Current Affairs One - Liner : 9th February 2024

• National:
• The ‘NITISH’ device, launched by the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) in collaboration with IIT Patna on February 3, 2024, is a pendant-shaped technology designed to alert farmers and the public about natural calamities like lightning, floods, heatwaves, and coldwaves. It provides alerts half an hour before the event, charges from body heat, and alerts users through voice messages, color change, and warming up.

• On February 7, 2024, the Telangana State Wildlife Board approved the creation of the Tadoba-Kawal Conservation Reserve. This 1,492-square-kilometre area will enhance protection and conservation measures for wildlife. The board also approved an increase in compensation for wild animal attack victims.
• The Tawangchu Tides International Kayaking Championship 2024 is a global water sports event that started in Arunachal Pradesh. It was inaugurated by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang and features 51 kayakers from various countries. The event, organized by SWITCH, aims to promote Arunachal Pradesh as a global hub for kayaking. The championship ran from February 7 to 9.
• Uttar Pradesh is set to be the first state in India with 21 airports. This includes 10 existing airports, 5 upcoming ones in Azamgarh, Aligarh, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Chitrakoot, and an international airport in Jewar expected by the end of 2024. The state government has allocated Rs 1,150 crore for the Noida International Airport under Budget 2024-25.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved two railway projects: Doubling of Motumari-Vishnupuram: Doubling the 88.81 km railway track between Motumari and Vishnupuram. Rail Over Rail at Motumari: Constructing a 10.87 km rail over rail structure at Motumari. These projects, costing around Rs. 1,746.20 crore, will improve rail connectivity in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• The Odisha Finance Minister, Bikram Keshari Arukha, presented the Annual Budget for 2024-25 in the State Assembly with an outlay of Rs 2,55,000 crore. This budget is about 11% more than the 2023-24 budget. The Finance Minister has earmarked a programme expenditure of Rs 1,40,000 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. For more detailed information, you can refer to the official Odisha Budget document.
• International:
• A health emergency has been declared in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil due to a surge in dengue fever cases. The number of cases in January quadrupled compared to the same month last year. In response, the city is opening 10 treatment centres and urging people to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate breeding grounds. 
• Govt. Schemes:
• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)”, a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada on 8th February 2024. This scheme is aimed at formalizing the fisheries sector and supporting fisheries micro and small enterprises.
• Important Days:
• February 9th marks the death anniversary of Baba Amte, a revered social activist and humanitarian who left an indelible mark on India’s history. Baba Amte, born Murlidhar Devidas Amte on December 26, 1914, was known particularly for his work for the rehabilitation and empowerment of people suffering from leprosy. He founded Anandwan in 1949, a project dedicated to the welfare of the marginalized.
• Awards & Honours:
• The prestigious Lakshminarayana International Award was indeed presented to the renowned music composer Pyarelal Sharma. This award was given to him at the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival on 8th February 2024. Pyarelal Sharma, who is one half of the iconic composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, has had a successful career in Hindi cinema spanning over eight decades.
• The Bharat Ratna was conferred on PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and MS Swaminathan on February 9, 2024. Rao was recognized for his economic reforms as Prime Minister, Singh for his dedication to farmers’ welfare, and Swaminathan for his contributions to Indian agriculture.
• Appointments:
• Narendra Kumar Yadav, an IRS officer and Additional Director GST, has been appointed as the newest brand ambassador for the Fit India Movement on 7th February 2024. This is a significant development for the Fit India Movement, a flagship initiative of the Government of India envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks the first time a civil servant has been appointed as a brand ambassador for this movement.
• Obituaries:
• Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera died in a helicopter crash on February 6, 2024. The accident occurred near Lago Ranco. All other passengers survived. A state funeral began on February 9.
• Baroness Shreela Flather, a prominent British-Indian peer, passed away after a short illness in the UK. She was 89 years old. Known for her elegant sarees in the House of Lords, she was a teacher and a politician, serving as a life peer as Baroness Flather of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire.

Question:

Q.1 Who launched the ‘NITISH’ device?
a. IIT Delhi
b. IIT Patna and BSDMA
c. ISRO
d. DRDO
Q.2 Who was the recipient of the Lakshminarayana International Award at the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival on 8th February 2024?
a. Laxmikant
b. Ilaiyaraaja
c. A.R. Rahman
d. Pyarelal Sharma