Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

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 Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) led a Pre-Cyclone Exercise for April-June 2024 chaired by Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra at Mausam Bhavan, New Delhi, in hybrid mode. The exercise evaluates disaster management preparedness. Dr. Mohapatra highlighted IMD’s improved forecasting with an indigenous Decision Support System, achieving zero casualties during cyclone Biparjoy. IMD collaborates with various stakeholders and celebrates its 150th year, aiming to extend weather information access nationwide.

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:
Tulsi (Shabari) waterfall in Chitrakoot welcomes the first glass skywalk bridge in Uttar Pradesh, resembling Lord Rama’s bow and arrow, costing Rs 3.70 crore. Constructed in the Kodand forest area by the Forest and Tourism Department and Pawan Sut Construction Company, it’s part of a plan to develop the site into a premier eco-tourism destination. With a load capacity of 500 kg/sqm, the bridge offers panoramic views of the waterfall.

Notes:
World Hemophilia Day, observed annually on April 17, raises awareness about hemophilia and bleeding disorders. It highlights the rare blood disorder’s impact on clotting and prolonged bleeding due to clotting factor deficiency. The 2024 theme, “Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders,” underscores universal treatment access regardless of condition, gender, age, or location, aiming for inclusive care for individuals with inherited bleeding disorders and honoring community volunteers.

Notes:
Astronomers have identified Gaia-BH3, the most massive known stellar black hole in the Milky Way. Discovered through data from the Gaia mission, it causes an unusual ‘wobbling’ of its companion star. Confirmed by ground-based observatories, it boasts a mass 33 times that of our sun, located 1,926 light-years away in Aquila. Gaia-BH1, another nearby black hole, has nearly 10 solar masses. Sagittarius A* remains the galaxy’s most massive black hole.

Notes:
Squadron Leader Dalip Singh Majithia, the oldest living pilot of the Indian Air Force, passed away at 103 on his Uttarakhand farm. His cremation is scheduled for Tuesday at his farm in Rudrapur. Born July 27, 1920, in Shimla, he joined the IAF volunteer reserve in 1940 during World War II, inspired by his uncle Surjeet Singh Majithia. His daughter Kiran confirmed the news, mentioning the bhog ceremony to be held in New Delhi.

Notes:
The Forest Department in Karnataka is launching an operation to capture troublesome wild elephants and equip them with radio collars. Asian elephants, weighing around 5,500 kg and standing up to 3.5 meters tall, are subdivided into three subspecies: Indian, Sumatran, and Sri Lankan. Elephants are keystone species and India’s Natural Heritage Animal. With over 30,000 wild Asian Elephants, India holds the largest population, with Karnataka boasting the highest numbers in the country.

Notes:
Israel reportedly utilized GPS spoofing to disrupt Iran’s missile targeting by interfering with GPS navigation signals. This cyberattack involves broadcasting false GPS signals, misleading receivers into providing inaccurate location data. GPS spoofing exploits weaknesses in satellite signals, posing significant threats to navigation and various industries like logistics, telecommunications, and defense. Unlike jamming, spoofing is more sophisticated and potentially catastrophic, highlighting the critical importance of safeguarding GPS systems.

Notes:
NASA confirmed the Dragonfly rotorcraft mission to Saturn’s moon Titan with a $3.35 billion budget, launching in July 2028. It’s a “dual quadcopter” exploring various locations, mainly on the moon’s surface, with a radioisotope power system. Scheduled to arrive in 2034, it will search for prebiotic chemical processes, resembling early Earth conditions. This marks NASA’s first scientific vehicle on another planetary body. Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, boasts an Earth-like liquid cycle and a thick atmosphere.