Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Russia’s Onyx supersonic cruise missile, known as the P-800 Onyx or Oniks, is set to become deadlier with a new target seeker. With speeds exceeding 3,000 km/h, it’s tough to intercept. Operating at low altitudes, it’s stealthy and versatile, targeting ships and ground objects. It boasts a range of up to 300 km and operates on a “shoot and forget” principle, needing minimal target data for successful strikes.

Notes:
The Armed Forces plan to transform Mumbai into India’s inaugural tri-service common defense station for the Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF). This aims at fostering jointness among the services preceding the establishment of integrated theatre commands. Theatreization involves integrating army, air force, and navy capabilities to optimize resources for warfare. Such commands combine assets from all three services under unified leadership, mirroring practices in major nations like China, Russia, the US, the UK, and France.

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:
Uttar Pradesh leads India with the most Geographical Indication (GI) certified products, now totaling 69 after the addition of 15 new items, surpassing Tamil Nadu’s 58. Sanjhi art, originating in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh in the 16th century, is renowned for intricate designs and spiritual significance. Associated with the mother goddess Sanjhi, the craft involves mud images crafted into cosmic forms. It originated around Krishna temples and is now practiced nationwide.

Notes:
Bindyarani Devi, Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 silver medalist, secured a bronze at the IWF World Cup 2024 in Phuket, Thailand, lifting 196 kg in the women’s 55 kg category. Conversely, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu placed 12th. Despite not medaling, Chanu qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024, becoming India’s sole weightlifter to do so. Kang Hyon Gyong of North Korea clinched gold, while Romania’s Mihaela Cambei took silver.

Notes:
Astronomers are eagerly anticipating a groundbreaking endeavor to unveil new cosmic insights with high-resolution telescopes deployed on the moon and in lunar orbit. India’s contribution, PRATUSH (Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen), is a radio telescope to be positioned on the moon’s far side. Built by the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru with collaboration from ISRO, PRATUSH aims to detect signals from the universe’s infancy, shedding light on the first stars and galaxies.

Notes:
Zimbabwe along with Zambia and Malawi has declared a state of disaster due to severe drought. President Emmerson Mnangagwa attributes it to an “El Nino-induced drought,” affecting over 80% of Zimbabwe. Climate change exacerbates the crisis, causing dire food shortages and humanitarian crises in the region.

Notes:
World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, commemorates the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) and raises awareness on global health issues. It emphasizes the importance of healthy living and fosters global cooperation in healthcare. In 2024, the theme ‘My Health, My Rights’ underscores individual rights to healthcare. This day serves as a vital platform for promoting health awareness and inspiring people worldwide to prioritize their well-being.

Notes:
In Punjab, the District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Malerkotla, Dr. Pallavi, launched ‘Booth Raabta’, a special website for election-related information. Boothraabta.com assists voters and polling personnel. Deputy Election Commissioner of India Hirdesh Kumar and Punjab CEO Sibin C lauded the initiative. Booth Raabta, meaning ‘Booth Contact’, offers guidance on election issues. It facilitates certificate downloads for young voters, enables polling station ratings, and provides ambulance and hospital information, especially during heat waves.

Notes:
Indian Coast Guard’s swift operation rescued 27 Bangladeshi fishermen stranded on fishing boat Sagar II in Indian waters. Patrol ship ‘Amogh’ identified the distressed vessel drifting in the India-Bangladesh Maritime Boundary Line on April 4, 2024. Investigation found its steering gear malfunctioning for two days. Prompt action ensured safe retrieval of all crew members by the Indian Coast Guard, showcasing their commitment to maritime safety and cooperation.