Current Affairs 14 February 2024

In Current Affairs for 14 February 2024, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS,...

Ruby Thakur
February 14, 2024
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In Current Affairs for 14 February 2024, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.

Current Affairs 14 February 2024

GovTech Prize

India has secured the prestigious 9th GovTech Prize for its pioneering endeavors in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered government services, at the World Government Summit 2024.
The annual award is instituted by the government of the UAE and is presented to government entities, central or local, worldwide, to recognize creative and innovative solutions.

India won under the category of ‘AI-Powered Government Services’. The accolade recognizes the remarkable efforts of the Ministry for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, for its transformative project known as iRASTE.
It is a collaborative initiative involving the government, industry, and academia, is revolutionizing road safety through the integration of AI technology.
This innovative project marks a significant departure from conventional approaches by harnessing the predictive power of AI to preemptively address road safety challenges.
iRASTE aims to reimagine road safety by leveraging AI as a force multiplier in road safety engineering.

By harnessing predictive insights generated by AI algorithms, iRASTE endeavors to prevent accidents before they occur, thus mitigating the risk of fatalities and injuries on Indian roads.
The project’s objectives are ambitious yet attainable, with a targeted 50% reduction in road accidents anticipated in urban areas. Additionally, iRASTE aims to significantly diminish black spots within the city’s road network, further enhancing safety and efficiency in transportation systems.
The award was distributed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai and received by Tadu Mamu, Consul at the Consulate General of India, on India’s behalf.

PM Surya Ghar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that in order to further sustainable development and people’s well-being, the Government is launching the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
Mr Modi said, this project, with an investment of over 75 thousand crore rupees aims to light up one crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
He said, from substantive subsidies, which will be given directly to people’s bank accounts, to heavily concessional bank loans, the Central Government will ensure that there is no cost burden on the people.
The Prime Minister said, all stakeholders will be integrated into a National Online Portal which will further convenience.

He said, to popularise this scheme at the grassroots, Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats shall be incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions.
Mr Modi said, at the same time, the scheme will lead to more income, lesser power bills, and employment generation for people. He called upon everyone to boost solar power and sustainable progress.

PM Modi & UAE President Hold Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in fruitful discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, encompassing a wide array of topics aimed at enhancing cooperation and partnership.
Talks ranged from reviewing the existing bilateral partnership to exploring new avenues of collaboration across various sectors including trade and investment, digital infrastructure, fintech, energy, infrastructure, culture, and people-to-people ties.

Both leaders expressed their commitment to further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
A series of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were exchanged to cement the foundation of cooperation between India and the UAE.
These included agreements on Bilateral Investment, Electrical Interconnection and Trade, the India-Middle East Economic Corridor, Digital Infrastructure Projects, cooperation between National Archives, heritage and museums, interlinking of payment platforms, and interlinking of domestic debit/credit cards.
These agreements aim to facilitate seamless collaboration in various domains and foster greater connectivity between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi extended his congratulations to President Sheikh

Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the launch of UAE’s domestic card, JAYWAN, which is based on the digital RuPay credit and debit card stack.
The leaders witnessed a transaction made using the JAYWAN card, underscoring the progress in financial sector cooperation between India and the UAE.
Energy partnership also featured prominently in the discussions, with both leaders acknowledging the UAE’s significant role as a supplier of crude, LPG, and now LNG to India.
Long-term contracts for LNG were highlighted as a testament to the growing energy partnership between the two countries.
Prior to the visit, agreements were signed between RITES Limited and Abu Dhabi Ports Company, as well as the Gujarat Maritime Board with Abu Dhabi Ports Company, aimed at bolstering port infrastructure and enhancing connectivity between India and the UAE.
Expressing gratitude, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his personal support and generosity in granting land for the construction of the BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi.

Both leaders emphasized the significance of the temple as a symbol of the deep-rooted cultural ties and friendship between the UAE and India, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to harmony, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence on the global stage.
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscores the importance both countries attach to strengthening their strategic partnership and exploring new avenues for cooperation, heralding a new chapter in the bilateral relations between India and the UAE.

