1. Recently, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines. What does “Sagar Aankalan” Guidelines deal with?
- Guidelines for maritime infrastructure development
- Guidelines for cruise sector development
- Guidelines for green hydrogen and ammonia production
- Guidelines for national benchmarking of Indian ports performance
The correct answer is Guidelines for national benchmarking of Indian ports performance. 
In News
- The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines.
Key Points
- ” Sagar Aankalan” Guidelines focus on national benchmarking of Indian ports performance.
- They aim to map and benchmark the logistics performance and efficiency of Indian ports.
- The guidelines also aim to harmonize standards, definitions, and performance with global benchmarks.
- Additionally, they seek to improve the competitiveness, efficiency, and overall performance of the port sector.
- The emphasis is on enhancing productivity, sustainability, and customer satisfaction in Indian ports.
- These guidelines play a crucial role in transforming the performance assessment of Indian ports and fostering their growth and development.
2. Who was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha?
- Tejashwi Prasad Yadav
- Vijay Kumar Sinha
- Nand Kishore Yadav
- Awadh Bihari Choudhary
The correct answer is Nand Kishore Yadav. In News
- Nand Kishore Yadav was elected as Bihar Legislative Assembly Speaker.
Key Points
- Nand Kishore Yadav, a senior BJP leader, was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha.
- His unanimous election was announced after his predecessor, Awadh Bihari Choudhary of the RJD, was voted out in a no-confidence motion.
- Nand Kishore Yadav, a seven-time MLA from Patna Sahib assembly constituency, has a long-standing political career and has held various positions within the BJP and the state government.
- He was congratulated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who expressed hope for his impartiality in listening to both ruling and opposition members.
- Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha also extended their congratulations to Nand Kishore Yadav on his election as the Speaker.
3. With which two countries did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sign bilateral security agreements in February, 2024?
- United States and United Kingdom
- Poland and Italy
- Poland and Germany
- Germany and France
The correct answer is Germany and France. In News
- Zelensky secured security agreements with Germany, France.
Key Points
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently signed bilateral security agreements with Germany and planned to sign another with France.
- These agreements aim to secure long-term backing for Ukraine as they seek to strengthen Western support in the face of Russia’s aggression.
- During his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, Zelensky secured additional military aid amounting to 1.1 billion euros, including various military equipment and ammunition.
- The agreements underscore the commitment of Germany and France to support Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- This move comes as Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges posed by Russia’s full-scale war and seeks solidarity from its Western allies.
4. What is the name of the Border Security Force (BSF) dog that created history by winning first place at the All India Police Duty Meet?
- Siyaa
- Riyaa
- Ronnie
- Bonnie
The correct answer is Riyaa. In News
- BSF K9 dog named Riyaa won first position at All India Police Duty Meet.
Key Points
- The BSF dog that made history by winning first place at the All India Police Duty Meet is named Riyaa.
- Riyaa belongs to the indigenous Indian dog breed Mudhol Hound.
- Handled by constable Ashok Kumar Kumawat, Riyaa secured the first position in the competition.
- This achievement marked the first time an Indian breed dog participated in and won such a competition.
- The victory was celebrated by the Border Security Force, and Riyaa was hailed as the best dog in the competition.
- Dr. Neeraj Verma, Deputy Commandant (Veterinary), led the BSF Dog Squad Team to success, achieving two trophies and one gold medal in the tracker trade.
5. On which date is World Human Spirit Day observed?
- February 16th
- February 17th
- February 18th
- February 19th
The correct answer is February 17th.In News
- World Human Spirit Day is observed on 17th February each year.
Key Points
- It was established in 2003 by Michael Levy to promote a human spirit of creativity, peace, and love.
- The holiday encourages mindfulness, meditation, and reflection on one’s achievements and purpose.
- It aims to provide a way to escape the pressures of everyday life and reconnect with our true selves.
- World Human Spirit Day fosters a positive mindset and gratitude for what one has.
- It serves as a reminder of the natural end of life and encourages people not to fear death.
6. With which institution did Tata Steel sign an MoU to drive innovation and entrepreneurship?
Tata Steel partnered with IIT Bhubaneswar REP to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. This strategic alliance aims to leverage the strengths of both industry and academia, facilitating mutual growth and development through collaborative research and initiatives.
7. Which company is in discussions with Tata Group for a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing traffic volumes and engagement on Tata’s digital platform, Tata Neu?
Uber Technologies is in talks with Tata Group to form a strategic alliance, focusing on enhancing traffic volumes and user engagement on Tata’s digital platform, Tata Neu. This potential collaboration aims to leverage Uber’s expertise in mobility solutions to improve daily user engagement.
