Current Affairs February 2024

1. Justice AM Khanwilkar appointed as the new Lokpal of India by President Droupadi Murmu.
2. Six members appointed alongside Justice Khanwilkar.
3. Judicial Members of the Lokpal include Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Justice Sanjay Yadav, and Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi.
4. Additional members of the Lokpal are Sushil Chandra, Pankaj Kumar, and Ajay Tirkey.

Q: Who has been appointed as the new Lokpal of India?

a) Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy
b) Justice AM Khanwilkar
c) President Droupadi Murmu
d) Sushil Chandra

Ans : b) Justice AM Khanwilkar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the country’s longest signature stayed bridge, ‘Sudarshan Setu’, spanning about 2.32 km, connecting Okha mainland and Beyt Dwatka island at Dwarka in Gujarat on 25 February 2024.

1. The bridge is hailed as an engineering marvel and features footpaths adorned with verses from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna.
2. Sudarshan Setu incorporates solar panels on its footpaths, generating one megawatt of electricity, and is expected to ease transportation and reduce travel time between Dwarka and Bet-Dwarka significantly.
3. Previously, pilgrims had to rely on boat transport to reach Bet Dwarka, but the bridge will now provide easier access.
4. The inauguration of Sudarshan Setu was accompanied by the launch and foundation laying for projects worth over 4150 crore rupees, including a pipeline project at Vadinar and three Rail Electrification projects.

Q: What is the name of the country’s longest signature stayed bridge, recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat?

a) Bharati Setu
b) Sudarshan Setu
c) Dwarka Bridge
d) Vishwa Setu

Ans : b) Sudarshan Setu

The Education Ministry has sent letters to all states and Union Territories (UTs) requesting them to ensure that the age of admission to Grade 1 is 6 years starting from the 2024-25 session.

1. This directive aligns with the provisions outlined in both the National Education Policy 2020 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
2. The Department of School Education and Literacy issued the letter on the 15th of the month, emphasizing the need for states and UTs to adjust the age requirement for Grade 1 admission accordingly for the upcoming 2024-25 session.

Q: According to the Education Ministry, from which academic session onwards should the age of admission to Grade 1 be 6 years?

a) 2026-27
b) 2023-24
c) 2024-25
d) 2025-26

Ans : c) 2024-25

Q: What legislation mandates the age of admission to Grade 1 to be 6 years?

a) National Education Policy Act
b) Right to Education Amendment Act
c) Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009
d) Educational Reforms Act, 2010

Ans : c) Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Tex 2024 on February 26, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

1. Bharat Tex 2024 is one of the largest-ever global textile events organized in India, with participation from over 100 countries.
2. The event will feature over 65 knowledge sessions with more than 100 global panelists discussing various issues in the textile sector.
3. It is expected to host major policymakers, global CEOs, over 3,500 exhibitors, and over 3,000 buyers.
4. More than 40,000 business visitors are attending, along with students, weavers, artisans, and textile workers.

Q: Bharat Tex 2024 event, inaugurated by PM Modi in Feb 2024 in New Delhi is related to which sector:

a) Technology
b) Agriculture
c) Textiles
d) Tourism

Ans : c) Textiles

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two new Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (KAPS-3 and KAPS-4) at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station.
• The inauguration took place in Navsari, South Gujarat, with an investment of 22,500 crore rupees.
• PM Modi also initiated the construction of PM MITRA Park in Navsari.
• The event saw the launch of various projects related to infrastructure, including roads, railways, drinking water, and healthcare.
• PM MITRA Park is the country’s first such park dedicated to the textile sector, aimed at boosting the textile industry and increasing India’s share in textile exports.
• The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s efforts towards making India self-reliant, with PM MITRA Park being a step in this direction.
• He highlighted India’s competitiveness in the global textile sector and acknowledged Gujarat’s significant contribution to this achievement.

Question:What is the total investment in the two new Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station?
a) 20,000 crore rupees
b) 22,500 crore rupees
c) 25,000 crore rupees
d) 30,000 crore rupees

• Correct answer: b) 22,500 crore rupees

The Union Government has approved the continuation of the Umbrella Scheme on ‘Safety of Women’ at a total cost of approximately ₹1,180 crore during the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The decision was taken during a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 21, 2024.

Key components of the scheme include:

• 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 2.0
• Upgradation of Central Forensic Sciences laboratories, including the establishment of the National Forensic Data Centre
• Strengthening of DNA Analysis and Cyber Forensic capacities in State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs)
• Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children
• Capacity building and training of investigators and prosecutors to handle sexual assault cases against women and children
• Establishment of Women Help Desks and Anti-human Trafficking Units

Q: What is the 24-hour emergency helpline service number for the safety of women?

A) 112 
B) 100
C) 108
D) 181

Answers: A) 112