This is the current affairs of 13 & 14 February 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. In view of the farmers’ movement, which state/union territory banned public meetings for a month?
a. Haryana
b. Punjab
c. Delhi
d. Uttar Pradesh
Answer: c. Delhi
– Referring to the risks of “social unrest” and “violence,” the Delhi Police imposed a complete ban on public gatherings throughout the city on February 12, 2024.
– These public gatherings have been banned for the next month.
– The order states that provocative activities, slogans, speeches, or messages through oral, written, or electronic means will be prohibited, which could inflame sentiments and potentially breach public order.
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2. Farmer organizations started the movement again by giving the slogan of ‘Dilli Chalo’, what are their demands from the central government?
a. Law to guarantee purchase of all crops on MSM
b. Free trade agreements should be banned
c. Land Acquisition Act 2013 to be re-enacted
d. All the above and other demands too
Answer: d. All the above and other demands too
Restrictions on Farmers’ Entry into Delhi
– In view of the farmer protests, internet has been shut down in 7 districts of Haryana and 3 districts of Rajasthan.
– Section 144 is imposed in 15 districts.
– The Singhu-Tikri border between Haryana and Delhi, and the Ghazipur border connected to Uttar Pradesh, have been sealed.
– Spikes have been installed on the roads.
– Section 144 has also been enforced in Delhi for one month.
Tear Gas on Farmers
– To prevent farmers from entering Delhi, police fired tear gas shells from drones.
– Heavy smoke filled many areas.
Six Months’ Ration Brought Along by Farmers
– According to farmers, they have brought along six months’ worth of ration in 800 trollies.
– Provision has also been made for bedding in many trollies.
– Tankers and drums of water and diesel are also being taken along. Women in groups will be responsible for the langar (community kitchen).
Key Demands of Farmer Organizations
– Ensure purchase at MSP for all crops.
– Set prices according to the Swaminathan Commission report.
– Waive off debts of farmers and farm laborers, provide pension.
– Reinstate the Land Acquisition Act of 2013.
– Punish the culprits of the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.
– Put a stop to free trade agreements.
– Repeal the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020.
– Provide 200 days of work under MNREGA, with a daily wage of 700 rupees.
– Provide compensation and government jobs to the families of deceased farmers in the farmer protests.
– Enact strict laws against companies selling fake seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers.
– Form a National Commission for spices like chilli, turmeric, and other condiments.
– Implement the 5th Schedule of the Constitution to end the exploitation of tribal lands.
Minimum Support Price (MSP)
– MSP is the price at which the government procures a crop from farmers.
– It operates as an alternative to market prices and ensures that farmers receive their due for their hard work.
– This helps in recovering the cost of cultivation (and some profit) for farmers.
– By setting MSP, the government incentivizes the production of certain crops.
– However, according to the NITI Aayog report, only about 6% of farmers in the country benefit from MSP, as procurement at MSP doesn’t happen in most states.
How many crops are included in MSP?
– Seven types of grains (rice, wheat, maize, pearl millet, sorghum, finger millet, and barley)
– Five types of pulses (chickpeas, pigeon peas, black gram, green gram, and lentils)
– Seven types of oilseeds (rapeseed-mustard, groundnut, soybean, sunflower, sesame, safflower, ramtil)
– Four commercial crops (cotton, sugarcane, jute, raw jute)
How is MSP determined?
– The announcement of MSP is made by the central government.
– For this, the government bases its decision on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
– This commission (CACP) was established in 1965.
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Last protest lasted for 378 days
– On September 17, 2020, farmers launched a protest against three agricultural laws on the borders of Delhi.
– This protest lasted for about 378 days.
It was claimed that about 700 farmers died during this protest.
– Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the withdrawal of all three agricultural laws.
– After this, farmers announced the end of the protest on December 11, 2021.
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3. When is National Productivity Week celebrated?
a. 14-20 February
b. 11-17 February
c. 12-18 February
d. 10-17 February
Answer: c. 12-18 February
Theme of the year 2024:
– Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Productivity Engine for Economic Growth.
– Every year, from February 12th to 18th, Productivity Week is observed, with February 12th celebrated as Productivity Day.
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4. Which right-wing leader was elected President of Finland?
a. Pekka Harvesto
b. Sauli Ninisto
c. Subiyanto
d. Alexander Stab
Answer: d. Alexander Stab
– Alexander Stubb of Finland secured victory for the presidency in the election results on February 11, 2024.
– Alexander is a former Prime Minister; he is also referred to as a conservative leader.
– This was the first election after Finland joined the NATO military alliance.
– Finland became the 31st member of NATO in April 2023.
– 55-year-old Alexander Stubb holds a staunch perspective towards Russia, with whom the Nordic nations share a long border.
