This is the current affairs of 18 & 19 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. ISRO launched satellite INSAT-3DS from GSLV-F14 rocket in February 2024, what kind of satellite is this?
a. Military intelligence
b. Meteorology
c. Telecommunication
d. None of these
Answer: b. Meteorology
– INSAT-3DS – This is a weather science satellite developed by ISRO.
– GSLV – Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.
Special features of INSAT-3DS:
– This satellite is designed for better weather observations, monitoring of land and sea surfaces for weather forecasting, and disaster warning.
– The satellite will enhance weather-related services along with currently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR in-orbit satellites.
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2. ISRO changed the nickname of which rocket from ‘Naughty Boy’ to ‘Disciplined Boy’?
a. GSLV
b. PSLV
c. GGSV
d. All of the above
Answer: a. GSLV
– According to The Hindu newspaper, GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission director Tommy Joseph said that GSLV has become a ‘disciplined boy’.
– Tommy Joseph said this after the success of GSLV-F14.
In which orbit was INSAT-3DS placed?
– GSLV placed the INSAT-3DS weather satellite in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) on February 17, 2024.
Why was GSLV rocket called the ‘Naughty Boy’?
– It was often called the ‘Naughty Boy’ due to its irregular success rate.
– Out of the last 15 launches with the GSLV rocket, at least four have been unsuccessful.
– In comparison, out of the 60 missions of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) so far, only three have failed, and none of its successor, the GSLV Mk-3, has failed in its seven missions.
– Its relation lies with the cryogenic stage of the rocket.
ISRO:
– Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
– Establishment: August 15, 1969
– Chairman: S. Somnath
– First Chairman: Vikram Sarabhai
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3. Where in India did BPCL and CIAL sign MoU to set up the world’s first green hydrogen plant at the airport?
a. Cochin International Airport
b. Chennai International Airport
c. Gaya Airport
d. Campagouda International Airport
Answer: a. Cochin International Airport
– BPCL: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
– CIAL: Cochin International Airport Limited
– Both organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in February 2024 to establish a Green Hydrogen Plant at Cochin International Airport.
– This will be the world’s first green hydrogen plant at an airport.
– Note: The old name of Kochi is Cochin. The international airport here is named Cochin International Airport. Kochi is a city in the Ernakulam district of Kerala.
What is Green Hydrogen?
– Green hydrogen is an option for traditional fuel that can be used in any vehicle.
– Green hydrogen is a zero-emission fuel, meaning it produces no pollution.
– Hydrogen fuel comes in various forms – grey, blue, brown, and green.
– Green hydrogen is produced using electricity obtained from solar power or wind energy. Hence, it is called green.
How is ‘Green Hydrogen’ produced?
– Green hydrogen will be produced through an electrolyzer, powered by renewable energy (solar or wind energy).
– It will separate hydrogen (H2) and oxygen from water (H2O).
– The hydrogen (H2) will be stored in tanks.
Why Hydrogen?
– It is abundantly available on Earth.
– It provides two to three times better energy than petrol.
– It will replace fossil fuels.
– India’s economy heavily relies on fossil fuel imports.
– Its use will boost the economy.
– It can be used in transportation, steel and iron, and chemical sectors.
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4. What is the provision for maximum punishment in the ‘Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024’?
a. Seven years imprisonment and 20 lakh fine
b. Nine years imprisonment and Rs 50 lakh fine
c. Eight years imprisonment and Rs 2 crore fine
d. Ten years imprisonment and minimum fine of Rs 1 crore
Answer: d. Ten years imprisonment and minimum fine of Rs 1 crore
– After being passed by both houses of Parliament, President Daupadi Murmu gave her consent to this bill on February 13, 2024.
Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill 2024
– The purpose of this bill is to “prevent ‘inappropriate methods'” to bring more transparency, impartiality, and credibility to the public examination system.
Provisions of Punishment under the Bill
– The bill proposes a minimum imprisonment of three to five years for cheating and imprisonment of five to ten years and a minimum fine of 1 crore rupees for individuals involved in organized cheating offenses.
– This bill provides for penalties for officials or organizations involved in malpractice during examinations.
– The aim of the bill is to prevent organized groups and institutions engaged in malpractices for monetary benefits, while safeguarding candidates from its provisions.
What are ‘Unfair Means’ under the bill?
– Unfair means (Unfair Means) in public examinations refer to actions motivated by money or wrongful gains.
– This includes leaking question papers, involvement in such leaks, etc.
– Gaining unauthorized access to question papers or Optical Mark Recognition response sheets.
– Tampering with answer booklets including Optical Mark Recognition response sheets.
– Providing solutions to one or more questions asked by an unauthorized person during any public examination.
– Providing direct or indirect assistance to a candidate during a public examination.
Which exams are included in the bill?
– UPSC (Civil Services Examination, CDS, CMSE, ESE)
– SSC (Staff Selection Commission)
– RRB
– IBPS
– JEE (Main)
– NEET-UG
– UGC-NET
– CUET, etc.
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5. Where did the first ‘French Film Festival’ start in India?
a. Mumbai
b. Patna
c. Kolkata
d. New Delhi
Answer: c. Kolkata (capital of West Bengal)
– This 9-day festival will continue from February 16 to February 24, 2024.
– During the inauguration ceremony, Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor was the chief guest.
West Bengal
CM – Mamata Banerjee
Governor – Shri C.V. Anand Bose
Capital – Kolkata
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6. The Parliament of which African country passed a bill to castrate (neuter) rapists through surgery and chemicals?
a. Nigeria
b. Ethiopia
c. Madagascar
d. Tanzania
Answer: c. Madagascar
– The Parliament of Madagascar passed this bill on February 2, 2024.
