Current Affairs February 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 12th edition of MILAN 2024, the flagship naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam on 21 Feb 2024.

1. He also inaugurated the MILAN Village at the Eastern Naval Command base to mark the occasion.
2. MILAN 2024 is the largest multinational naval exercise of the Indian Navy, with more than 2,000 personnel from participating Navies.
3. The exercise reflects the spirit of international cooperation.
4. The Defence Minister participated in the inauguration ceremony at the Samudrika Naval Auditorium at the Eastern Naval Command.
5. Both the aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant will take part in the exercise.
6. MILAN provides a platform for participating navies to share ideas and ensure the safety of maritime commerce for the growth and prosperity of all.
7. MILAN is not just a military exercise but also a platform for the future of international naval cooperation.

Q: Which is the largest multinational naval exercise of the Indian Navy?

a) Operation Trident
b) Exercise Varuna
c) MILAN
d) Operation TROPEX

Correct answer: c) MILAN

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil five new AIIMS facilities across India on the 25th of this month.
• The new AIIMS locations include Rajkot (Gujarat), Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh), Bathinda (Punjab), Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), and Kalyani (West Bengal).
• Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced these inaugurations during a media briefing in New Delhi.
• Additionally, the Prime Minister will inaugurate various medical colleges and nursing colleges nationwide.
• Several advanced health facilities, such as Critical Care Blocks and Integrated Public Health Labs, under the PM-ABHIM initiative will also be opened.
• Advanced research labs and facilities of the Indian Council of Medical Research, as well as various National Health Mission Projects, will be dedicated to the nation.
• Advanced food safety infrastructure projects in multiple states will also be inaugurated to ensure the safety and quality of food consumed by millions.
• The total cost of these health projects exceeds 11,391 crore rupees.
• These initiatives aim to enhance healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality for all citizens and expand medical education in the country.
• The establishment of new medical and nursing colleges will contribute to nurturing future generations of healthcare professionals.
• In addition, seven AIIMS facilities will be inaugurated within a span of ten days, including the laying of the foundation stone for AIIMS Rewari and the inauguration of AIIMS Jammu by Prime Minister Modi.

Which initiative aims to ensure the safety and quality of food consumed by millions of Indians?
a) PM-CARES
b) PM-KISAN
c) PM-ABHIM
d) PM-JAY
Correct Answer: c) PM-ABHIM

The Supreme Court has invalidated the electoral bonds scheme for political funding. The court, consisting of a 5-judge bench, declared on February 15, 2024, that the scheme violates citizens’ right to information.

1. State Bank of India has been instructed to immediately cease issuing electoral bonds and provide donation details through this method to the Election Commission of India.
2. The court found that the scheme’s objectives of combating black money and maintaining donor confidentiality are insufficient justifications.
3. The Supreme Court emphasized that electoral bonds are not the exclusive solution to address the issue of black money.
4. The electoral bonds scheme was introduced by the government on January 2, 2018, aiming to replace cash donations and enhance transparency in political funding.
5. Eligibility for receiving electoral bonds was limited to political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, securing at least 1% of the votes in the last Lok Sabha or state legislative assembly elections.

Q: What did the Supreme Court do regarding the electoral bonds scheme for political funding?

a. Upheld its constitutionality
b. Invalidated the scheme
c. Proposed amendments to the scheme
d. Requested more information from the government

Ans : b. Invalidated the scheme

Q: On what grounds did the Supreme Court declare the electoral bonds scheme as violating citizens’ rights?

a. Violation of privacy
b. Violation of the right to information
c. Unfair distribution of funds
d. Lack of transparency in political funding

Ans : b. Violation of the right to information

Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande conducted discussions with US Army Chief Gen Randy George and other senior military officials in Washington on Feb 15, 2024.

1. The discussions focused on bilateral aspects of importance and aimed at enhancing mutual commitment to global peace and security.
2. Gen Pande’s four-day official visit to the US started on February 13.
3. As part of the visit, he reviewed the US Army Honour Guard at Fort Myers and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
4. Gen Pande visited the Army Geospatial Centre at Fort Belvoir and interacted with the Vice President of the National Defense University at Fort McNair.
5. A visit to the Indian Embassy in Washington DC included interactions with Charge d’Affaires Sripriya Ranganathan to discuss ongoing and prospective initiatives.
6. The overall purpose of the discussions and visits was to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation between the Indian and US military forces.

Q: Who is the current Chief of the Indian Army?

a. Gen Bipin Rawat
b. Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag
c. Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane
d. Gen Manoj Pande

Ans : d. Gen Manoj Pande

Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR), also known as the “One Nation One Student ID.”

APAAR is a unique identification system for students in India, designed to streamline academic and administrative processes. Here are some key points about APAAR:

1. Purpose and Features:
   • Digital ID Card: APAAR serves as a digital ID card for students across both government and private schools and colleges.
   • Academic Locker: It acts as a digital locker where students can store and manage their academic achievements.
   • Collecting Credits: Students can collect their academic credits, degrees, and other relevant information online.
   • Streamlining Admissions: APAAR also streamlines the admission process by providing a centralized student identification system.
2. Lifelong Identifier:
   • APAAR is not just for a specific educational phase; it serves as a lifelong digital identifier for students throughout their academic journey.
3. Academic Bank of Credits (ABC):
   • The Indian government established the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) to handle the issuance of APAAR ID cards.
   • ABC is an integral part of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).
   • All college and university-going students are required to register on ABC.
   • Having an ABC ID is necessary for admission to any college or university

MCQs

1. What does APAAR stand for?
   • A) Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry
   • B) Academic Bank of Credits
   • C) One Nation, One Student ID Card
   • D) Digital India Initiative
   • Answer: Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry
2. What is the purpose of APAAR?
   • A) To track students’ academic progress and achievements
   • B) To issue digital ID cards for government schools
   • C) To facilitate streamlined admissions
   • D) To promote cultural exchange
   • Answer: To track students’ academic progress and achievements