Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
SARAS stands for Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society. They are organized at several places across India to promote Rural artisans. Recently, ‘Didi Lakhpati Tripura Agragati’ (Progressive Tripura through Women Entrepreneurs) was the unique theme of the SARAS Mela 2023 launched by Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. Aiming to showcase and economically empower small business owners and self-help group members, over 300 stalls have been set up for 15 days. Rural artisans, craftswomen and homemakers from remote parts of the state are participating to sell indigenous products like handicrafts, handloom items, delicacies etc.

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Senior IPS officer Nina Singh has taken charge as Director General of the CISF in a first for the 1.65 lakh strong force tasked with securing vital infrastructure. A Rajasthan cadre officer of the 1989 batch, she has served over 3 decades in diverse policing roles like counterinsurgency, VVIP security, training and vigilance. Her pioneering stint is expected to usher a new era of professionalism and welfare initiatives for lower rank personnel. With specialized experience across domains like technology driven systems, HR and industrial security, Singh is well equipped to lead the CISF.

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The Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian is distinguished from its predecessors by its Electro-magnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). This advanced system enables the Fujian to launch a broader range of aircraft from its deck, marking a significant technological advancement over the previous carriers Shandong and Liaoning. The EMALS is noted for being more reliable and energy-efficient, and it represents a milestone in the modernization of the Chinese military. This feature places the Fujian alongside the Ford-class aircraft carriers of the US Navy, which are also equipped with the latest version of the EMALS, highlighting its significance in global naval capabilities. The development and implementation of the EMALS on the Fujian align with President Xi Jinping’s calls for increased combat-readiness and technological advances in the Chinese military.

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ArcelorMittal has partnered with IIT-Madras to construct Asia’s first testing facility for Hyperloop pods and systems which enable magnetic levitation of pods through vacuum tubes for high-speed transportation of goods and people.

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IG Drones, an Indian drone technology company, has won a contract to survey the construction progress of India’s first Personal Rapid Transit system metro corridor in Uttarakhand using drones. Its UAVs equipped with high-resolution cameras and other sensors will conduct aerial mapping of the project considered India’s first “Neo Metro.” The drones’ data analytics capabilities will enable tracking the building progress in real-time. Companies like IG Drones are playing an increasing role in efficient monitoring of large infrastructure projects, reducing costs and delays.

Notes:
Uttarakhand will feature India’s first Personal Rapid Transit or PRT corridor as part of its metro rail infrastructure being built to link key cities. The PRT network will serve as a customized mass transit option wherein pod-like driverless vehicles will transport commuters directly to destinations without stops. The innovative mode will connect passengers from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Dehradun airport as part of the state’s Prepaid Autos may replace digital meters wider integrated rail strategy. Besides the PRT line, the metro project also envisages conventional Mass Rapid Transit System routes across 30km.

Notes:
Rashmi Shuklla, a 1988-batch Indian Police Service officer, has been appointed as the Director-General of Police in Maharashtra, becoming the first woman to hold this top police post in the state. She takes over from Rajnish Seth, another 1988-batch officer. Prior to this appointment, Shukla was on Central deputation, heading the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Her career has included several significant positions, including serving as Commissioner of the State Intelligence Department (SID) and Additional Director-General of the Central Reserve Police Force. Despite being involved in some controversies, such as the phone-tapping row during her tenure in the SID, her appointment marks a notable achievement in the field of law enforcement in Maharashtra.

Notes:
Zosurabalpin is a newly identified compound that falls under the category of antibiotics. This discovery is particularly significant in the field of medicine as it shows potential in tackling drug-resistant bacteria, specifically Acinetobacter baumannii. Zosurabalpin’s mode of action is distinct and previously unknown, marking it as an innovative development in antibiotic treatments. It works by inhibiting a key process in the bacteria, leading to its destruction. The effectiveness of zosurabalpin against resistant strains of bacteria, as demonstrated in laboratory tests and animal models, highlights its importance as a breakthrough in addressing the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.

Notes:
In 2024, the Government of India is actively running Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across 14 different sectors. These schemes, part of India’s larger strategy for self-reliance and industrial growth, aim to boost manufacturing and exports in key areas. The sectors covered under these PLI schemes are diverse, including Mobile Manufacturing and Specified Electronic Components, Critical Key Starting Materials, Drug Intermediaries and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Speciality Steel, Automobiles, and Auto Components, among others. The focus of these schemes is not just to enhance domestic production capabilities but also to position India as a key player in the global supply chain.

Notes:
Guyana, a country in South America, has recently gained significant prominence in the oil and gas sector, becoming the world’s newest oil producer. This development is highlighted by its recent cooperation with India in the hydrocarbon sector. The discovery of substantial oil reserves and the subsequent increase in production have placed Guyana at the forefront of global energy discussions. The country’s strategic partnership with India, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in areas like crude oil sourcing and exploration, marks a significant step in its emerging role as a key player in the global oil and gas industry.