Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

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Professor Meena Charanda, Principal of Kalindi College, Delhi University, received the ‘International Culture Award’ in 2024 for her exceptional contributions to education and social service. The honor was bestowed upon her at the India International Center on March 30, 2024.

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The Konda Reddi tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in the Godavari region, possess valuable indigenous knowledge. They reside along the Godavari river and in hilly forests of Andhra Pradesh. Their language, Telugu, has a distinct accent. Marriage customs include negotiations, elopement, and capture. The tribe practices Folk Hinduism, worshiping local deities. They have a patriarchal family structure allowing polygamy.

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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 A five-point resolution includes annual conferences, a study center for unpublished Sanskrit manuscripts, support for gurukuls’ development, joint research, and training programs.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.

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Hume, a New York-based research lab, unveiled the first emotionally intelligent conversational AI named Empathic Voice Interface (EVI). It utilizes live audio input, returning both audio and transcripts with vocal expression measures. Powered by an empathic large language model (eLLM), it understands tones and word emphasis, optimizing human-AI conversations. Trained on human reactions, EVI learns from users to enhance positive expressions. By analyzing speech nuances, it can determine when to speak and generate empathic language.

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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.

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Sanjay Nayar, former chairman of Sorin Investment Fund, assumes presidency at ASSOCHAM for 2024-25, succeeding Ajay Singh of SpiceJet. Nayar, with extensive global financial experience, notably at Citigroup and KKR, retired in 2023. He played pivotal roles in establishing KKR India operations and serves on Nykaa’s board. Active in various industry bodies, Nayar aims to bolster sustainability initiatives during his tenure, aligning with India’s developmental objectives.

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The Forest Department and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam imposed restrictions at Ahobilam shrine in Nallamala forest due to intense heat endangering wild animals. Ahobilam, in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, houses nine Narasimha shrines in a 5km radius. Recently, the ‘Paruveta Utsavam’ became a state festival. To protect wildlife, plastic use is banned. Additionally, a temple for Prahaladavarada Varadhan exists due to security reasons and logistical challenges in daily worship.

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India’s President, Smt Droupadi Murmu, launched the nation’s inaugural home-grown gene therapy for cancer at IIT Bombay. The groundbreaking “CAR-T cell therapy” offers affordable hope in the cancer fight. This medical milestone, a part of ‘Make in India,’ embodies ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ Developed collaboratively by IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, and ImmunoACT, it marks a significant achievement in research and development. Gene therapy holds promise in treating various diseases, heralding a new era in healthcare.

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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.

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Forest authorities in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitharama Raju district recently harvested water from an Indian laurel tree (Terminalia elliptica). Also known as Asna or Indian laurel, it grows mainly in dry and moist deciduous forests. Its wood is prized for furniture and musical instruments, while its leaves sustain silkworms for Tussah silk production. Medically, the bark treats diarrhea, yielding oxalic acid. Additionally, its bark and fruit are sources of pyrogallol and catechol for dye and leather tanning.