Current Affairs Quiz - April 2025

Notes:
Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) CARTOSAT-3 satellite captured high-resolution images of earthquake damage in Myanmar. A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025. Post-disaster images from March 29 were compared with pre-event data from March 18 to assess damage in Mandalay and Sagaing. CARTOSAT-3 is a third-generation agile advanced Earth observation satellite developed by ISRO. It replaces the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) series and has high-resolution imaging capabilities. It was launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C47).

Notes:
The Arctic region is a global flashpoint due to geopolitical tensions, climate change, and resource competition. The Arctic Council, formed in 1996 through the Ottawa Declaration, governs the Arctic. The Council has 8 member states: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. These countries control land territories and have rights over resources within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Six Indigenous groups are permanent participants representing Arctic inhabitants. Thirteen countries, including India, and various organizations are observers. All decisions require consensus from the eight Arctic States and consultation with permanent participants.

Notes:
SpaceX recently launched a private astronaut crew on a historic polar-orbiting mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. A Polar Orbit (PO) is a type of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) between 200 km and 1,000 km in altitude. Unlike equatorial orbits, satellites in a polar orbit travel from pole to pole. Polar orbits allow satellites to cover the entire Earth’s surface as the planet rotates. These orbits are crucial for Earth observation, climate monitoring, and reconnaissance. The Fram2 mission is the first human spaceflight to use this trajectory, marking a milestone in space exploration.

Notes:
A year-long “Cleanliness Drive” named Hnatlangpui was launched in Aizawl, Mizoram. It is a joint effort by the Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation Department, Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC), and the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA). The initiative aims to keep Mizoram clean, with a focus on waste management in Aizawl through a “Comprehensive Plan for Municipal Waste Management.” A Monitoring Committee will oversee the campaign, chaired by the UD & PA Secretary. A ‘Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility’ will be set up for hospitals and healthcare centers. The campaign will run until March next year.

Notes:
The Saudagari block print from Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its unique craftsmanship. This traditional art is done by hand on fabric, showcasing intricate designs. Saudagari block prints are widely used in kurtis, chunris, kurtas, dhotis, turbans, and shawls. The Chhipa community, known for its expertise in printing, plays a key role in this craft. The GI tag recognizes Saudagari block printing as an important part of Gujarat’s cultural heritage, preserving its legacy and promoting artisans.

Notes:
The Second World Health Organization (WHO) Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health was held in Cartagena, Colombia. It was co-organized by WHO, Colombia, and United Nations (UN) agencies, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The conference aimed to accelerate action for clean air, clean energy access, and climate change mitigation. Over 50 countries committed to reducing air pollution’s health impacts by 50% by 2040. India reaffirmed its commitment through actions under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Notes:
World Autism Awareness Day is observed every year on April 2 to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental brain disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Symptoms include difficulty in socializing, repetitive behaviors, and challenges in daily functioning. There is no cure for ASD, but early and intensive treatment can help improve quality of life. The 2025 theme is “Advancing Neurodiversity and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in 2007 to promote acceptance and inclusion.

Notes:
Naini Lake in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region has recorded a water level of 4.7 feet, the lowest in five years. The lake has reached its zero level more than 10 times since 2000, compared to only twice in the 1900s. It is a natural freshwater lake, tectonic in origin, and has a crescent shape due to repeated landslides. Naini Lake is the third-largest lake in Uttarakhand by surface area.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh became the first state in India to adopt an Agrivoltaic project. Agrivoltaic systems, also known as solar farming, allow farmers to generate electricity while growing crops. In this system, solar panels are installed on agricultural land using Photovoltaic (PV) technology.

Notes:
The Army Commanders’ Conference is held in New Delhi from April 1-4, 2025. It is a platform for senior Indian Army officials to review security and discuss key operational priorities. The conference aims to make the Army more agile, adaptive, and technologically enabled while improving decision-making, welfare, and quality of life for soldiers and their families.