Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
The Decision Support System (DSS) for Delhi’s air pollution, developed by IITM Pune, will resume in September with new features. It forecasts Delhi’s air quality and pollution sources, including emissions from Delhi and neighboring districts. It also assesses the impact of emission interventions and biomass burning. Now, it will extend to eight surrounding NCR districts. DSS, operational in winter, halted temporarily due to forecast discrepancies. It collaborates with SAFAR for comprehensive air quality data.

Notes:
Chamayavilakku, or the Kottankulangara Festival, celebrates goddess Bhagavathy in Kerala. Men don women’s attire, carrying lamps in processions. They hold Chamayavilakku, symbolizing devotion, circling the temple. Boys under 10 dress as girls for Kakkavilakku daytime rituals.

Notes:
REC Limited, a Ministry of Power entity, clinched the SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in ‘Renewable Energy Financing’. This accolade acknowledges REC’s dedication to sustainable financing, driving the shift towards renewable energy. As a pivotal player in India’s clean energy transition, REC spearheads numerous sustainable projects and engages in discussions with developers across various green sectors. The SKOCH ESG Awards highlight organizations’ commitment to environmental, social, and governance factors, crucial for India’s sustainable future.

Notes:
The completion of twenty years of the Free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) initiative marks a significant milestone in HIV/AIDS treatment. Started on April 1, 2004, it provides vital treatment for Persons living with HIV (PLHIV). This initiative utilizes a combination of drugs to suppress HIV replication, drastically reducing HIV prevalence and new infections globally. In 2023, HIV prevalence in 15-49 year-olds dropped to 0.20%, with India’s share in PLHIV decreasing to 6.3%.

Notes:
Spring has sprung in Goa, igniting the vibrant Shigmo Festival, celebrating Konkan tradition. Lasting from March 26 to April 8, 2024, it bids farewell to winter, welcoming spring’s warmth. A fusion of Holi’s energy and carnival’s flamboyance, Shigmo showcases grand parades with folk performances and mythological floats. Held annually in Panaji, it embodies the essence of springtime bliss for Goans, echoing through the streets with two weeks of arts and culture.

Notes:
SEBI launched SCORES 2.0, enhancing complaint resolution for investors in securities markets. The system features auto-routing, auto-escalation, and monitoring by designated bodies, reducing complaint resolution timelines. SCORES is an online platform for lodging complaints. The new version is more user-friendly and aims for quicker complaint resolution. An application for SCORES will also be launched later.

Notes:
Germany, now the largest EU nation to legalize recreational cannabis, faces mixed reactions. Despite opposition, the law allows adults over 18 to possess 25 grams of cannabis and grow three plants at home. This marks a significant shift in drug policy, aligning Germany with progressive cannabis laws in Europe, like Malta and Luxembourg. The Netherlands, once lenient, has tightened regulations to curb cannabis tourism.

Notes:
The 56th National Kho Kho Championship 2023-24 saw Maharashtra dominating both men’s and women’s categories at Delhi’s Karnail Singh Stadium and Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Maharashtra’s men’s team won against Indian Railways in a thrilling final, while the women’s team led by Sampada Maurya triumphed over Airport Authority of India. The championship featured 37 teams in each category, organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India.

Notes:
Deanna Syme Tewari, former Asian Games athlete and torchbearer at the 1982 Delhi edition, died in Dubai at 85. Representing Mysore State, she secured the long jump gold at the 1957 National Athletics Championship and 1958 National Games. She represented India at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta. Deanna also served as the torchbearer for the 1982 Asian Games. Despite her athletic achievements, she eventually retired from the sport.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to establish the Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) to counter cybercrime, focusing on legal app approval and curbing illegal loan apps. DIGITA aims to centralize verification of digital lending apps, ensuring compliance with RBI regulations. Unverified apps may face penalties and law enforcement action. Maintaining a public list of approved apps, DIGITA enhances consumer protection and aids in combating financial crimes in the digital lending sector.