8. Which institution developed the sound-based anti-drone system?
IIT Jammu, under the leadership of Professor Karan Nathwani, developed the sound-based anti-drone system. This innovative approach offers affordability and user-friendliness, making it a significant advancement in anti-drone technology.
February Days & Events
1.The World Social Justice Day is celebrated on February ______ every year.
- 21
- 23
- 22
- 20
The correct answer is 20.
Key Points
- World Social Justice Day is celebrated on February 20th every year.
- The main objective of celebrating World Social Justice Day is to raise a voice against social injustice and to bring the various communities internationally together.
- On 26 November 2007, the General Assembly declared that starting from the sixty-third session of the General Assembly, 20th February will be celebrated annually as the World Day of Social Justice.
- To raise a voice against social injustice and to remove barriers regarding gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, or disability World Social Justice Day is observed.
- The theme of the year 2023 is ‘Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice’.
Additional Information
World Social Justice Day Themes:
| Year | Theme |
| 2022 | Achieving Social Justice through Formal Employment |
| 2021 | A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy. |
| 2020 | Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice. |
| 2019 | If You Want Peace & Development, Work for Social Justice. |
| 2018 | Workers on the move: the quest for social justice. |
2.On 28th February, the birth anniversary of which among the following Prime Minister was observed in India?
- Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
- Morarji Desai
- Indira Gandhi
- P.V Narsimha Rao
The correct answer is Morarji Desai.
- On 28 February 2021, India celebrated the 125th birth anniversary of Morarji Desai.
- Morarji Desai was born on 29 February 1896, in Bhadeli village, now in the Bulsar district of Gujarat.
- His father was a school teacher and a strict disciplinarian.
- He was educated at St. Busar High School and passed his matriculation examination.
- After graduating from the Wilson Civil Service of the then Bombay Province in 1918, he served as a Deputy Collector for twelve years.
- Desai was imprisoned thrice during the freedom struggle. He became a Member of the All India Congress Committee in 1931 and was Secretary of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee until 1937.
- Morarji Desai served between 1977 and 1979 as the 4th Prime Minister of India and led the government formed by the Janata Party.
3.India observes 10 February and 10 August as the National ______ Days every year.
- Anti – Drug Addiction
- Pollution Prevention
- Deworming
- Nutrition
THe correct answer is Deworming.
- National Deworming Day-
- National Deworming Day is observed on 10 February and 10 August every year in all States and Union-Territories.
Key Points
- It was announced by the Government of India in 2015.
- The day aims to eradicate the intestinal worms among children in the age group of 1-19 years.
- It is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India to make every child in India worm free.
- It is one of the largest public health initiative reaching a large number of children during a short period.
4.Which of the following Asian countries celebrates its Independence Day on 4th February?
- Sri Lanka
- Bahrain
- Cambodia
- Bangladesh
The correct answer is option 1, i.e. Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka celebrates its Independence Day on 4th February.
- Bahrain celebrates its Independence Day on 15th August.
- Cambodia celebrates its Independence Day on 9th November.
- Bangladesh celebrates its Independence Day on 26th March.
5.Every year, 28 February is celebrated as National Science Day to commemorate the discovery of which of the following phenomenon?
- Diffraction of light
- Formation of a rainbow
- Tyndall effect
- Raman effect
The correct answer is ‘Raman effect’.
Key Points National Science Day
- It is celebrated in India on 28 February each year
- National Science Day is celebrated to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Nobel laureate, physicist CV Raman on this day in 1928.
- For his discovery, Sir C.V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
- The theme for National Science Day of the year 2022 is ‘Integrated Approach in S&T for Sustainable Future‘.
Thus, the correct answer is Raman effect.
Important Points Let’s have a look at all options:
- Diffraction of light
- Diffraction is the slight bending of light as it passes around the edge of an object.
- The amount of bending depends on the relative size of the wavelength of light to the size of the opening.
- If the opening is much larger than the light’s wavelength, the bending will be almost unnoticeable.
- However, if the two are closer in size or equal, the amount of bending is considerable, and easily seen with the naked eye.
- Formation of a rainbow
- A rainbow is formed by sunlight and atmospheric conditions.
- Light enters a water droplet, slowing down and bending as it goes from air to denser water.
- The light reflects off the inside of the droplet, separating it into its component wavelengths or colours.
- When light exits the droplet, it makes a rainbow.
- Tyndall effect
- The Tyndall effect is light scattering by particles in a colloid or in a very fine suspension.
- Also known as Tyndall scattering, it is similar to Rayleigh scattering, in that the intensity of the scattered light is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the wavelength, so blue light is scattered much more strongly than red light.
