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:
IIT Kanpur recently signed an MoU with Conlis Global, a Canadian biotech company, for licensing a groundbreaking technology promoting bone healing and regeneration. Nano Hydroxyapatite-based Porous Composite Scaffolds, developed indigenously, possess biodegradable, osteoinductive, and osteopromotive properties crucial for bone regeneration. Highly biocompatible, these scaffolds demonstrate robust mechanical strength and foster excellent interaction between polymer networks and solvents, facilitating cell-material interactions with osteoblast cells.

Notes:
Released by the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) and WinZO, the report highlights India’s dominance in gaming. With 568 million users, India leads as the largest gaming market globally, projected to hit $6 billion by 2028. The industry’s growth is evident, with Indian gaming companies soaring from 25 in 2015 to over 1400 in 2023. MeitY oversees gaming regulations, facilitating 100% FDI and initiatives like the Draft National AVGC Policy and National AVGC Centre of Excellence.

Notes:
With fishing halted, migratory birds flock to Maravakandy Dam in the Nilgiris. Situated 35 km from Ooty in Tamil Nadu, it was constructed in 1951 over Aravarihalla stream, a Sigur River tributary. This dam serves as the main water source for the Moyar hydroelectric powerhouse, attracting diverse avian species during migratory seasons.

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:
Recent news highlighted water levels in several dams including Vaigai, Mettur, and Papanasam. Vaigai Dam in Tamil Nadu serves Madurai’s water needs. Mettur Dam, on the Cauvery River, is one of India’s largest, with inflows from Karnataka. Papanasam Dam irrigates fields in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin, considered holy due to its association with Lord Shiva.

Notes:
The caracal, a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, Middle East, and parts of Asia, including India, faces extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trade. In India, it’s called Siya gosh, meaning ‘black ear’. Known for its distinctive long ears and hunting prowess, the caracal primarily preys on small mammals and birds. Despite being listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, conservation efforts are crucial to safeguard its population.

Notes:
The Andhra Pradesh government is taking measures to prevent forest fires in Papikonda National Park (PNP), receiving technical assistance. PNP, located in the Eastern Ghats, is crucial for high precipitation and hosts the River Godavari. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1978 and upgraded to a national park in 2008, it’s recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. The region also boasts a unique dwarf goat breed, the “kanchu mekha.”

Notes:
SJVN Limited received the 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Award 2024 for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Contribution. The company also secured the ‘Achievement Award for Social Development and Creating Impact’ and the ‘CIDC Partners in Progress Trophy’. Geeta Kapur, Chairperson and Managing Director, highlighted SJVN’s commitment to CSR initiatives, managed through the SJVN Foundation. SJVN spent over Rs 450 crore on diverse CSR activities including education, healthcare, infrastructure, disaster relief, and cultural promotion. CGM (HR) Baljit Singh accepted the awards.

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.