Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Professor Meena Charanda, Principal of Kalindi College, Delhi University, received the ‘International Culture Award’ in 2024 for her exceptional contributions to education and social service. The honor was bestowed upon her at the India International Center on March 30, 2024.

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India is adopting the J-slab ballastless track system for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, marking its debut in the country. This system, designed for high-speed trains, replaces traditional ballasted tracks with pre-cast concrete slabs. Benefits include enhanced stability, reduced maintenance, and a smoother ride for passengers due to its uniform surface. Notably, the absence of ballast minimizes wear and tear, promising efficiency and durability for India’s ambitious rail infrastructure.

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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.

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NICES programme, operated by ISRO and the Department of Space, called upon Indian researchers to combat climate change. Launched in 2012 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, NICES monitors climate variability using Earth Observation satellites. Its objectives include disseminating Essential Climate Variables crucial for understanding Earth’s climate. With over 70 accessible geophysical variables, NICES focuses on space-based indicators, weather extremes, and climate services.

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Political outfits and leaders honored the 104th anniversary of the Perungamanallur massacre in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. On April 3, 1920, 16 Piramalai Kallar community members were killed, protesting the oppressive Criminal Tribes Act of 1911. The massacre symbolizes resistance against colonialism. Britishers used the Act for fingerprinting and population control. Eventually repealed after Independence, the Act underwent amendments over the years, marking progress in mitigating its draconian measures.

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India aims to boost marine product exports to 12 billion in two years through increased processing capacity and higher-value products. In 2022-23, exports totaled 8.09 billion. However, from April to February 2023-24, exports dipped 7.5% to 6.8 billion, largely due to decreased exports to the US and Europe. The government targets 9.1 billion in exports for 2023-24. India ranks third in fish production globally and second in aquaculture.

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Forest authorities in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitharama Raju district recently harvested water from an Indian laurel tree (Terminalia elliptica). Also known as Asna or Indian laurel, it grows mainly in dry and moist deciduous forests. Its wood is prized for furniture and musical instruments, while its leaves sustain silkworms for Tussah silk production. Medically, the bark treats diarrhea, yielding oxalic acid. Additionally, its bark and fruit are sources of pyrogallol and catechol for dye and leather tanning.

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The United States and the United Kingdom have signed an agreement to collaborate on developing tests for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models, following commitments made at the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit. Bletchley Park, known as the birthplace of modern computing, will host the world’s first global AI summit in 2023. Both countries aim to share information on AI capabilities and risks, conduct joint testing exercises, and align approaches to deploying AI systems safely.

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India aims to establish its inaugural privately managed Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) by 2029-30, allowing trading rights to the operator. As the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, India prioritizes stable petroleum supply. Presently, it has three operational SPRs with a combined capacity of 5.33 MMT. To bolster energy security, India plans two new facilities in Karnataka and Odisha, with private companies permitted to trade 100% of stored oil in a public-private partnership model, enhancing SPR capacity and financing.

Notes:
India’s DRDO and Strategic Forces Command successfully tested the ‘Agni-Prime’ ballistic missile at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. Range sensors, including two ships, captured data. Witnessed by top officials, Agni-P is a medium-range ballistic missile with nuclear capabilities, designed as successor to Agni-I and II. It boasts a 1,000-2,000 km strike range, advanced technology from Agni-IV/V, and features composite materials for lightweight and strength. It’s a two-stage, solid-fueled, road-mobile missile with dual navigation.