Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024
21. What is the Hubble tension, recently seen in news?
[A] A discrepancy in measurements of the distance between Earth and the Hubble Space Telescope
[B] A disagreement among astronomers about the age of the universe
[C] A discrepancy in measurements of the rate of expansion of the universe
[D] A conflict between scientists and the Hubble Space Telescope
[B] A disagreement among astronomers about the age of the universe
[C] A discrepancy in measurements of the rate of expansion of the universe
[D] A conflict between scientists and the Hubble Space Telescope
Correct Answer: C [A discrepancy in measurements of the rate of expansion of the universe]
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.
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.
22. Which organization conducted a pre-cyclone exercise for the season April-June 2024?
[A] Indian Meteorological Department
[B] Ministry of Environment
[C] Indian Space Research Organization
[D] Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
[B] Ministry of Environment
[C] Indian Space Research Organization
[D] Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
Correct Answer: A [Indian Meteorological Department ]
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.
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.
23. Longte Festival, recently seen in the news, celebrated by the Nyishi tribe of which state?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Nagaland
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Sikkim
[B] Nagaland
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Sikkim
Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh]
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.
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.
24. Recently, Government of Uttar Pradesh has constructed state’s first-ever glass Skywalk Bridge in which district?
[A] Chitrakoot
[B] Varanasi
[C] Ayodhya
[D] Saharanpur
[B] Varanasi
[C] Ayodhya
[D] Saharanpur
Correct Answer: A [Chitrakoot]
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.
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.
25. Which day is celebrated as ‘World Hemophilia Day’ every year?
[A] 16 April
[B] 17 April
[C] 18 April
[D] 19 April
[B] 17 April
[C] 18 April
[D] 19 April
Correct Answer: B [17 April]
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.
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.
26. What is ‘Gaia-BH3’, recently seen in news?
[A] Communication satellite
[B] Nuclear ballistic submarine
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Massive stellar black hole
[B] Nuclear ballistic submarine
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Massive stellar black hole
Correct Answer: D [Massive stellar black hole]
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.
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.
27. DS Majithia, who recently passed away, was associated with which armed force?
[A] Indian Air Force
[B] National Security Guard
[C] Indian Navy
[D] Indian Coast Guard
[B] National Security Guard
[C] Indian Navy
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Correct Answer: A [Indian Air Force]
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.
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.
28. Recently, which state has launched an operation to capture trouble-causing wild elephants and fix radio collars on them?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Odisha
[D] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Odisha
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: D [Karnataka]
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.
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.
29. What is GPS spoofing, recently seen in the news?
[A] Enhancing GPS accuracy
[B] Broadcasting exact location
[C] Manipulating GPS receivers with false signals
[D] Enhancing privacy of individual
[B] Broadcasting exact location
[C] Manipulating GPS receivers with false signals
[D] Enhancing privacy of individual
Correct Answer: C [Manipulating GPS receivers with false signals]
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.
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.
30. Dragonfly rotorcraft mission, recently seen in news, is associated with which space organization?
[A] NASA
[B] ISRO
[C] CNSA
[D] JAXA
[B] ISRO
[C] CNSA
[D] JAXA
Correct Answer: A [NASA]
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.
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.