Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2023

Notes:
For the first time in the history of the country, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has conducted the first-ever census of water bodies across the nation.
As per the census, 24.24 lakh water bodies have been enumerated in the country, out of which 97.1% are in rural areas and only 2.9% are in urban areas. Top 5 States in terms of number of water bodies are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Assam.

Notes:
A new India-Iran-Armenia trilateral grouping was announced recently. The first trilateral political consultation between the foreign affairs ministries of the three countries was held recently in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital.
For India, Armenia has emerged as a key geopolitical partner in recent years. This trilateral grouping is expected to open opportunities for cooperation in areas like energy, transportation, trade, among others.

Notes:
The Defence Ministry conducted a two-day coastal security exercise called ‘Sagar Kavach’ off the coast of Kerala and Mahe to evaluate potential threats from the sea and assess the preparedness level of coastal security agencies by simulating real-time threats and contingencies.
The exercise involved deploying various coastal security apparatus of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and other maritime security agencies.

Notes:
As per the Hurun’s Global Unicorn Index, India has retained its 3rd spot as the country with the highest number of unicorns worldwide.
With 68 new unicorns, India lags behind the US and China, which have 666 and 316 unicorns, respectively. India added 14 new unicorns since the pandemic began, but none of the start-ups made it to the top 10.  According to the report, BYJU’s is the top-most unicorn in India, with a valuation of USD 22 billion, followed by Swiggy and Dream11.

Notes:
FOSCOS (Food Safety and Compliance System) is a web-based application of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The food safety regulator has taken steps to translate this web application in Hindi and all the regional languages.

Notes:
The ‘Asia-Pacific Leaders’ Conclave on Malaria Elimination’ will be organized in New Delhi by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in partnership with the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA) as a precursor to World Malaria Day.
Its goal is to reaffirm political commitment to achieve malaria elimination by 2030.

Notes:
‘National Panchayati Raj Day’ is celebrated every year on April 24. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the state Government of Madhya Pradesh is commemorating National Panchayati Raj Day in Madhya Pradesh as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – Samaaveshi Vikaas (Inclusive Development).
The Prime Minister was the Chief Guest at the national function.

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy recently conducted the maiden flight trail of a sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile off the coast of Odisha in West Bengal.
It sought to bring India into the elite club of nations with Naval BMD capability.

Notes:
Manamadurai pottery from Tamil Nadu recently received Geographical Indications (GI) tag. The Vaigai river enriches the clay used for the Manamadurai pottery.
Manamadurai in Sivagangai district is known for pottery making. The circumference of the pot and the neck should be proportionate so that the pot sits flat on the ground.

Notes:
Mana, a village situated at the Indo-China border in Uttarakhand, will be now known as the first Indian village. Earlier, it was known as the last Indian village.
Mana, located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district shares a border with China. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) placed a signboard at the border village of “Mana” in Uttarakhand, declaring it to be the “First Indian Village.”