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:
Russia’s Onyx supersonic cruise missile, known as the P-800 Onyx or Oniks, is set to become deadlier with a new target seeker. With speeds exceeding 3,000 km/h, it’s tough to intercept. Operating at low altitudes, it’s stealthy and versatile, targeting ships and ground objects. It boasts a range of up to 300 km and operates on a “shoot and forget” principle, needing minimal target data for successful strikes.

Notes:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory to the AI industry, particularly targeting major platforms like Google. It requires platforms to submit an action report within 15 days. Key points include needing permission for testing AI models, explicit approval for under-tested or unreliable AI, and proper labeling of potential errors. Startup founders criticized this, calling it demotivating.

Notes:
Indian and Nepalese Sanskrit scholars unite to enhance Sanskrit research and education. The three-day Nepal-India International Sanskrit Conclave in Kathmandu, organized by Niti Anusandhan Pratisthan, Nepal, along with Delhi’s Central Sanskrit University and India Foundation, saw over 120 experts participating. A five-point resolution includes annual conferences, a study center for unpublished Sanskrit manuscripts, support for gurukuls’ development, joint research, and training programs. The initiative aims to strengthen cultural ties and preserve Sanskrit heritage.

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:
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:
Researchers have found evidence of ozone on Jupiter’s moon Callisto, revealing insights into chemical processes on icy celestial bodies. The study focuses on the chemical evolution of “SO2 astrochemical ice,” composed of sulfur dioxide under ultraviolet irradiation. Analysis of UV absorption spectra of irradiated ice samples unveiled a distinct ozone formation signature. Callisto’s stable surface suggests it may harbor subsurface oceans or potential habitats, making it a potential candidate for extraterrestrial life.

Notes:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched the ‘One Vehicle One FASTag’ initiative to boost the adoption of FASTags for toll collection on national highways. It aims to link each vehicle with a single FASTag, curbing misuse of multiple tags per vehicle. This move enhances toll collection efficiency and streamlines the process, contributing to smoother traffic flow.

Notes:
Bindyarani Devi, Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 silver medalist, secured a bronze at the IWF World Cup 2024 in Phuket, Thailand, lifting 196 kg in the women’s 55 kg category. Conversely, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu placed 12th. Despite not medaling, Chanu qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024, becoming India’s sole weightlifter to do so. Kang Hyon Gyong of North Korea clinched gold, while Romania’s Mihaela Cambei took silver.

Notes:
Recently, a destructive tornado hit Mainaguri, Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, leaving five dead and over a hundred injured within its 10-minute rampage. Tornadoes, though rare, afflict India’s eastern regions like West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, especially pre-monsoon. A 2016 study by India Meteorological Department noted increased tornado activity in Bengal, with fatalities. Rising occurrences in India are attributed to factors like warming Bay of Bengal and unusual wind patterns.