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:
Indian and Nepalese Sanskrit scholars unite to enhance Sanskrit research and education. The three-day Nepal-India International Sanskrit Conclave in Kathmandu, organized by Niti Anusandhan Pratisthan, Nepal, along with Delhi’s Central Sanskrit University and India Foundation, saw over 120 experts participating. A five-point resolution includes annual conferences, a study center for unpublished Sanskrit manuscripts, support for gurukuls’ development, joint research, and training programs. The initiative aims to strengthen cultural ties and preserve Sanskrit heritage.

Notes:
REC Limited, a Ministry of Power entity, clinched the SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in ‘Renewable Energy Financing’. This accolade acknowledges REC’s dedication to sustainable financing, driving the shift towards renewable energy. As a pivotal player in India’s clean energy transition, REC spearheads numerous sustainable projects and engages in discussions with developers across various green sectors. The SKOCH ESG Awards highlight organizations’ commitment to environmental, social, and governance factors, crucial for India’s sustainable future.

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:
The “Mother of Dragons” comet, officially Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is now visible in the Northern Hemisphere after dusk. A ‘Halley-type’ comet, it orbits roughly every 71 years with a 30 km wide nucleus. Composed of ice, dust, and rocky material, it transitions from solid to gas as it nears the Sun. Classified as a Jupiter-family comet, it reaches perihelion near Mars’ orbit and will approach Earth closely in June 2024.

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:
The inaugural ‘Parivartan Chintan’ tri-service armed forces planning conference convened in New Delhi on April 8, 2024, organized by the Union Ministry of Defence. Led by the Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside the Department of Military Affairs, the conference aimed to establish a unified, integrated theatre command. Chaired by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, it sought to foster jointness, integration, and readiness for future conflicts through innovative reforms and initiatives.

Notes:
Delhi’s ancient Satpula dam, built in the 14th century during Sultan Muhammad Shah Tughlaq’s reign, remains intact. Constructed with Delhi quartz, it formed a crucial part of Jahanpanah’s defense wall, serving dual roles of irrigation and protection. Believed to possess healing properties due to its proximity to Sufi saint Chirag Dehlavi’s residence, it was a site for Diwali celebrations and pilgrimages. Satpula, meaning ‘seven bridges,’ symbolizes resilience and heritage in Delhi’s history.

Notes:
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) launched TSAT-1A, an optical sub-metre-resolution Earth observation satellite, with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Built in collaboration with Satellogic Inc., it offers military-grade imagery capabilities and multispectral/hyperspectral imaging. Deployed for Indian defense, it enhances preparedness and strategic decision-making. Assembled in Karnataka, it marks the private sector’s first foray into military satellite development, complementing India’s existing ISRO-built spy satellites.

Notes:
Neptis philyra, a rare butterfly species known as the long-streak sailor, was recently discovered in India’s Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Previously found in east Asia, it boasts serrated wings with rich brownish-black on top and yellow-brown underneath, featuring a distinctive “hockey stick” pattern on the forewing. Part of the Nymphalidae family, it thrives in habitats like evergreen forests and rocky streams, marking a significant addition to India’s biodiversity.