Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Two people drowned in the Tons River while bathing in UP’s Ballia, the largest tributary of the Yamuna. Originating from Bandarpunch Mountain in Uttarakhand, it traverses through Garhwal and Himachal Pradesh. Spanning 200 km, it cuts through gorges and valleys, ending at the Yamuna near Kalsi. Despite being a tributary, Tons contributes more water than the Yamuna itself. Pabbar and Asan rivers are its main tributaries, enriching the culturally significant Tons Valley inhabited by indigenous tribes.

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.

Notes:
International Day for Human Space Flight (IDHSF) is celebrated annually on April 12, honoring Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space in 1961. The UNGA declared it in 2011 to advocate for peaceful space exploration. In 2024, the theme is “Encouraging Scientific Curiosity” to foster outer space exploration’s peaceful advancement. Gagarin’s historic flight paved the way for humanity’s space ventures, promoting benefits for all.

Notes:
China National Space Administration (CNSA) declared the Queqiao-2 satellite launch a “complete success”. Queqiao-2, or Magpie Bridge 2, weighs 1,200 kg and features a 4.2-meter parabolic antenna, facilitating communications between Earth and lunar probes until 2030. It will support Chang’e-6, -7, and -8 missions, equipped with science payloads including EUC, GENA, and LOVEX. Two CubeSats, Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2, with navigation and communication tech, will also orbit the Moon.

Notes:
History buffs aim to preserve the laterite-brick ruins of Fort Emmanuel, constructed by the Portuguese in 1503 at Fort Kochi Beach, Kerala. Originally a symbol of alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and Portugal, it housed the town within its walls. Dutch forces took over in 1683, followed by British control in 1795. By 1947, it lay in ruins, signifying its historical importance amidst foreign occupation.

Notes:
Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria, is surging in countries like China, the Netherlands, and Czech Republic. Highly contagious, it affects the respiratory tract, especially infants, with potential for pneumonia and death. Spread through droplets, it damages airway linings, causing severe coughing fits, vomiting, and sleep apnea. Early symptoms resemble a cold, progressing to distinctive “whooping” cough.

Notes:
In a recent study, German and British scientists proposed a radical explanation for the Hubble tension. This refers to a conflict between measurements of the universe’s expansion rate, known as the Hubble constant (H0). Determined through the cosmic distance ladder and the cosmic microwave background (CMB), discrepancies exist. The tension, indicating potential unknown physics or measurement errors, underscores the importance of resolving it for a deeper understanding of the universe’s expansion and underlying principles.

Notes:
The Longte Festival, celebrated by the Nyishi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. It’s unique among tribal festivals as it prohibits animal sacrifice. Instead, the Altar is adorned with feathers and bamboo flowers. Longte Yullo, one of the oldest Nyishi festivals, is celebrated across various Nyishi clans. The Nyishi tribe, the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh, boasts rich traditions and identifies as descendants of Abutani in the Tani group.

Notes:
ISRO Chairman S Somanath declared India’s ambition for a debris-free space by 2030 at the 42nd IADC annual meeting. He emphasized ISRO’s clear strategy for future space endeavors and its commitment to sustainable space exploration. Somanath, also the Secretary of the Department of Space, highlighted the importance of debris-free missions for space sustainability. This initiative aims to spark discussions and actions toward achieving a cleaner space environment.

Notes:
Kannada poet Mamta Ji Sagar received the World Literary Prize from the World Organization of Writers (WOW) in April 2024 for her literary contributions. She’s also known as a playwright and academic. Sagar, a facilitator at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, described her journey of applying for the award, which began eight months prior. The ceremony took place during the inaugural Congress of the World Organization of Authors in Abuja, Nigeria, hosted by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Writers Village, established by Chinua Achebe in 1981.