Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
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.

Notes:
India’s Government e-Market (GeM) portal ranks as the world’s third-largest e-commerce platform for public procurement. GeM’s CEO PK Singh reported a gross merchandise value (GMV) exceeding Rs 4 lakh crore, doubling from the previous fiscal year. Launched in 2016, GeM facilitates transactions between government institutions and vendors, driving digital inclusion. The platform recorded Rs 2.01 lakh crore in orders for the last fiscal year, showcasing its significant growth trajectory.

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:
Members of a Russian military intelligence unit are suspected of targeting US officials’ brains with directed energy weapons, leading to symptoms known as Havana syndrome. This condition, reported by US embassy officials in Cuba in 2016, involves migraines, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. India witnessed its first case in 2021 when a US intelligence officer traveling with CIA Director William Burns reported symptoms in New Delhi, raising concerns about similar incidents worldwide.

Notes:
Delhi’s Forest and Wildlife Department is setting up a tissue culture lab at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary to propagate endangered native trees. The lab aims to regenerate saplings of rare species facing challenges in natural regeneration. Tissue culture, also known as micropropagation, involves growing plant cells in a controlled, sterile environment. This technique allows for the production of clones from a single cell, aiding conservation efforts for threatened trees in the city.

Notes:
The indigenous wheat variety Kathiya Gehu from Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, earns a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a breakthrough for agricultural recognition. It’s the first farm produce from Uttar Pradesh to achieve this distinction, highlighting the region’s agricultural significance. The GI tag acknowledges the unique qualities and geographical origin of Kathiya Gehu, ensuring its protection and promoting its heritage. This recognition bolsters the cultural and economic value of Bundelkhand’s agricultural heritage.

Notes:
Indian NSA Ajit Doval led the delegation at the SCO Secretaries of Security Councils meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. He met Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev, advocating for a Cooperation Programme against terrorism, separatism, and extremism for 2025-2027. President Tokayev emphasized the need for a unified approach to counter “three evil forces” and transnational crimes like drug trafficking and cyber threats. The meeting aimed to enhance security cooperation among SCO member states.

Notes:
Nepal’s Lower House of Parliament endorsed the BIMSTEC Charter, fostering collaboration among member countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand). Established in 1997, BIMSTEC aims for regional development. The charter outlines principles, objectives, and cooperation framework, establishing legal basis, structure, functions. It promotes regional integration, covering economic development, trade, investment, technology transfer, connectivity. Endorsement and ratification by member states are crucial for effective implementation.

Notes:
Sierra Leone’s President has declared a national emergency on substance abuse due to the surge in the use of the dangerous synthetic drug “kush.” The tropical West African country, bordered by Guinea, Liberia, and the Atlantic Ocean, faces this challenge. Its landscape comprises lightly wooded hills and mangrove swamps along the coast, with major rivers like the Rokel, Taia, Moa, and Sewa flowing through its terrain.

Notes:
India aims to halt urea imports by 2025 as local production surges with new fertilizer plants. Currently importing 30% of its 35 million tonnes annual requirement, the country saw urea production rise from 225.08 to 284.95 lakh tonnes between 2014-15 and 2022-23. The government’s strategy includes reviving closed plants and promoting alternative fertilizers like nano-liquid urea to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports from Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.