Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2023

Notes:
Siren sphagnicola is a newly discovered species of Siren. Sirens are elongated eel-like aquatic salamanders.
The species was found in the seepage areas in the eastern Gulf Coastal Plain of the US. One of these species, Siren reticulata, was recently described.

Notes:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Vietnam have signed a joint declaration of intent to launch talks on establishing a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) between the two countries.
The UAE is Vietnam’s largest trade partner in the Arab countries, accounting for 39% of its total trade, and the volume of non-oil trade between the two countries reached USD 8 billion in 2022.

Notes:
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus is a contagious and deadly viral hepatitis that affects adult domesticated and wild rabbits.
The rabbits are threatening the bio-diversity and agriculture of the southern region of Central Otago. New Zealand is currently considering the use of the virus that causes this disease to cull the rabbits, which are turning into a plague.

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My Village My Heritage Programme is implemented under the aegis of the National Mission for Cultural Mapping (NMCM).
NMCM seeks to develop a comprehensive database of art forms, artists and other resources across India. Over 1 lakh villages have been covered under this programme.

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Comstock Act is a US law that was originally passed in 1873 to ban the mailing of contraceptives, lewd writings and any instrument, substance, drug, medicine, or thing that could be used in an abortion.
It is currently at the centre of the recent court ruling that threatens access to the popular abortion drug in the country.

Notes:
The Goa Restriction on Transfer of Agricultural Land Bill 2023 was passed recently by the state legislative assembly.
It seeks to impose restrictions of the sale of agricultural lands in Goa to non-agriculturalists. It aims to save the state’s paddy fields from being taken over by buyers for non-agriculture purposes.

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The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which was adopted in 1982, governs world’s oceans and seas.
India and Vietnam recently highlighted the significance of UNCLOS and reiterated their commitment to resolve any disputes based on this international law.

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Spike Anti-Tank Missiles is a fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile and anti-personnel missile developed by Israel.
Israel signed a defense deal with Greece to provide it with over USD 400 million worth of Spike anti-tank missiles. According to Rafael, the missiles can be launched from around 45 different platforms, on land, in the air, and at sea.

Notes:
Draft ‘Sagarmala Innovation and Start-up Policy’ was released recently by the Indian Government. It seeks to nurture start-ups and other entities to co-create the future of India’s growing maritime sector.
The Draft policy seeks the creation of digital Portal based selection of startups ensuring a transparent process.

Notes:
Baisakhi Mahotsav 2023 will be organized by Jammu’s Directorate of Tourism. The event celebrates Dogra culture and heritage.
Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is one of the harvest festivals celebrated in India and in parts of the world largely by the Sikh community.