– Now, the bill awaits approval from the Supreme Constitutional Court.
– After approval by the Supreme Constitutional Court, President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar will sign this bill into law.
Chemical Castration (Chemical Castration)
– Chemical castration involves the use of drugs to inhibit hormones and reduce sexual desire.
Surgical Castration
– Surgical castration is a permanent procedure.
– It involves removing the testicles of a male and rendering them fully impotent by other means.
What provisions are there in this bill aimed at punishing rapists?
– Perpetrators of rape against children under the age of 10 will always be sentenced to surgical castration (removal of testicles or rendering impotent).
– Cases of rape against children aged 10 to 13 will be punished by surgical or chemical castration.
– Offenders between the ages of 14 and 17 will be sentenced to chemical castration for rape.
– Offenders will now face lifelong imprisonment along with castration as a severe punishment.
Why did Madagascar need this law?
– According to Madagascar’s Justice Minister Landy Mbolatiana Randriamanantenasoa, this strict step has been taken to protect the children of our country.
Criticism of the Castration Bill
– Amnesty International, a human rights group, has termed Madagascar’s new law as “inhuman and degrading behavior.”
– Ensyco Vahana Ensyco, a consultant for Amnesty International in Madagascar, stated that the law should focus on the protection of victims.
– They deemed this law incompatible with the country’s constitutional laws.
Madagascar
– Capital: Antananarivo
– Currency: Malagasy Ariary
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7. How many units of free electricity was announced to be provided by installing solar plants under PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme?
a. 100 units per month
b. 200 units per month
c. 300 units per month
d. 400 units per month
Answer: c. 300 units per month
– PM Modi launched ‘PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme’ on 13 February 2024.
PM Solar Home Free Electricity Scheme
– More than 75,000 crores have been invested in this scheme.
– Under the scheme, the central government will provide financial assistance to install solar panels on the roofs of 1 crore houses initially.
– The aim of this scheme is to provide free electricity of up to 300 units per month to eligible families.
– All beneficiaries will be enrolled through a national online portal that will provide further convenience.
– Citizens will have to apply on pmsuryagarh.gov.in to avail the benefits of this scheme.
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8. Who has been selected for the 58th Jnanpith Award?
a. Gulzar
b. Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
c. Pratibha Rai
d. Both a and b
Answer: d. Both a and b (Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya)
– This award is being given for the year 2023.
– The real name of poet Gulzar is Sampooran Singh Kalra. However, he is more famous by the name Gulzar.
– The Jnanpith Award is the highest literary honor of the country.
Gulzar (Sampooran Singh Kalra)
– Gulzar is a renowned Urdu poet, Bollywood lyricist, writer, and director.
– He was born on August 18, 1934. He is 89 years old.
– He began his career working with music director S. D. Burman.
– He worked as a lyricist in the 1963 film ‘Bandini’.
– Additionally, he has collaborated with many music directors.
– He directed films like ‘Aandhi’ and ‘Mausam’ in the 1970s and the TV series ‘Mirza Ghalib’ in the 1980s.
– He directed the Indian TV series ‘Kirdaar’ in 1993.
Gulzar’s Awards:
– He has received several awards for his work.
– Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002
– Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013
– Padma Bhushan Award in 2004
– He has received at least five National Film Awards.
– His song “Jai Ho” from the film Slumdog Millionaire won him an Oscar in 2009 and a Grammy Award in 2010.
– He was selected for the 58th Jnanpith Award in 2024.
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya:
– Rambhadracharya, a renowned Hindu spiritual leader, teacher, and author of more than 240 books and scriptures, including four epics.
– He was born on January 14, 1950. He is 74 years old.
– He is also the founder and head of the Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh.
Jnanpith Award:
– The Jnanpith Award is the highest literary award given for Indian literature.
– It has been awarded annually since 1965 for outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
– It is conferred by the Bharatiya Jnanpith, established in 1944.
– Any Indian citizen who writes in any of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is eligible for this award.
– The award includes a citation, a shawl, and a cash prize of 11 lakh rupees.
Note:
– The 57th Jnanpith Award was conferred upon Damodar Mauzo of Goa on May 27, 2023.
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9. Who claimed victory in Indonesia’s presidential election?
a. Suharto
b. Prabowo Subianto
c. Zibran Raka
d. Anees Baswedan
Answer: b. Prabowo Subianto
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10. Prabowo Subianto, who claimed victory in Indonesia’s presidential election, with which dictator family relations?
a. Sukarno
b. Abdurrahman Wahid
c. Suharto
d. none of these
Answer: c. Suharto
– In the presidential elections held in February 2024 in Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto claimed victory.
– It is believed that Prabowo will be the next president of Indonesia.
– However, an official announcement is still pending.
Who is Prabowo Subianto?
– He is 72 years old.
– Currently, Subianto is a former army general and the Defense Minister of Indonesia.
– Subianto’s father worked for Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno.
Former dictator’s son-in-law
– Prabowo Subianto is the son-in-law of Indonesia’s former dictator Suharto.
– Suharto ruled Indonesia as a dictator for 32 years.
Concerns of dictatorship in Indonesia with Prabowo Subianto becoming president
– Human rights groups fear that Prabowo could steer towards dictatorship after becoming president.
– Prabowo hinted at emerging as a harsh ruler through his victorious speech before the full results of the presidential election were announced.
– Prabowo could also follow in the footsteps of his father-in-law, Suharto.
Indonesia
– Capital: Jakarta
– Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
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