- An example in everyday life is the blue colour sometimes seen in the smoke emitted by motorcycles, in particular two-stroke machines where the burnt engine oil provides these particles.
- Raman effect
- Raman effect is the change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is deflected by molecules.
- When a beam of light traverses a dust-free, transparent sample of a chemical compound, a small fraction of the light emerges in directions other than that of the incident (incoming) beam.
- Most of this scattered light is of unchanged wavelength.
- A small part, however, has wavelengths different from that of the incident light; its presence is a result of the Raman effect.
6.On what date is the World Cancer Day observed across the globe?
- 3 February
- 5 February
- 4 February
- 8 February
The correct answer is 4 February.
- World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
- The largest and oldest international cancer organization dedicated to taking the lead in convening, capacity building, and advocacy initiatives that unite the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden.
- The Theme of the World Cancer Day (2019-2021) was “I AM AND I WILL”.
- World Cancer Day was born on 4 February 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris.
- The day is celebrated to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
7.On February 2, we observed World Wetland Day which marks the signing of Ramsar Convention in which of the following year?
- 1968
- 1970
- 1971
- 1975
Concept:
Ramsar Convention:
- An intergovernmental agreement known as the Ramsar Convention offers a framework for domestic and international action to protect wetlands and their resources.
- The Ramsar Agreement was a wetlands convention signed in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971.
- There are now 75 Ramsar sites in India.
Explanation:
World Wetland Day:
- On February 2nd of every year, World Wetlands Day is observed.
- It is done so in order to raise awareness of the value of wetlands to both people and the environment worldwide.
- This day also honours the Wetlands Convention, which was adopted on February 2, 1971, at Ramsar, an Iranian city on the Caspian Sea shores.
Thus, on February 2, we observed World Wetland Day the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971.
Additional InformationImortant environment days:
| Days | Importance |
| 22nd April | Earth day |
| 22nd March | Water day |
| 21st march | International day for forest |
| 4th December | Wildlife conservation day |
8.World Radio day is celebrating every year on
- 02nd February
- 13th February
- 21st February
- 28th February
The correct answer is 13th February
Key Points
- World Radio Day is celebrating every year on 13th February.
- The day was proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO.
- It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day.
- The first World Radio Day was celebrated in 2012.
- World Radio Day 2020 was celebrated with a theme of “Radio and diversity”.
- In 2021 UNESCO invites stations to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this event and more than a century of radio.
Additional Information
- World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd every year.
- International Mother Language Day is celebrated on February 21st every year.
- National Science Day (India) is celebrated on February 28th every year.
9.The International Mother Language Day is celebrated every year on ________.
- 20 February
- 19 February
- 23 February
- 21 February
- International Mother Language Day is celebrated every year on 21st February.
- The main purpose of celebrating this day is to promote the awareness of language and cultural diversity all across the world.
- It was first announced by UNESCO on November 17, 1999. Since then it is being celebrated every year.
- This day was initiated by Bangladesh for Bangla language.
10.When was the capital of India shifted from Old Delhi to New Delhi?
- 5th February, 1931
- 4th February, 1931
- 6th February, 1931
- 13th February, 1931
The capital of India was shifted from Old Delhi to New Delhi on 13th February, 1931.
Key Points
The capital of India was shifted from Old Delhi to New Delhi on 13th February, 1931.
- The foundation stone of New Delhi was laid by King George V in 1911, and the city was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
- However, construction was delayed due to World War I, and the city was not officially inaugurated until 1931.
Additional Information
Here are the details of the events leading up to the shift of the capital:
- In 1911, King George V and Queen Mary visited India for a Durbar, or grand ceremony. During the Durbar, the King announced that the capital of India would be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.
- The decision to shift the capital was made for a number of reasons. First, Delhi was seen as a more central location for the government of India. Second, the British wanted to show their commitment to India and to its future as a self-governing dominion. Third, they wanted to create a new capital that would symbolize India’s status as a modern and progressive nation.
- The construction of New Delhi was a major undertaking. The city was designed to be a grand and impressive capital, and it took over 10 years to complete. The architects, Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, were inspired by the Mughal architecture of Old Delhi, but they also incorporated elements of European and American design.
- The new capital was officially inaugurated on 13th February, 1931, by Viceroy and Governor-General Irwin. The event was attended by a large number of dignitaries, including the King and Queen of England.
- New Delhi has remained the capital of India ever since. It is home to the President’s house, the Parliament, and the Supreme Court. It is also a major cultural and commercial center, and it is visited by millions of tourists every year.
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