Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
The 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC) revealed alarming statistics, with nearly 282 million people experiencing acute food insecurity in 59 countries in 2023. Produced annually by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN), the report analyzed 1.3 billion people across these nations. Conflict, extreme weather, and economic shocks were identified as major drivers of food crises, with conflict particularly affecting regions like Palestine and Sudan, impacting 135 million people.

Notes:
NABARD and the RBI Innovation Hub have joined hands to modernize agricultural lending through digitalization, aiming to streamline loan processing and improve accessibility for Indian farmers. NABARD will integrate its e-KCC loan origination system portal with the RBI Innovation Hub’s Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit (PTPFC), promising faster loan approvals and enhanced efficiency for cooperative banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). This collaboration aligns with NABARD’s goal of promoting rural prosperity and advancing financial inclusion in rural areas, as emphasized by Chairman Shaji K V.

Notes:
The United States is providing Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine to aid in its conflict with Russia, aiming for use within Ukraine’s borders. The decision stems from Russia’s heightened assaults on civilian infrastructure and suspicions of North Korea supplying ballistic missiles to Russia. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the ATACMS is a surface-to-surface artillery weapon with a range of up to 300km, surpassing existing Army capabilities. Previous versions had ranges around 160km.

Notes:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) published the 2024 Global Education Monitoring Report: Gender report – Technology on her terms in France in 2024. The report examines the impact of technology on girls’ education opportunities and future technological development. It highlights ICT’s potential to overcome educational barriers for girls, citing the M-shule platform in Kenya. However, the digital divide persists, with fewer women owning mobile phones and having internet access compared to men.

Notes:
The commissioner of food safety in Tamil Nadu has instructed officials to oversee the use of liquid nitrogen in food items and enforce the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Liquid nitrogen, an inert, colorless, extremely cold element with a boiling point of –320°F (–196°C), poses health risks including frostbite-like injuries, organ damage, and potential perforation. It’s utilized to rapidly cool and freeze food in various industrial processes.

Notes:
In April 2024, Germany lifted restrictions on the sale of small arms to India as an exception to its previous policy of only allowing sales to NATO countries and other NATO-equivalent countries. This decision reflects the growing military and strategic ties between the two countries. The request from India was for spare parts and accessories for the National Security Guard.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu issues Guidelines for Elimination of Corporal Punishment in Schools (GECP) to foster safe environments for students, as per Right to Education Act, 2009. The GECP, issued jointly by Directors of School and Elementary Education, aims to prevent physical and mental harm, discrimination. It includes awareness camps on National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) guidelines. Measures include prompt complaint redressal, addressing harassment, mental health concerns, and forming monitoring committees at schools.

Notes:
Despite the export ban, India permits 99,150 tonnes of onions to Bangladesh, UAE, Bhutan, Bahrain, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka. New Delhi also allows 2,000 tonnes of white onions for Middle East and European markets. National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) handles exports, primarily from Maharashtra. The ban was enforced on December 8, 2023, amid lower crop estimates. Directorate General of Foreign Trade oversees trade matters. Onion buffer procurement target for 2024 is 5 lakh tonnes.

Notes:
Sri Lanka is considering lifting vehicle import restrictions to stimulate economic growth, potentially by late 2024 or early 2025. Enforced in response to economic turmoil in 2022, the move aligns with IMF revenue targets but could strain foreign exchange reserves by $800 million. President Wickremasinghe’s committee recommendations are pivotal. Despite its severe economic downturn, the Sri Lankan rupee is stabilizing, hinting at positive developments in its value.

Notes:
Iraq’s parliament recently passed a law criminalizing same-sex relationships, imposing up to 15 years in prison for such acts. Promoting homosexuality or prostitution can lead to a minimum of seven years behind bars. Additionally, changing one’s biological gender or dressing in an effeminate manner can result in one to three years of imprisonment. The legislation was supported by conservative Shi’ite Muslim parties, aiming to uphold religious values and protect Iraqi society from moral decay.