Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Traditional products from Tripura, Matabari Pera Prasad and Rignai Pachara textiles, have recently earned Geographical Indication (GI) tags, bringing the state’s total to 4 GI protected products. Matabari Pera Prasad, a sweet from Tripureswari temple, is made from milk and sugar. Rignai Pachara textiles, traditional hand-woven attire, symbolize Tripura’s cultural heritage. These products’ GI recognition highlights their significance and authenticity, attracting global attention and marketing opportunities.

Notes:
Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna, with Australian partner Matthew Ebden, secured the 2024 Miami Open men’s doubles title on March 31, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida. They overcame Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek, reclaiming their ATP World No.1 rank. Bopanna, breaking his own record, became the oldest player to win an ATP 1000 Masters Championship. He joins elite Indian players who have won the Miami Open.

Notes:
The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently released its 2023 Clean Energy Transitions Programme report. Established in 2017, the program aims to accelerate global progress towards a net-zero energy system, aligning with the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals. IEA, founded in 1974 amidst an oil crisis, operates within the OECD framework, collaborating with governments and industries worldwide. With 31 member countries and stringent criteria for candidacy, it focuses on shaping a secure, sustainable energy future.

Notes:
Mr. Sita Ram Meena, a 2008 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Niger. Previously serving as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, this appointment marks a significant career advancement. Mr. Meena’s diplomatic experience and expertise position him well for this new role, which underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Niger on the international stage.

Notes:
World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2nd, advocates for improving the lives of individuals with autism and promoting their human rights. Established by a UN resolution in 2007, the day raises public awareness and encourages inclusive actions. The 2024 theme, “Empowering Autistic Voices,” emphasizes amplifying the voices of those with autism. Its goal is to ensure they enjoy dignity, participation, and rights on par with others in society.

Notes:
Germany, now the largest EU nation to legalize recreational cannabis, faces mixed reactions. Despite opposition, the law allows adults over 18 to possess 25 grams of cannabis and grow three plants at home. This marks a significant shift in drug policy, aligning Germany with progressive cannabis laws in Europe, like Malta and Luxembourg. The Netherlands, once lenient, has tightened regulations to curb cannabis tourism.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to establish the Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) to counter cybercrime, focusing on legal app approval and curbing illegal loan apps. DIGITA aims to centralize verification of digital lending apps, ensuring compliance with RBI regulations. Unverified apps may face penalties and law enforcement action. Maintaining a public list of approved apps, DIGITA enhances consumer protection and aids in combating financial crimes in the digital lending sector.

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:
The Tamil Nadu State Forest Department, with WWF-India, radio-collared a male Nilgiri Tahr in Mukurthi National Park, marking the first collar operation without tranquilization. Nilgiri Tahr, also called Varaiaadu, is Tamil Nadu’s state animal and the sole mountain ungulate in southern India. With an endangered status, its habitat spans the Western Ghats. Threatened by habitat loss and poaching, the species’ resilience underscores its ecological significance in high-stress environments.

Notes:
The U.S. Federal Reserve announces significant alterations to the “Basel III endgame” proposal, aimed at imposing stricter bank capital requirements. The changes, favoring Wall Street banks, come after intense lobbying against the rules, which would affect banks with assets exceeding $100 billion. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, formed in 1974 to bolster financial stability, oversees these regulations. India became a member in 2009. The committee operates under the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland.