploring ocean-atmosphere connections amid climate change, aims to understand the impact of microscopic life in water and air. PACE will monitor carbon dioxide exchange, atmospheric variables, and ocean health through phytoplankton study. The mission’s aerosol products will aid health advisories for phenomena like wildfires and monitor harmful algae blooms. Scientists express excitement for groundbreaking insights, emphasizing PACE’s significance in advancing Earth system understanding.

Notes:
Google, the tech giant, has partnered with the Government of Maharashtra, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The collaboration spans sectors like agriculture, sustainability, healthcare, education, and startups. A cutting-edge AI Centre of Excellence will be established at IIIT Nagpur. Maharashtra aims for AI-driven economic development, focusing on healthcare and agriculture. The initiative includes training 500 government IT professionals in conversational AI skills and addressing healthcare and agricultural challenges with AI solutions.