Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct ‘Gagan Shakti-2024’, the nation’s largest air military exercise, involving all Air Force stations. Held every five years, it will commence on April 1, 2024, at Pokhran’s field firing range. Approximately 10,000 airmen will participate, with maneuvers spanning the Western and Northern fronts. The Indian Army is aiding logistical support, ensuring synergy across sectors for operational rail mobilization.

Notes:
The Konda Reddi tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in the Godavari region, possess valuable indigenous knowledge. They reside along the Godavari river and in hilly forests of Andhra Pradesh. Their language, Telugu, has a distinct accent. Marriage customs include negotiations, elopement, and capture. The tribe practices Folk Hinduism, worshiping local deities. They have a patriarchal family structure allowing polygamy.

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:
The forest department is eradicating Senna spectabilis, a highly invasive tree, from Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR). Originally introduced as ornamental trees by private estates, the Madras High Court ordered their removal due to ecological impact on local reserves. Belonging to the legume family, native to South and Central America, it’s also known as golden wonder tree for its bright yellow flowers. Despite medicinal uses, including treating ringworm and food-borne pathogens, its removal is necessary for preserving local ecology.

Notes:
Indian scientists have made significant strides in decoding the genetic structure of the lumpy skin disease virus, responsible for the deaths of around 100,000 cattle since May 2022. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a viral infection affecting cattle, caused by the LSDV, a member of the capripoxvirus genus. Though endemic in Africa, Middle East, and parts of Asia, LSD doesn’t infect humans and spreads through blood-feeding insects or contaminated feeding and water sources.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Nepal’s Lower House of Parliament endorsed the BIMSTEC Charter, fostering collaboration among member countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand). Established in 1997, BIMSTEC aims for regional development. The charter outlines principles, objectives, and cooperation framework, establishing legal basis, structure, functions. It promotes regional integration, covering economic development, trade, investment, technology transfer, connectivity. Endorsement and ratification by member states are crucial for effective implementation.

Notes:
Mumbai, India, is the first city in India to install 210 artificial reefs, which are being built in the Arabian Sea near Worli Koliwada. The RPG Foundation (RPGF) has funded the initiative, which is part of its Project Nature marine conservation initiative. The reefs are made from recycled cement and cost Rs 62 lakh to install. The reefs are a significant milestone in marine conservation. They will provide a steady supply of commercial fish and benefit local fishermen.

Notes:
India aims to halt urea imports by 2025 as local production surges with new fertilizer plants. Currently importing 30% of its 35 million tonnes annual requirement, the country saw urea production rise from 225.08 to 284.95 lakh tonnes between 2014-15 and 2022-23. The government’s strategy includes reviving closed plants and promoting alternative fertilizers like nano-liquid urea to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports from Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Notes:
Miraj, a town in Maharashtra’s Sangli district, famed for crafting sitars and tanpuras, earns Geographical Indication (GI) tags. These instruments are highly sought after by classical musicians and film industry professionals. Craftsmanship from Miraj is renowned, with artisans claiming their instruments are favored by prominent artists for their quality and sound.