Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Scientists from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation in India discovered Cnemaspis vangoghi, a new lizard species in Tamil Nadu’s Southern Western Ghats. Named after Vincent Van Gogh, it measures up to 3.4 cm and sports a striking coloration reminiscent of ‘The Starry Night’. Preferring rocky habitats, it can be found on buildings and trees. Alongside C. vangoghi, another species, Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis, was identified in the same region. Both species inhabit low-elevation forests in the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve.

Notes:
The Forest Department conducted the annual wildlife census at Point Calimere, located in Kodiakkarai, Tamil Nadu. Also known as Cape Calimere, it’s situated on the Coromandel Coast, about 9 km south of Vedaranyam. This area boasts historical significance with structures like the Kodi Kuzhagar temple from the Chola period and a Chola lighthouse, destroyed during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The forests here are remnants of the East Deccan dry evergreen forests ecoregion.

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:
Researchers have found evidence of ozone on Jupiter’s moon Callisto, revealing insights into chemical processes on icy celestial bodies. The study focuses on the chemical evolution of “SO2 astrochemical ice,” composed of sulfur dioxide under ultraviolet irradiation. Analysis of UV absorption spectra of irradiated ice samples unveiled a distinct ozone formation signature. Callisto’s stable surface suggests it may harbor subsurface oceans or potential habitats, making it a potential candidate for extraterrestrial life.

Notes:
Natural gas is often termed a ‘bridge fuel’ aiding countries in transitioning from coal and oil to renewable energy. As society shifts towards cleaner energy, bridge fuels like natural gas aim to minimize environmental impact. Debates center on the duration and source of this transition. While natural gas emits less greenhouse gases, its role as a bridge fuel also hinges on factors like enhancing energy independence and reducing pollution costs.

Notes:
Widespread damage to cardamom plantations in Kerala due to drought has led to significant losses for farmers. With fears of further crop destruction, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Idukki suggest strategies like foliar application of PPFM and disease prevention treatments to mitigate the impact on cardamom production, emphasizing the urgent need for action to safeguard livelihoods in affected regions.

Notes:
High sea waves, termed swell waves, have flooded coastal homes in Kerala, known locally as Kallakkadal or swell surge. Occurring primarily during pre-monsoon and sometimes post-monsoon, Kallakkadal results from distant storms generating ocean swells. Coined by fishermen, Kallakkadal signifies the sea’s thief-like arrival. These waves originate from the southern Indian Ocean, taking several days to reach Kerala’s coast. UNESCO recognized the term in 2012, highlighting its significance in describing this coastal flooding phenomenon.

Notes:
Indian NSA Ajit Doval led the delegation at the SCO Secretaries of Security Councils meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. He met Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev, advocating for a Cooperation Programme against terrorism, separatism, and extremism for 2025-2027. President Tokayev emphasized the need for a unified approach to counter “three evil forces” and transnational crimes like drug trafficking and cyber threats. The meeting aimed to enhance security cooperation among SCO member states.

Notes:
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, leading the Monetary Policy Committee, has maintained the repo rate at 6.5% for the 7th consecutive time, as announced on April 5, 2024. Predicting a 7% growth for India’s economy in FY 25, with a 4.5% expected Consumer Price Index inflation, Das emphasized inflation control and pledged an accommodative policy for growth. The first MPC meeting for FY 2024-25 convened from April 3-5, with the next scheduled for June 5-7, 2024.