Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2023

Notes:
Uttaramerur inscription was mentioned by Prime Minister Modi recently. This inscription was created during the reign of Parantaka Chola I (907-953 AD)
The walls of the Vaikunda Perumal Temple in Uttaramerur are inscribed with details revealing systems of local governance from the 10th century CE.

Notes:
The European Space Agency has successfully launched its mission to Jupiter’s moons. The Ariane 5 rocket was launched from the ESA’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) project aims to send a satellite on an eight-year journey to reach the icy moons of the planet, gas giant.

Notes:
The Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) for the safety and security of journalists will be drafted by the Union Home Ministry.
The decision comes after three assailants posing as journalists killed gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in Prayagraj while they were speaking to journalists.

Notes:
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ashraya Hastha Trust (a charitable trust in Karnataka) to implement a model comprehensive rural mental health programme in Munisiyari taluk – Pithorgarh district of Uttarakhand and in Belur taluk – Hassan district in Karnataka.
The programme would be subsequently expanded to the entire country, if proved successful.

Notes:
The blastomyces fungus is linked to the recent outbreak of “atypical” pneumonia among the employees of the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill in the US.
The fungus is endemic to Michigan and is generally found in moist soil and decomposing wood. If disturbed, microscopic spores from the fungus can get dispersed in air and travel freely. Human beings can contract blastomycosis by inhaling the spores.

Notes:
The State of World Population report titled ‘8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities’ was released recently by the United Nations Population Fund.
According to this report released by UNFPA, India is now the most populous country in the world, as it has surpassed China’s population numbers.

Notes:
The Scientists of Indian Antarctic station, Maitri, have recently identified and studied the characteristics of Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves, which are a form of plasma waves.
These waves are said to play an important role in precipitation of killer electrons (electrons having speed close to speed of light, which form the radiation belt of planet Earth), which are hazardous to our space-borne technology and instruments.

Notes:
A “civil union” refers to the legal status that allows same-sex couples specific rights and responsibilities normally conferred upon married couples. These civil unions would be accompanied by rights such as inheritance rights, employment benefits to spouses, which are generally conferred upon married couples.
Recently, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, began hearing a batch of petitions seeking legal recognition of same sex marriage.

Notes:
The Global Food Policy Report, 2023 has been released by the International Food Policy Research Institute. According to the report, there is an increased need for investment beyond short-term to build food systems that are more resilient and equitable.
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) was established in 1975 and is headquartered at Washington, DC. The institute provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger.

Notes:
Rongali Festival is a 4-day festival which showcases ethnical diversity, creativity and entrepreneurship is held in Guwahati, Assam. This year marks the 7^th edition of the festival and is held from April 20 to 23.
The festival aims to promote the unique culture of Assam through a series of events and activities.