Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Researchers have made a startling discovery in Antarctica: the massive Ross Ice Shelf, equivalent in size to France, shifts forward by several centimeters daily. Located in the Ross Sea, it extends over 487,000 square kilometers, largely hidden beneath hundreds of meters of ice. Fed by glaciers from both East and West Antarctic Ice Sheets, the shelf stabilizes the continent’s ice sheet, crucial for regulating land ice movement.

Notes:
In April, 2024, former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Narsingh Pancham Yadav became the Chairman of the Athletes Commission of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). His election completed the process mandated by the United World Wrestling (UWW). The international sports body had required WFI, led by Sanjay Singh, to establish the commission to address wrestlers’ grievances as a condition for lifting the federation’s suspension.

Notes:
Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval convened with his Russian counterpart, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, in St. Petersburg, Russia, on April 24, 2024. They addressed key bilateral issues, focusing on counterterrorism, cyber security, and defense cooperation. Doval attended the 12th International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters, hosted by Russia from April 22-25, 2024, gathering senior officials from 106 countries to discuss global security challenges, underscored by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s emphasis on combatting international terrorism

Notes:
President Joe Biden has signed a $95 billion military aid package, featuring $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific. Notably, the bill includes provisions targeting TikTok, giving parent company ByteDance nine months to sell the app before it’s banned in the US. Months of negotiation, lobbying by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and a split in the House Republican conference preceded the signing, posing challenges for House Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership due to conservative opposition to increased aid for Ukraine.

Notes:
Renowned Yakshagana ‘bhagavatha’, Subrahmanya Dhareshwara, known for his captivating voice, passed away in Bengaluru. Trained under the legendary Narnappa Uppura, he began his professional career in Yakshagana at 21. His father’s influence, an amateur artiste, nurtured his early interest in the art form. Dhareshwara served as a ‘bhagavatha’ for four decades, retiring from Perdoor Yakshagana mela. Even after retirement, he continued performing in various Yakshagana shows until his recent demise.

Notes:
A recent study by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) highlights the crucial need for accurately forecasting specific oceanographic parameters due to their significant economic benefits. Established in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), INCOIS operates under the Earth System Science Organization (ESSO). Its mandate is to offer top-notch ocean information and advisory services to various sectors, including society, industry, government agencies, and the scientific community. INCOIS provides round-the-clock monitoring and warning services for coastal populations regarding tsunamis, storm surges, and high waves through its Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC).

Notes:
Gina Justus, a teacher at English High School, Sharjah Girls’ Branch, UAE, wins the MENA region in the 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards. Hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, she’s worked in the UAE since 2005. Recognized for mentorship and charity work, she stood out among 14,840 nominations from 141 countries. The awards honor primary and secondary educators globally, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping students’ futures.

Notes:
Yuvraj Singh, famed Indian cricketer, is named ambassador for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, starting in 36 days. Renowned for hitting six sixes in an over during India’s 2007 victory, he joins Chris Gayle and Usain Bolt as ambassadors. Bolt, Jamaican sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medalist, adds to the event’s excitement. Singh, 42, played a pivotal role in India’s 2007 win and will participate in pre-tournament promotions for the 10-team event starting June 1.

Notes:
The Indian Navy recently showcased twin carrier operations with its two aircraft carriers: INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. India operates these carriers, with INS Vikrant being the first aircraft carrier purchased from the UK, active since the 1960s. INS Viraat, India’s second carrier, was originally HMS Hermes. INS Vikramaditya, formerly Russia’s Admiral Gorshkov, joined the Indian Navy in 2013, marking India’s third carrier.

Notes:
China has launched the first of eight Hangor-class submarines for Pakistan under a defense agreement. Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group will construct four, while Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works will build the rest with technology transfer. The submarines boast advanced stealth, equipped with top-tier weapons and sensors to engage threats at stand-off ranges. Pakistan Navy recently inducted two Chinese Type 054 A/P frigates.