Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Russia’s Onyx supersonic cruise missile, known as the P-800 Onyx or Oniks, is set to become deadlier with a new target seeker. With speeds exceeding 3,000 km/h, it’s tough to intercept. Operating at low altitudes, it’s stealthy and versatile, targeting ships and ground objects. It boasts a range of up to 300 km and operates on a “shoot and forget” principle, needing minimal target data for successful strikes.

Notes:
In March 2024, UNESCO’s Executive Board added 18 new sites to the Global Geoparks network, bringing the total number of sites to 213 across 48 countries. The new sites are located in Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. Global Geoparks are single geographical areas that are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.

Notes:
Indian and Nepalese Sanskrit scholars unite to enhance Sanskrit research and education. The three-day Nepal-India International Sanskrit Conclave in Kathmandu, organized by Niti Anusandhan Pratisthan, Nepal, along with Delhi’s Central Sanskrit University and India Foundation, saw over 120 experts participating. A five-point resolution includes annual conferences, a study center for unpublished Sanskrit manuscripts, support for gurukuls’ development, joint research, and training programs. The initiative aims to strengthen cultural ties and preserve Sanskrit heritage.

Notes:
Germany, now the largest EU nation to legalize recreational cannabis, faces mixed reactions. Despite opposition, the law allows adults over 18 to possess 25 grams of cannabis and grow three plants at home. This marks a significant shift in drug policy, aligning Germany with progressive cannabis laws in Europe, like Malta and Luxembourg. The Netherlands, once lenient, has tightened regulations to curb cannabis tourism.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to establish the Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) to counter cybercrime, focusing on legal app approval and curbing illegal loan apps. DIGITA aims to centralize verification of digital lending apps, ensuring compliance with RBI regulations. Unverified apps may face penalties and law enforcement action. Maintaining a public list of approved apps, DIGITA enhances consumer protection and aids in combating financial crimes in the digital lending sector.

Notes:
The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO), celebrating its 125th year, is an Indian Institute of Astrophysics facility in Tamil Nadu. Pioneering in solar physics, it gained fame with John Evershed’s discovery of the Evershed Effect in 1909. Over centuries, it’s been pivotal in studying solar eclipses, sunspots, and solar flares, crucial for understanding the Sun’s impact on Earth’s atmosphere.

Notes:
Mirabai Chanu, Tokyo Olympics medallist, secures her spot at the Paris Olympics, making history as the sole Indian weightlifter to qualify. At the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, the 29-year-old Olympic silver medalist finished third in Group B of women’s 49kg, earning 11th place overall. After a six-month injury lay-off, Chanu lifted a total of 184kg at the event, solidifying her berth for the 2024 Paris Games.

Notes:
Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi was sworn in as Egypt’s president for a third term on April 2, 2024, extending his presidency until 2030. Winning the December 2023 election with 88.6% of votes, he faced minimal opposition. Formerly a military officer, Sisi became Egypt’s de facto leader in 2013 after Mohamed Morsi’s ousting. He first won presidency in 2014, securing a second term in 2018. Constitutional amendments in 2019 prolonged presidential terms to six years.

Notes:
International Mine Awareness Day, observed annually on April 4th, aims to raise awareness and eliminate landmines. The 2024 theme is “Protecting Lives, Building Peace.” Previously, in 2023, the focus was “Mine Action Cannot Wait.” Established by the UN General Assembly in 2005, it urges national mine-operation capabilities with UN support. The day highlights the dangers of landmines and strives for their eradication, emphasizing peace and safety worldwide.

Notes:
Widespread damage to cardamom plantations in Kerala due to drought has led to significant losses for farmers. With fears of further crop destruction, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Idukki suggest strategies like foliar application of PPFM and disease prevention treatments to mitigate the impact on cardamom production, emphasizing the urgent need for action to safeguard livelihoods in affected regions.