Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2024

Notes:
The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), evaluated for the first time on the IUCN Red List, is now classified as ‘Vulnerable.’ Thriving at altitudes over 4,000 meters in the Himalayas, these genetically distinct Tibetan wolves adapted to hypoxic conditions. Their habitat spans China’s Tibetan Plateau and parts of northern India. Classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by IUCN and under Appendix I of CITES, the Himalayan Wolf faces threats from illegal hunting for fur and body parts, including paws and heads.

Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently located the wreckage of an An-32 aircraft missing for seven-and-a-half years. The AN-32, a Soviet-origin military transport aircraft, was designed by Ukraine’s Antonov Design Bureau for the IAF, purchased in 1984. With a fleet of around 100, its NATO reporting name is Cline. The versatile aircraft, operating in tropical and mountainous regions, weighs 16,800kg, has a max speed of 530km/h, and a range of 2,500km. It accommodates cargo, passengers, paratroopers, and medical missions, showing its adaptability and critical role in military and humanitarian operations.

Notes:
Pongal festival is closely tied to the Tamil calendar, commencing with the arrival of the Tamil month of Thai. Celebrated in mid-January, Pongal coincides with the auspicious transition to the Thai month, signifying the harvest season’s prosperity. It is a time when Tamilians express gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest and celebrate with various rituals and festivities.

Notes:
SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version) is an end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem developed by the Indian Army. It operates on 5G technology and aims to provide secure communication and instant connectivity. Command Cyber Operations Support Wings enhance cyber capabilities at operational and tactical levels. SAMBHAV addresses the vulnerability of mobile networks to eavesdropping, offering end-to-end security. Developed in collaboration with experts, it leverages existing public cellular networks and deploys 35,000 sets in two phases, reinforcing India’s stance in hybrid warfare and civil-military fusion.

Notes:
The INS Cheetah, Guldar, and Kumbhir, Polnocny class Landing Ships, were decommissioned after 40 years at Port Blair. Built in Poland, they joined the Indian Navy in 1984-86 and played a vital role in amphibious operations, logging 17 lakh nautical miles and over 12,300 days at sea. They were crucial in maritime security missions, humanitarian assistance, and operations in Sri Lanka. Notably, they provided relief after the 1997 cyclone in Sri Lanka and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Notes:
The Tibetan brown bear, a rare subspecies, was recently spotted in Sikkim, marking the first confirmed sighting in India. Scientifically known as Ursus arctos pruinosus, it historically thrived in the alpine eastern Tibetan plateau. With distinctive features like shaggy dark fur and a white collar, these solitary bears have acute senses and feed on marmots and alpine vegetation. Despite their rarity, their conservation status is currently listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
The inaugural Bilateral Maritime Exercise, ‘Ex-Ayutthaya,’ between the Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy took place, symbolizing the historic ties between Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand. Indian Naval ships Kulish and IN LCU 56 participated, enhancing operational synergy. The exercise included surface and anti-air exercises, weapon firing, seamanship evolutions, and tactical maneuvers. The 36th Indo-Thai CORPAT was conducted simultaneously, reinforcing regional maritime security efforts. The collaboration aligns with India’s SAGAR vision, promoting Security And Growth for All in the Region.

Notes:
India has signed an agreement with Argentina for the exploration and mining of lithium. The agreement is between India’s state-owned company Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) and the state-run enterprise CATAMARCA MINERA Y ENERGÉTICA SOCIEDAD DEL ESTADO (CAMYEN SE). The agreement is worth $24 million. The agreement grants KABIL exclusive rights to explore five lithium brine blocks in the Catamarca province. This is the first-ever lithium exploration and mining project by a Government of India-owned enterprise. The agreement is seen as a historic step that will play a crucial role in driving the energy transition for a sustainable future.

Notes:
Scientists discovered a new phytopathogenic fungus species in Kerala, named ‘Paramyrothecium indicum.’ Most Paramyrothecium are phytopathogens, causing serious plant diseases that impact crop productivity. Paramyrothecium leaf spots are a type of fungal disease affecting various plants. Some produce bio-herbicidal metabolites, potentially used for weed control. Fungi, one of the six biological kingdoms, are eukaryotic organisms with diverse roles, including decomposition, plant diseases, and human skin ailments. They are crucial in industrial processes like bread and beer making.

Notes:
The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) e-SAKSHI Mobile App, recently launched by the Minister of State for Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), transforms the MPLAD Scheme’s fund flow procedure. Offering convenience and accessibility, the app revolutionizes how MPs manage development projects, enabling real-time proposal tracking and oversight. It enhances decision-making with instant updates, streamlining communication between MPs and authorities. The app promotes transparency through budget management features, ensuring efficient monitoring of expenditures for proposed projects, ultimately facilitating a more responsive and accountable development process.