Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Documents obtained through an RTI application by Tamil Nadu’s BJP chief K. Annamalai reveal India’s inconsistent approach to the Katchatheevu island dispute with Sri Lanka. Katchatheevu, a small island in the Palk Strait, lacks a permanent settlement and freshwater source. Administered by both India and Sri Lanka historically, a 1974 agreement marked its boundary. Indian fishermen, particularly from Tamil Nadu, face challenges due to conflicting claims over the island.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu is India’s largest exporter of electronic goods, contributing 30% to the country’s total electronic goods exports in FY24. From April 2023 to January 2024, Tamil Nadu’s electronics exports were valued at 7.37 billion, which is 32.52% of India’s total export of electronic system design and manufacturing (ESDM) goods of 22.65 billion for the same period. Historically, Tamil Nadu lagged behind Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka in this sector until FY22. However, in recent years, Tamil Nadu has experienced consistent growth.

Notes:
South Korea’s KSTAR fusion reactor that is also called as Korean artificial sun, operating at the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, achieved a breakthrough by sustaining plasma at 100 million degrees Celsius for 48 seconds, setting a new world record. This surpasses its own previous record and marks progress toward clean, limitless energy through nuclear fusion. Despite challenges, fusion holds promise as a climate solution. Director Si-Woo Yoon highlights the significance of stable, high-temperature plasmas for future fusion reactors.

Notes:
The Bhojshala complex, located in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, is a historically contested site between Hindus and Muslims. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, it holds significance as a temple for Hindus and a mosque for Muslims. An arrangement by ASI allows Hindus to conduct pujas on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays. Recently, the Supreme Court rejected a stay on ongoing scientific surveys, emphasizing no physical alterations to the structure

Notes:
International Mine Awareness Day, observed annually on April 4th, aims to raise awareness and eliminate landmines. The 2024 theme is “Protecting Lives, Building Peace.” Previously, in 2023, the focus was “Mine Action Cannot Wait.” Established by the UN General Assembly in 2005, it urges national mine-operation capabilities with UN support. The day highlights the dangers of landmines and strives for their eradication, emphasizing peace and safety worldwide.

Notes:
Delhi’s Forest and Wildlife Department is setting up a tissue culture lab at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary to propagate endangered native trees. The lab aims to regenerate saplings of rare species facing challenges in natural regeneration. Tissue culture, also known as micropropagation, involves growing plant cells in a controlled, sterile environment. This technique allows for the production of clones from a single cell, aiding conservation efforts for threatened trees in the city.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu has sued the Centre at the Supreme Court, alleging withholding of national disaster relief funds post-Cyclone Michaung and floods in 2023. Disaster relief funds stem from the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF), established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 after the 2004 tsunami. NDRF encompasses severe calamities like cyclones, droughts, and floods, necessitating additional funding beyond SDRF.

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.