Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
Professor B.R. Kamboj, Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, was awarded the M.S Swaminathan Award for his significant contributions in the field of agronomy. Recognized as a scientist/extension specialist, Prof. Kamboj’s work has been influential in agricultural science. He has published around 300 research papers and articles in various national and international journals, books, and technical magazines. His award was presented at the International Conference on ‘One Health One World’ in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, highlighting his impact on agricultural research and development.

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.

Notes:
Sukanta Majumdar, one of the recipients of the Sansad Ratna Awards, belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Sansad Ratna Awards are presented annually to recognize the top-performing parliamentarians based on their performance in the Lok Sabha. Along with Majumdar, other recipients of the award include Shrikant Eknath Shinde from Shiv Sena, Sudheer Gupta from BJP, Amol Ramsing Kolhe from NCP, and Kuldeep Rai Sharma from the Congress. This award is a significant honor in Indian politics, highlighting the contributions and performance of Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha.

Notes:
The defence ministry signed a contract with Jupiter Wagons Ltd for the procurement of 697 ‘bogie open military (BOM)’ railway wagons for the Indian Army. The deal, worth Rs 473 crore, is aimed at enhancing the Army’s logistical capabilities, particularly for the transportation of infantry combat vehicles. These wagons are essential for the speedy and simultaneous induction of Army units and equipment into operational areas during conflict situations, as well as facilitating their peacetime movement for military exercises and inter-station transfers. Jupiter Wagons Ltd’s involvement in providing this critical rolling stock underscores the company’s role in supporting the Indian defence sector’s logistical needs.

Notes:
Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserve near the International Border in Jammu witnesses a significant annual event: the arrival of thousands of migratory birds. This wetland, located approximately 35 kilometres from Jammu, becomes a hub for bird enthusiasts as over 6,000 bar-headed geese and various other species from the northern hemisphere migrate to the region during winter each year. The wetland serves as a winter habitat for these birds, attracting a large number of visitors, including students and photography enthusiasts.

Notes:
The Indian economy is projected to grow at a rate of 6.2% in 2024, a slight decrease from the 6.3% estimate for 2023. This growth is supported by strong domestic demand and the robust performance of the manufacturing and services sectors. This positions India as the fastest-growing large economy in the world, as stated in the United Nations World Economic Situation And Prospects Report for 2024.

Notes:
Lanjia Saura paintings, also known as ekons or iditals, are a unique style of wall mural art from Odisha. The art form belongs to the Lanjia Saura community, a PVTG largely residing in the Rayagada district. These paintings are in the form of exterior murals painted on the mud walls of homes. White paintings figure over a crimson-maroon background. It is believed that the Lanjia Sauras paint their walls with Idital artworks to show gratitude to their deities and forefathers, and also for the well-being of their community. Reflecting the love and affection of the primitive tribes for nature, they feature subjects like tribal humans, trees, animals, birds, the Sun and the Moon.

Notes:
Peregrine Mission – 1 marks a significant milestone in lunar exploration as it is the first US spacecraft to land on the moon’s surface since the historic Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Recently Peregrine Mission – 1 was launched by the American company Astrobotic aboard the Vulcan Centaur rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida. The spacecraft carries a unique payload, including the DNA of well-known former US Presidents such as John F. Kennedy and iconic figures from Star Trek. The mission’s scientific objectives include studying the moon’s thin atmosphere and water molecule movements. The scheduled landing date for Peregrine Mission – 1 is February 23.

Notes:
Shakti Pumps (India) Ltd has received a patent from the Patent Office of Government of India for its ‘Solar Flour Mill’ innovation. This is the ninth patent awarded to the company. The solar-powered flour mill tackles electricity shortages in rural areas and helps save costs. Chairman Dinesh Patidar stated that it offers a better solution than electricity-dependent mills.

Notes:
The Inland Waterways Authority of India, operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), made history by organizing the inaugural meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) in Kolkata. Led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the event convened representatives from waterway states, central government officials, and experts on the MV Ganga Queen. The gathering discussed crucial initiatives, including the “Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels” and the “River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047,” with a focus on advancing the development of inland waterways in India.