World’s First Air Taxi

In a pathbreaking move set to revolutionize urban transportation, Dubai has inked agreements at the World Government Summit 2024 to launch the world’s first air taxi service.
The agreements pave the way for Dubai to pioneer the deployment of a city-wide electric aerial taxi service and vertiport network.
At the heart of the initiative lies the Joby Aviation S4, an innovative aircraft designed to comfortably accommodate four passengers along with a pilot.
Sporting six propellers and powered by four battery packs, the S4 boasts a maximum range of 161 km and a top speed of 321 km per hour.
Its Vertical take-off and landing capabilities render it ideal for urban settings, minimizing the space requirements typical of conventional stations and reducing noise pollution compared to helicopters.

With an eye toward efficiency, safety, and sustainability, the air taxi project promises a host of benefits, including reduced noise levels, zero operating emissions, and enhanced passenger convenience.
Leveraging cutting-edge technology, these aerial vehicles aim to seamlessly integrate into Dubai’s urban landscape, offering swift and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
The electric-powered aircraft can be swiftly recharged between flights, the initiative represents a bold step toward a more sustainable and accessible transportation future. The air-taxi network will commence its operations in 2026, marking a significant milestone in Dubai’s quest to redefine urban mobility.

Gupteswar Forest

Odisha has taken a significant step towards conservation by declaring the Gupteswar forest in Koraput district as its fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).
This declaration marks a pivotal moment in the state’s environmental conservation efforts, joining the ranks of Mandasaru, Mahendragiri, and Gandhamardan, which have previously been recognized for their unique biodiversity.

Nestled adjacent to the revered Gupteswar Shiva temple within the Dhondrakhol reserve forest and under the Jeypore forest division, the Gupteswar forest spans over 350 hectares.
This area is not just a haven for a wide array of flora and fauna but also holds a sacred significance, with its groves traditionally worshipped by the local community.
The Odisha Biodiversity Board’s inventory and survey reveal an astounding diversity within this newly declared BHS.

Home to 608 faunal species, the Gupteswar forest boasts 28 species of mammals, and 188 species of birds, along with a significant number of amphibians, reptiles, fishes, butterflies, moths, spiders, scorpions, and other lower invertebrates.
Notably, the area is a habitat for significant species such as the mugger crocodile, Kanger Valley rock gecko, sacred grove bush frog, and various rare birds like the black baza and Malabar trogon.

Noida Recognized As “Water Warrior” City

Noida, situated in the National Capital Region, has gained acclaim for its endeavors in water preservation and control.
The Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, under the Union Water Ministry, has bestowed upon Noida the prestigious title of “Water Warrior” city.
This recognition underscores the city’s commitment to treating and repurposing wastewater, particularly for irrigation purposes.
During a ceremony hosted in Delhi, Noida was commended for its outstanding achievements in two categories at the World Water Award 2023-24.
The city secured the title for the best sewage treatment plant (STP) and was also lauded for its water reuse project of the year.

Noida presently operates eight sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a collective capacity of 411 million liters daily (MLD). These facilities significantly contribute to sewage treatment, yielding an output of 260 MLD.
The city effectively utilizes treated water, reallocating 70-75 MLD for various purposes, including irrigation of green belt parks and golf courses, construction activities, and firefighting, thus ensuring efficient resource management across the city.
Looking forward to the fiscal year 2024-25, the Noida Authority has outlined ambitious targets to enhance the utilization of treated water. Setting its sights on achieving 125 MLD, the city endeavors to optimize the capabilities of its sewage treatment infrastructure.
To uphold the quality of treated water to established standards, the authority has embarked on improvement initiatives, such as integrating tertiary treatment plants and establishing online connectivity with the Central Pollution Control Board server.
Recognizing the significance of preserving waterways, the Noida Authority has devised comprehensive strategies for drainage management. Plans are in place to establish STPs along major drains, while an equal number will undergo in-situ cleaning methods.
These initiatives aim to maintain the purity of water before it reaches the Yamuna River, thereby contributing to broader objectives of river conservation and environmental sustainability.

SUFALAM

Union Minister of Food Processing Shri Pashupati Kumar Paras emphasised the pivotal role of startups in the food processing sector.
Inaugurating “SUFALAM: Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors Startup Conclave 2024” he highlighted the significance of events like SUFALAM, emphasizing their potential to enhance networking, facilitate knowledge sharing, and enable startups to leverage various government schemes.
He said this initiative stands as a testament to the government’s steadfast commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and creating an enabling ecosystem for startups, thereby empowering aspiring entrepreneurs in the food processing domain.

