Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
The “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2024,” released by UNESCAP, is a flagship publication providing insights into the region’s economic trends. Established in 1947, UNESCAP serves as a platform for governments to address socio-economic issues and foster regional cooperation. With 53 member states and 9 associate members, including India, it highlights India’s robust economic growth in 2023, driven by domestic consumption and infrastructure investments, amid limited external exposure.

Notes:
The Centre has issued a draft notification delineating an Ecologically Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh. ESZs are vital and delicate areas near protected zones, designated by the central government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Guidelines categorize activities as prohibited (e.g., commercial mining), regulated (e.g., tree felling), or permitted (e.g., local agriculture). This aims to safeguard biodiversity while allowing sustainable human practices.

Notes:
Zimbabwe’s ZiG, a new gold-backed currency, saw a 0.2% strengthening to 13.53 per US dollar following its debut. Despite this, its introduction caused nationwide disruption as banks, retailers, and utilities struggled to adapt. Governor John Mushayavanhu announced an exchange rate of 13.56 per dollar during the unveiling last Friday. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s website published this data, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to establish a stable local currency.

Notes:
India has invoked the WTO’s Peace Clause for the fifth time, citing breach of rice subsidy limits. The clause shields developing nations from dispute challenges regarding subsidy breaches. Global trade norms dictate subsidies should not exceed 10% of production value based on a 1986-88 reference price. India seeks amendments to this formula and proposed the Peace Clause in 2013 as an interim measure until a permanent solution is negotiated.

Notes:
The Port of Baltimore, a vital seaport on the Patapsco River in Maryland, serves as a commercial hub connecting to the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its closure due to a bridge collapse on March 26, efforts are underway to remove containers from the stranded ship Dali, a 984-foot vessel. Once completed, it will take weeks to tow the ship and reopen the port, which ranks ninth in the U.S. by trade volume.

Notes:
Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix 2024 at Suzuka, defeating teammate Sergio Perez. Carlos Sainz finished third. It’s Verstappen’s third win out of four races this season. He dominates F1, winning championships in 2021-2023. Only Carlos Sainz has beaten him since 2023. Verstappen leads with a 13-point gap. At 26, he holds records as the youngest F1 driver and for most wins and points in a season.

Notes:
On April 10, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu of India inaugurated a two-day Homoeopathy Symposium in New Delhi, organized by CCRH, to commemorate World Homoeopathy Day. She emphasized Homoeopathy’s global acceptance as a simple and accessible treatment. President Murmu lauded the Ministry of AYUSH and government bodies like CCRH, National Commission for Homoeopathy, and National Institute of Homoeopathy for their pivotal roles in promoting Homoeopathy in India.

Notes:
Dr. Ashvini Keshavan, an Indian-origin neurologist and Senior Clinical Research and Honorary Consultant Neurologist Fellow at University College London (UCL), has been selected to be part of Britain’s research team on dementia. The team, called ADAPT (Alzheimer’s disease Diagnosis And Plasma pTau217), will focus on the biomarker p-tau217, which reflects the levels of two proteins found in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease: amyloid and tau. The team will conduct a clinical trial to see if measuring p-tau217 in the blood can increase the rate of diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease in people with early dementia, as well as in those with mild, progressive memory problems.

Notes:
Since 2017, officials report over 700 acres of farmland in Jammu and Kashmir have been dedicated to lavender cultivation, with plans to expand by another 100 acres. Introduced by the CSIR Aroma Mission, lavender, a perennial herb native to Europe, finds application in fragrance, food, and medicine industries. Its cultivation requires well-drained, organic-rich soil, moderate rainfall, and temperate climates. Lavender thrives in sunlight and can withstand drought and frost, making it adaptable to hilly terrains and snowy regions.

Notes:
Earth Action released the Plastic Overshoot Day 2024 report, marking the point when global plastic waste surpasses manageable levels, leading to environmental harm. The Global Plastic Overshoot Day is projected for September 5th, with India’s on April 23rd. Key findings show a 7.11% increase in plastic waste since 2021, with 12 countries responsible for 60% of mismanaged waste. India, classified as a Low-Waste-Producing Polluter, faces challenges like improper disposal and additive use. Recommendations include local waste management infrastructure and policies like Extended Producer Responsibility.