Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2024

Notes:
India’s Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has received a commemorative plaque at Switzerland’s famous Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch, the ‘Top of Europe.’ Acknowledging his remarkable achievements, the sports icon unveiled the plaque and donated one of his javelins to the tourist attraction. Chopra joins other sports stars like Roger Federer and Rory McIlroy on the Wall of Fame at Jungfraujoch, celebrating their spirit of accomplishment and dedication, according to Switzerland Tourism.

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Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar inaugurated Precision Approach Radar (PAR) at INS Utkrosh in Andaman and Nicobar Islands during his 3-day visit to bolster the strategic tri-service command. The PAR, manufactured by a Chennai company, enhances aircraft landing safety in low visibility conditions, such as heavy rain and fog, offering precise horizontal and vertical guidance. This system strengthens the Andaman and Nicobar Command’s defense capabilities.

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Researchers have developed a rapid lab-based method detecting Forever Chemicals (PFAS) in food packaging, water, and soil within three minutes. PFAS, a family of over 4,700 highly persistent synthetic chemicals, were first developed in the 1940s and are present in various consumer products. Known for their indestructible carbon-fluorine bonds, PFAS cause pollution during production, contaminating air, water, and soil. Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancers, weakened immune systems, weight gain, and various health issues, posing a global concern.

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The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) faces local extinction in Andhra Pradesh’s Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary due to no sightings for years. Established in 1988, it’s the state’s sole GIB Sanctuary, aiming to protect the endangered bird. Situated amid Nallamalai and Yerramalai hill ranges, the sanctuary harbors diverse flora, including 32 grass species and prominent trees like Cassia fistula and Butea monosperma. The absence of GIB sightings underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts in the region.

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The Odisha government designates Gupteswar forest in Koraput district as its fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS), recognizing its unique and ecologically fragile ecosystems. BHS criteria include species richness, high endemism, rare and threatened species, keystone species, evolutionary significance, and cultural values. State governments, under the Biological Diversity Act, declare BHS in consultation with local bodies, framing rules for management and conservation. BHS helps combat biodiversity loss, vital for ecological security, urging conservation ethics within communities.

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The Andhra Pradesh government has enforced a month-long fishing ban within a 5-km radius of Hope Island to safeguard Olive Ridley turtles along the Kakinada coast. Olive Ridleys, named for their green carapace, are the smallest sea turtles globally. Known for unique mass nesting called Arribada, they primarily inhabit warm waters in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. The Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha houses the world’s largest rookery of sea turtles. With a Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List, Olive Ridleys face threats requiring protective measures.

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The Haryana police used drones to drop tear gas shells on protesters near the Shambhu border. This is the first time law enforcement agencies in India have used drones to launch tear gas shells. The drones are originally designed to monitor agriculture and horticulture crops, survey infrastructure projects, and conduct security surveillance in sensitive areas. The drones were repurposed for crowd control.

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‘Anuvadini’ is an AI-driven multilingual translation app designed in-house, enabling rapid conversion of English content into various languages via machine learning, supplemented by expert reviews. In the last two years, it has translated numerous textbooks for Ekumbh, an online platform. The initiative also offers 12 regional language choices for national entrance exams, showcasing substantial progress in the realm of AI-based language translation.

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The UNESCAP’s ‘Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024’ reveals that the region is 32 years behind the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals target. Established in 1947 as ECAFE, it became ESCAP in 1974, one of the UN’s five regional commissions. With 53 member states (including India) and 9 associate members, UNESCAP is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Its objective is to foster cooperation among members to address sustainable development challenges.

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A recent bull shark attack on a fisherman in Maharashtra’s Vaitarna River marked the first sighting of the aggressive species 40km upstream. Vaitarna, a west-flowing river, originates in Trimbakeshwar Hills and drains 2019 sq km in Thane and Nasik districts. Bull sharks, known for their aggressiveness, can tolerate freshwater and saltwater, venturing into rivers. The species, with a unique viviparity reproduction method, is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to threats.