“SUFALAM” emerges as a pivotal platform aimed at catalyzing innovation, fostering collaboration, and driving growth within the food processing industry.
The Startup Conclave for Food Processing Entrepreneurs holds the promise of being a transformative event, propelling the sector towards a future characterized by innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
As startups converge to showcase their ingenuity and vision, the conclave stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring the next generation of food processing leaders to redefine the boundaries of possibility.

Current Affairs 14 February Question

GovTech Prize Annual Prize Awarded By
A. Russia
B. UAE
C. Australia
D. Iran
ANSWER: B
Which City Recently Named As Water Warrior City
A. Lucknow
B. Bhubaneshwar
C. Noida
D. Chennai
ANSWER: C
Gupteswar Forest Seen In News Is Located In
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Karnataka
C. Odisha
D. Kerala
ANSWER: C
PM Surya Ghar Scheme Launched Is Related To
A. Free Electricity
B. Free Housing
C. Free Education
D. Free Medical Services
ANSWER: A
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary Is Located In Which State
A. Odisha
B. Bihar
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Kerala
ANSWER: A
FAST Telescope Is Developed By Which Country
A. Russia
B. USA
C. China
D. India
ANSWER: C
“Road To Paris 2024: Championing Clean Sports & Uniting For Anti Doping”
Conference Is Recently Hosted By Which Organization
A. National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
B. National Forensics Science University
C. Sports Authority of India
D. National Sports Federations in India
ANSWER: A
Which Institute Developed A First For India Earth System Model To Improve
Climate Forecasts And Predict Climate Impacts
A. National Centre For Medium Range Weather Forecasting
B. Indian Institute Of Tropical Meteorology
C. Indian Institute Of Technology, New Delhi
D. Cochin University Of Science And Technology
ANSWER: B
Name Of Satellite Launched By NASA Survey Oceans & Atmosphere
A. STARS-1
B. ROSAT
C. PACE
D. ASTRO A
ANSWER: C
Which State Has Signed An Mou On Artificial Intelligence With Google
A. Gujarat
B. Maharashtra
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Kerala
ANSWER: B
Which Institute Has Been Honored With Nelson Mandela Award 2024 By WHO
A. AIIMS Delhi
B. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
C. Indian Mental Health and Research Centre
D. National Institute of Ayurveda
ANSWER: B
Which Of The Following Is The Best Description Of Term infexnTM
A. Startup Growth Program
B. Genomics Based Infectious Diseases Test
C. Enhancing The Flavor Of Genetically Modified Crops
D. Loan Window For MSMEs
ANSWER: B
Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik Kendra In News, Was Established In
A. Hyderabad
B. Chennai
C. Bengaluru
D. Kochi
ANSWER: A
IREDA Has Signed An MoU With Which IIT For Promoting Innovation And
Research In The Field Of Renewable Energy
A. IIT Roorkee
B. IIT Bombay
C. IIT Kanpur
D. IIT Bhubaneswar
ANSWER: D
Which State Government Approved Healing Practices Bill, 2024 To Ban
Magical Healing
A. Assam
B. Manipur
C. Sikkim
D. Mizoram
ANSWER: A
Open Network Digital Commerce Portal Launched By Which Ministry
A. Ministry of MSME
B. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
C. Ministry of Corporate Affairs
D. Ministry of Finance
ANSWER: B
Recently, Which Five Countries Officially Joined The BRICS Group
A. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Iran & Ethiopia
B. Argentina, Chile, Iraq, Sudan & Somalia
C. Peru, Namibia, Guyana, Bulgaria & Turkey
D. Mali, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos & Bhutan
ANSWER: A
Bluetongue Disease Is Transmitted By Which One Of Following
A. Fungi
B. Insects
C. Contaminated water
D. Plants
ANSWER: B
Darlipali Thermal Power Plant Is Located In Which State
A. Odisha
B. Gujarat
C. Karnataka
D. Madhya Pradesh
ANSWER: A
Tribeni Which Is Host Of Kumbho Mohotshav, Is Located In
A. Assam
B. West Bengal
C. Odisha
D. Karnataka
ANSWER: B