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:
Chamayavilakku, or the Kottankulangara Festival, celebrates goddess Bhagavathy in Kerala. Men don women’s attire, carrying lamps in processions. They hold Chamayavilakku, symbolizing devotion, circling the temple. Boys under 10 dress as girls for Kakkavilakku daytime rituals.

Notes:
SEBI launched SCORES 2.0, enhancing complaint resolution for investors in securities markets. The system features auto-routing, auto-escalation, and monitoring by designated bodies, reducing complaint resolution timelines. SCORES is an online platform for lodging complaints. The new version is more user-friendly and aims for quicker complaint resolution. An application for SCORES will also be launched later.

Notes:
Members of a Russian military intelligence unit are suspected of targeting US officials’ brains with directed energy weapons, leading to symptoms known as Havana syndrome. This condition, reported by US embassy officials in Cuba in 2016, involves migraines, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. India witnessed its first case in 2021 when a US intelligence officer traveling with CIA Director William Burns reported symptoms in New Delhi, raising concerns about similar incidents worldwide.

Notes:
The World Bank revised India’s GDP growth projection for FY25 to 6.6%, up by 20 basis points. Despite a slowdown from the current year’s estimated 7.5% growth, robust public investment is anticipated to drive future growth. India’s statistics ministry estimated the current year’s GDP growth at 7.6%, higher than earlier projections. The projected slowdown in growth from 2023-24 to 2024-25 is attributed to decreased investment, though services and industry sectors are expected to remain strong.

Notes:
The 2nd INSA-NCGG LEADS program, held in New Delhi from April 1-7, 2024, is a collaborative effort between the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG). It aims to cultivate future leaders in science and technology, promoting visionary leadership and scientific excellence in India. Professors and scientists from various prestigious institutions participate, supported by NCGG’s governance training and INSA’s scientific excellence promotion.

Notes:
The indigenous wheat variety Kathiya Gehu from Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, earns a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a breakthrough for agricultural recognition. It’s the first farm produce from Uttar Pradesh to achieve this distinction, highlighting the region’s agricultural significance. The GI tag acknowledges the unique qualities and geographical origin of Kathiya Gehu, ensuring its protection and promoting its heritage. This recognition bolsters the cultural and economic value of Bundelkhand’s agricultural heritage.

Notes:
SJVN Limited has partnered with IIT Patna to enhance tunnelling projects using advanced geological models. The agreement, signed in New Delhi on April 2, 2024, aims to develop predictive analytics algorithms for early risk detection, reducing time and cost. The priority lies in integrating diverse geotechnical data sources and evaluating overburden-deformation relationships. This strategic collaboration underscores both entities’ commitment to sustainable development and technological innovation in infrastructure projects.

Notes:
Zimbabwe along with Zambia and Malawi has declared a state of disaster due to severe drought. President Emmerson Mnangagwa attributes it to an “El Nino-induced drought,” affecting over 80% of Zimbabwe. Climate change exacerbates the crisis, causing dire food shortages and humanitarian crises in the region.

Notes:
World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, commemorates the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) and raises awareness on global health issues. It emphasizes the importance of healthy living and fosters global cooperation in healthcare. In 2024, the theme ‘My Health, My Rights’ underscores individual rights to healthcare. This day serves as a vital platform for promoting health awareness and inspiring people worldwide to prioritize their well-being.