Daily Current Affairs Quiz: February 15 2024

Ans (A)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed a life-size statue of the late General Bipin Rawat at Tonbridge School in Dehradun.
General Rawat served as the 57th Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee as well as the 26th Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army.
He served as the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) from January 2020 until his death in a helicopter crash in December 2021.
Prior to taking over as the CDS, he served as the 57th Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (Chairman COSC) of the Indian Armed Forces as well as the 26th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army.

Ans (B)
AIIMS-SBI Smart Payment Card has been launched for cashless transactions at AIIMS, New Delhi.
The card is issued free of cost to all patients, linked to the patient’s Unique Hospital Identification number and Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID.
The card aims to provide ease and safety for patients and their caretakers, eliminating the need to carry cash to the hospital.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the SBI-AIIMS Smart card system was formalized during the launch event, marking a significant milestone in healthcare digitization and patient welfare initiatives.

Ans (D)
8.25% is the interest rate declared by EPFO for FY 2023-24.
EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) has raised the interest rate on provident fund deposits to 8.25% for the financial year 2023-24.
This marks a 3-year high compared to the previous rates of 8.15% in the preceding year and 8.10% in 2021-22.
The decision was made by the central board of trustees of EPFO, headed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Bhupender Yadav, during the 235th board meeting.
The proposed interest rate awaits official notification after approval from the Ministry of Finance.

Ans (B)
The University of Liverpool and AIIMS New Delhi signed a collaboration agreement for cancer research.
AIIMS New Delhi has signed a Collaboration Agreement with the University of Liverpool to establish the ‘AIIMS Liverpool Collaborative Centre for Translational Research in Head and Neck Cancer – ALHNS’.
The collaboration aims to enhance research in head and neck cancer by leveraging the expertise of both institutions.
The agreement builds upon existing collaboration between the Liverpool Head and Neck Centre (LNHC), the University of Liverpool, and the Head and Neck Cancer Unit at AIIMS.
The initiative was inaugurated in the presence of Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.

Ans (A)
Sindhu Ganapathy, Tamil Nadu’s first trans-train ticket examiner, is hopeful for a brighter future for the transgender community through education and perseverance.
Despite facing challenges, she received support from the Southern Railway Mazdoor Union, motivating her to excel in her work.
After an accident injured her hand, Sindhu transitioned to a non-technical role.

Ans (B)
Dubai has signed agreements to launch the world’s first air taxi service in 2026.
The air taxis will be electric-powered, have a range of 161 km, and a top speed of 321 km/h.
The air taxi network will aim to reduce noise levels, and operating emissions, and enhance passenger convenience.
Dubai has inked this agreement at the World Government Summit 2024 to launch this initiative.

Ans (B)
NITI Aayog’s GROW initiative aims to transform India’s wastelands through agroforestry, using remote sensing and GIS technologies to identify suitable areas.
The GROW report and portal provide state & district-wise data on agroforestry potential, including the Agroforestry Suitability Index (ASI) for prioritization.
Agroforestry has the potential to reduce wood imports, and mitigate climate change.

Ans (C)
Prime Minister Modi has inaugurated UAE’s historic BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14.
BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith founded in the 18th century by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and formally established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj.
BAPS is based on the Vedas and focuses on practical spirituality to address societal challenges.
It seeks to promote spiritual growth, community service & global harmony through its activities.

Ans (C)
12 February is celebrated as Darwin Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of the father of evolutionary biology, Charles Darwin.
This day highlights Darwin’s contribution to evolutionary and plant science.
Darwin published his work on evolution by natural selection as a book (On the Origin of Species).
In 2015, ‘Origin of Species’ was voted the most influential academic book in history.

Ans (A)
India’s oldest Test cricketer and former captain Dattajirao Gaekwad died due to age-related ailments.
Gaekwad, who was the father of former India opener and national coach Aunshuman Gaekwad, was 95.
He appeared in 11 Test matches, toured England in 1952 and 1959 and West Indies in 1952.
He was distantly related to the Baroda royal family and served as the Deputy comptroller to the Baroda state.