Finland:
– It is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe.
– Neighboring countries include Sweden, Norway, and Russia.
– Capital: Helsinki
– Population: 5.6 million
– Currency: Euro
– President: Sauli Niinistö
– Official languages: Finnish and Swedish
– It is the happiest country in the world.
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5. Player and former captain Dattajirao Gaikwad passed away on 13 February 2024, he was associated with which sport?
a. Tennis
b. Badminton
c. Cricket
d. Hockey
Answer: c. Cricket
– Former captain of the Indian cricket team, Dattajirao Gaekwad, passed away at his residence in Baroda.
– He was 95 years old and played 11 Tests for India, scoring 350 runs at an average of 18.42.
– The BCCI paid tribute upon his demise.
– He made his debut in 1952. Gaekwad captained the Indian team during the England tour in 1959.
– His team won the Ranji Trophy in the 1957-58 season.
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6. Where was the statue of the country’s first Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat installed, which was inaugurated by the Defense Minister?
a. Ranchi
b. Dehradun
c. Delhi
d. Jabalpur
Answer: b. Dehradun
– Defense Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the statue of General Bipin Rawat at the Ton Bridge School in Dehradun on February 12, 2024.
– About Rawat – On December 8, 2021, General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), was martyred in a helicopter crash. Along with him, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 other soldiers also lost their lives in the accident.
Current CDS: General Anil Chauhan
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7. Which Indian actress got the responsibility of becoming a presenter at the BAFTA Awards ceremony?
a. Aishwarya Rai
b. Priyanka Chopra
c. Rani Mukerji
d. Deepika Padukone
Answer: d. Deepika Padukone
– This event will be hosted in London.
– Deepika will be seen as a presenter alongside David Beckham and Dua Lipa.
– Prior to this, Deepika also played the role of a presenter at the Oscars Awards in 2023.
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8. Which Gulf country did Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit in February 2024?
a. Qatar
b. Iran
c. UAE (United Arab Emirates)
d. Kuwait
Answer: c. UAE (United Arab Emirates)
– On February 13, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UAE. This marks Modi’s seventh visit to the UAE since 2014.
– The President of the UAE, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, welcomed him.
Hello Modi Program:
– After the welcome, both leaders held bilateral talks.
– Following this, Prime Minister Modi will address around 65,000 members of the Indian community residing in the UAE at the ‘Hello Modi’ program.
Inauguration of the First Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi:
– On February 14, 2024, PM Modi will inaugurate the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.
Launch of UPI by Modi in the UAE:
– After arriving in the UAE, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and RuPay card there, along with President Al Nahyan.
– PM Modi also made a payment using the RuPay card with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
India’s Top Exports to Five Countries:
1. UAE – ₹2.24 trillion
2. Saudi Arabia – ₹48 thousand crores
3. Oman – ₹17 thousand crores
4. Iraq – ₹14 thousand crores
5. Kuwait – ₹10 thousand crores
Note:
– Before this, the inauguration of a new Hindu temple took place on October 4, 2022, in Jebel Ali Village, a suburb of Dubai, UAE.
– The temple’s inauguration was carried out by UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, and India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Sanjay Sudhir.
UAE:
Capital: Abu Dhabi
President: Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
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9. When was the International Epilepsy Day observed in the year 2024?
a. 12 February
b. 13 February
c. 14 February
d. 15 February
Answer: a. 12 February
– It is observed on the second Monday of February.
– In the year 2024, it was observed on February 12.
– Its purpose is to promote accurate facts and better treatment regarding epilepsy.
– National Epilepsy Day: November 17.
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10. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar won the floor test (confidence vote) in February 2024, what is this?
a. Government has majority of MLAs in the House (Vidhan Sabha)
b. Majority of voters to the government
c. Government has minority in the House (Vidhan Sabha)
d. None of these
Answer: a. Government has majority of MLAs in the House (Vidhan Sabha)
– On February 12, 2023, during a floor test in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Nitish Kumar’s government emerged victorious.
– Nitish Kumar of JD(U) formed the government again by leaving the Mahagathbandhan and joining hands with the NDA.
Floor Test:
– A floor test, also known as a trust vote, is conducted in legislative bodies to determine whether the ruling government has a majority in power or not.
– Members vote on a proposal presented by the Chief Minister to express their confidence.
– If a majority votes in favor, the government remains intact.
– Voting can be done through voice, electronic button, physical ballot paper, or slips.
– If the Chief Minister loses the trust vote, he must resign, indicating a loss of confidence in the house.
– In case of unclear majority, the Governor can also call for a power test.
Whip:
– A whip is a directive issued by a political party that instructs its legislators to vote in a specific manner on proposals such as confidence and no-confidence motions.
– Violating the whip can lead to disqualification of legislators.
