Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Cumbum Valley, known as the “Grapes City of South India,” is known for Panneer Thratchai grapes, comprising 85% of India’s production. Introduced in 1832 by a French priest, these grapes thrive year-round, unlike elsewhere. Recognized for its rapid growth and early maturity, it earned a Geographical Indication tag in 2023. Cumbum Valley’s grapes, rich in nutrients, are used for wine, spirits, and more. Its location in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats adds to its allure.

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:
In March 2024, UNESCO’s Executive Board added 18 new sites to the Global Geoparks network, bringing the total number of sites to 213 across 48 countries. The new sites are located in Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. Global Geoparks are single geographical areas that are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.

Notes:
Mirabai Chanu, Tokyo Olympics medallist, secures her spot at the Paris Olympics, making history as the sole Indian weightlifter to qualify. At the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, the 29-year-old Olympic silver medalist finished third in Group B of women’s 49kg, earning 11th place overall. After a six-month injury lay-off, Chanu lifted a total of 184kg at the event, solidifying her berth for the 2024 Paris Games.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi was sworn in as Egypt’s president for a third term on April 2, 2024, extending his presidency until 2030. Winning the December 2023 election with 88.6% of votes, he faced minimal opposition. Formerly a military officer, Sisi became Egypt’s de facto leader in 2013 after Mohamed Morsi’s ousting. He first won presidency in 2014, securing a second term in 2018. Constitutional amendments in 2019 prolonged presidential terms to six years.

Notes:
Astronomers are eagerly anticipating a groundbreaking endeavor to unveil new cosmic insights with high-resolution telescopes deployed on the moon and in lunar orbit. India’s contribution, PRATUSH (Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen), is a radio telescope to be positioned on the moon’s far side. Built by the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru with collaboration from ISRO, PRATUSH aims to detect signals from the universe’s infancy, shedding light on the first stars and galaxies.

Notes:
International Conscience Day, observed annually on April 5th, urges individuals to reflect on their conscience and uphold moral values. The 2024 theme is ‘Promoting a Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience.’ Instituted by the UN in 2020, this day stresses the importance of discretion in preventing harm. It champions self-respect and peace for all. Scholars denounce anti-human acts to foster public condemnation and deterrence.

Notes:
Archaeologists from Kerala University recently uncovered a 5,200-year-old Harappan settlement at Padta Bet near Juna Khatiya, Gujarat. The site is adjacent to an Early Harappan necropolis. Archaeobotanical samples were collected for plant identification and understanding agricultural practices. Previously, a mass burial site with 500 graves was discovered nearby. The recent excavation revealed skeletons, pottery, animal bones, semi-precious stones, terracotta spindle whorls, copper, and various tools.