Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

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Professor Meena Charanda, Principal of Kalindi College, Delhi University, received the ‘International Culture Award’ in 2024 for her exceptional contributions to education and social service. The honor was bestowed upon her at the India International Center on March 30, 2024.

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The Decision Support System (DSS) for Delhi’s air pollution, developed by IITM Pune, will resume in September with new features. It forecasts Delhi’s air quality and pollution sources, including emissions from Delhi and neighboring districts. It also assesses the impact of emission interventions and biomass burning. Now, it will extend to eight surrounding NCR districts. DSS, operational in winter, halted temporarily due to forecast discrepancies. It collaborates with SAFAR for comprehensive air quality data.

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The Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) introduced the Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV), a metric measuring heat transfer in buildings. It’s a Residential Energy Conservation Building code by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), setting standards for energy-efficient residential buildings. ENS 2018 (Part 1) focuses on envelope designs, while ENS Part 2 (ENS 2021) addresses code compliance and electromechanical systems. Lower RETV values lead to cooler indoor environments and decreased energy usage, aiming for an RETV of 15W/m² or less for optimal efficiency and comfort.

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Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has acquired a controlling 95% stake in Gopalpur Port, Odisha, solidifying its position in the ports and logistics sector. Valued at Rs 3,350 crore, the deal includes an equity value of Rs 1,349 crore and an enterprise value of Rs 3,080 crore. Previous majority stakeholders, Shapoorji Pallonji Group (SP Group) and Orissa Stevedores Ltd (OSL), held 56% and 44% stakes respectively. Gopalpur Port boasts a capacity of 20 MTPA and strategic location in Ganjam district.

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Utkal Diwas, also known as Odisha Day, commemorates the formation of Odisha on April 1, 1936. It signifies the state’s cultural and historical significance, marking the end of a struggle for a separate identity from British colonial rule. Celebrated annually, it showcases Odisha’s rich heritage through festivities, including decorations and cultural displays. The state flag’s colors symbolize Odia pride and unity, highlighting the event’s importance in preserving the region’s traditions and identity.

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In March 2024, UNESCO’s Executive Board added 18 new sites to the Global Geoparks network, bringing the total number of sites to 213 across 48 countries. The new sites are located in Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. Global Geoparks are single geographical areas that are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.

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The Armed Forces plan to transform Mumbai into India’s inaugural tri-service common defense station for the Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF). This aims at fostering jointness among the services preceding the establishment of integrated theatre commands. Theatreization involves integrating army, air force, and navy capabilities to optimize resources for warfare. Such commands combine assets from all three services under unified leadership, mirroring practices in major nations like China, Russia, the US, the UK, and France.

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Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen Area, marking a significant step in their integration with the European Union. After years of negotiations, air and sea travelers from both countries now have ID-check-free access. However, land border checks persist, notably due to Austria’s concerns over illegal migration. The Schengen Area, established in 1985, encompasses 23 EU states plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Prior to this expansion, around 3.5 million people crossed internal borders daily.

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Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna, with Australian partner Matthew Ebden, secured the 2024 Miami Open men’s doubles title on March 31, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida. They overcame Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek, reclaiming their ATP World No.1 rank. Bopanna, breaking his own record, became the oldest player to win an ATP 1000 Masters Championship. He joins elite Indian players who have won the Miami Open.

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Mr. Sita Ram Meena, a 2008 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Niger. Previously serving as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, this appointment marks a significant career advancement. Mr. Meena’s diplomatic experience and expertise position him well for this new role, which underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Niger on the international stage.