Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Tropical cyclone Gamane struck Madagascar, claiming 18 lives and displacing thousands, reported by the country’s disaster management office. Madagascar, the world’s second-largest island, spans 592,800 sq. kilometers in the Indian Ocean. Its geography comprises three regions: eastern coastal strip, central plateau, and western low plateaus. The Tsaratanana Massif in the north hosts Maromokotro, Madagascar’s highest peak at 2,876 m.

Notes:
The Konda Reddi tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in the Godavari region, possess valuable indigenous knowledge. They reside along the Godavari river and in hilly forests of Andhra Pradesh. Their language, Telugu, has a distinct accent. Marriage customs include negotiations, elopement, and capture. The tribe practices Folk Hinduism, worshiping local deities. They have a patriarchal family structure allowing polygamy.

Notes:
Adani Total Energies Biomass Limited (ATBL), a subsidiary of Adani Total Gas Limited (ATGL), has commissioned the first phase of Barsana BioGas plant in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The project, developed in three phases, will have a total capacity of 600 tonnes per day, producing 42 tonnes per day of Compressed Biogas (CBG) and 217 tonnes per day of organic fertilizer. It’s set to be India’s largest agri-waste-based bio-CNG plant, costing over ₹200 crore, utilizing advanced anaerobic digestion technology for sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
REC Limited, a Ministry of Power entity, clinched the SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in ‘Renewable Energy Financing’. This accolade acknowledges REC’s dedication to sustainable financing, driving the shift towards renewable energy. As a pivotal player in India’s clean energy transition, REC spearheads numerous sustainable projects and engages in discussions with developers across various green sectors. The SKOCH ESG Awards highlight organizations’ commitment to environmental, social, and governance factors, crucial for India’s sustainable future.

Notes:
Deanna Syme Tewari, former Asian Games athlete and torchbearer at the 1982 Delhi edition, died in Dubai at 85. Representing Mysore State, she secured the long jump gold at the 1957 National Athletics Championship and 1958 National Games. She represented India at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta. Deanna also served as the torchbearer for the 1982 Asian Games. Despite her athletic achievements, she eventually retired from the sport.

Notes:
The Bhojshala complex, located in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, is a historically contested site between Hindus and Muslims. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, it holds significance as a temple for Hindus and a mosque for Muslims. An arrangement by ASI allows Hindus to conduct pujas on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays. Recently, the Supreme Court rejected a stay on ongoing scientific surveys, emphasizing no physical alterations to the structure

Notes:
The World Bank revised India’s GDP growth projection for FY25 to 6.6%, up by 20 basis points. Despite a slowdown from the current year’s estimated 7.5% growth, robust public investment is anticipated to drive future growth. India’s statistics ministry estimated the current year’s GDP growth at 7.6%, higher than earlier projections. The projected slowdown in growth from 2023-24 to 2024-25 is attributed to decreased investment, though services and industry sectors are expected to remain strong.

Notes:
The World Health Organization has introduced S.A.R.A.H, a digital health promoter prototype powered by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). S.A.R.A.H, or Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health, utilizes advanced language models and technology to offer information on various health topics like healthy habits and mental health. Its goal is to empower individuals with additional tools to understand their health rights, including insights on leading causes of death such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.

Notes:
International Conscience Day, observed annually on April 5th, urges individuals to reflect on their conscience and uphold moral values. The 2024 theme is ‘Promoting a Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience.’ Instituted by the UN in 2020, this day stresses the importance of discretion in preventing harm. It champions self-respect and peace for all. Scholars denounce anti-human acts to foster public condemnation and deterrence.