Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

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:
India’s Government e-Market (GeM) portal ranks as the world’s third-largest e-commerce platform for public procurement. GeM’s CEO PK Singh reported a gross merchandise value (GMV) exceeding Rs 4 lakh crore, doubling from the previous fiscal year. Launched in 2016, GeM facilitates transactions between government institutions and vendors, driving digital inclusion. The platform recorded Rs 2.01 lakh crore in orders for the last fiscal year, showcasing its significant growth trajectory.

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:
The Forest Department and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam imposed restrictions at Ahobilam shrine in Nallamala forest due to intense heat endangering wild animals. Ahobilam, in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, houses nine Narasimha shrines in a 5km radius. Recently, the ‘Paruveta Utsavam’ became a state festival. To protect wildlife, plastic use is banned. Additionally, a temple for Prahaladavarada Varadhan exists due to security reasons and logistical challenges in daily worship.

Notes:
The Manohar International Airport, Mopa, joins 13 others in India adopting the Digi Yatra system, enhancing travel convenience. Launched by Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, it utilizes facial recognition to streamline passenger verification, reducing wait times and simplifying procedures. Passengers download the DigiYatra app, link it to their Aadhaar number, and create a Digi Yatra ID for ticket purchase. At the airport, scanning the boarding pass initiates facial recognition for seamless entry.

Notes:
Sierra Leone’s President has declared a national emergency on substance abuse due to the surge in the use of the dangerous synthetic drug “kush.” The tropical West African country, bordered by Guinea, Liberia, and the Atlantic Ocean, faces this challenge. Its landscape comprises lightly wooded hills and mangrove swamps along the coast, with major rivers like the Rokel, Taia, Moa, and Sewa flowing through its terrain.

Notes:
Russia declared a “federal emergency” in southern Orenburg due to the Ural River flooding Orsk, leading to the evacuation of thousands. The Ural River, spanning 2,428 km through Russia and Kazakhstan, serves as a continental boundary between Europe and Asia. Originating from the Ural Mountains, it flows into the Caspian Sea. Melting snow primarily feeds it, with a unique digitate delta. With 58 tributaries, it holds significance as Europe’s third-longest river.

Notes:
The ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ at Wadia College Sports Ground, Pune, marked the 75-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga. Organized jointly by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and National Institute of Naturopathy, Govt. of India, thousands gathered, actively participating in the Common Yoga Protocol. This event showcased the increasing significance of Yoga in promoting individual and societal well-being, highlighting enthusiasm for its practice and benefits.

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.

Notes:
British national Russ Cook, also known as the “Hardest Geezer,” conquered an epic challenge spanning over 352 days. Trekking 10,000+ miles across 16 countries in Africa, he endured visa hurdles, health scares, and even an armed robbery. Departing from South Africa’s south and reaching Tunisia’s north, he completed the journey, raising charity funds. Cook aims to inspire others with his feat, potentially the first to run Africa’s length, emphasizing the power of sports at a press conference in Bizerte, Tunisia.