Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has acquired a controlling 95% stake in Gopalpur Port, Odisha, solidifying its position in the ports and logistics sector. Valued at Rs 3,350 crore, the deal includes an equity value of Rs 1,349 crore and an enterprise value of Rs 3,080 crore. Previous majority stakeholders, Shapoorji Pallonji Group (SP Group) and Orissa Stevedores Ltd (OSL), held 56% and 44% stakes respectively. Gopalpur Port boasts a capacity of 20 MTPA and strategic location in Ganjam district.

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The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently released its 2023 Clean Energy Transitions Programme report. Established in 2017, the program aims to accelerate global progress towards a net-zero energy system, aligning with the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals. IEA, founded in 1974 amidst an oil crisis, operates within the OECD framework, collaborating with governments and industries worldwide. With 31 member countries and stringent criteria for candidacy, it focuses on shaping a secure, sustainable energy future.

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The Bhojshala complex, located in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, is a historically contested site between Hindus and Muslims. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, it holds significance as a temple for Hindus and a mosque for Muslims. An arrangement by ASI allows Hindus to conduct pujas on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays. Recently, the Supreme Court rejected a stay on ongoing scientific surveys, emphasizing no physical alterations to the structure

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The World Health Organization has introduced S.A.R.A.H, a digital health promoter prototype powered by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). S.A.R.A.H, or Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health, utilizes advanced language models and technology to offer information on various health topics like healthy habits and mental health. Its goal is to empower individuals with additional tools to understand their health rights, including insights on leading causes of death such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.

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The Philippines, alongside the United States, Japan, and Australia, conducted joint naval drills in April, 2024, in the South China Sea, aimed at strengthening military cooperation amidst China’s regional influence. This exercise precedes a trilateral summit involving the Philippines, Japan, and the US, highlighting efforts to bolster security ties in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific.

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In FY 2023-24, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, comprising Kolkata Dock System and Haldia Dock Complex, handled a record-breaking 66.4 MMT of Cargo, up 1.11% from the previous year. Chairman Shri Rathendra Raman attributed this success to strategic initiatives boosting productivity and safety. Haldia Dock Complex reached its highest volume of 49.54 MMT, a 1.91% increase, while KDS managed 16.856 MMT. The port also achieved a remarkable 65% growth in net surplus, reaching Rs. 501.73 crores.

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The recent viral video featuring US Vice President Kamala Harris making irrational remarks underscores the threat of shallow fakes. Unlike deepfakes created with AI, shallow fakes are produced using basic editing tools, posing a significant risk to society. Deepfakes, on the other hand, employ AI-generated content to deceive. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report 2024 identifies AI-powered misinformation as a major concern for the next two years, emphasizing the need for vigilance against digital deception.

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Peter Pellegrini, backed by Slovakia’s nationalist-left government, wins the presidential election, defeating liberal Ivan Korčok. With 53.85% of the vote, Pellegrini pledges to maintain Slovakia’s peace stance. He becomes the sixth president since independence in 1993, succeeding Zuzana Čaputová. As president, Pellegrini will appoint the prime minister, swear in the government, and influence judicial appointments. His victory signifies a shift towards state interventionism. The new government halts weapon exports to Ukraine.

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The two-day coastal security exercise, “Sagar Kavach”, was recently held in the Lakshadweep Islands in April 2024. The exercise involved maritime security agencies, including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Fisheries, and Customs.

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Gangaur, a significant festival in Rajasthan, honors the union of Lord Shiva (Gan) and Goddess Parvati (Gauri), symbolizing marital bliss. Celebrated in Chaitra (March-April), it signifies the onset of spring. Women worship clay idols of Gan and Gauri, seeking blessings for marital happiness or their husbands’ well-being. Unmarried girls pray for suitable spouses, while married women wish for their husbands’ health and longevity.