Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has acquired a controlling 95% stake in Gopalpur Port, Odisha, solidifying its position in the ports and logistics sector. Valued at Rs 3,350 crore, the deal includes an equity value of Rs 1,349 crore and an enterprise value of Rs 3,080 crore. Previous majority stakeholders, Shapoorji Pallonji Group (SP Group) and Orissa Stevedores Ltd (OSL), held 56% and 44% stakes respectively. Gopalpur Port boasts a capacity of 20 MTPA and strategic location in Ganjam district.

Notes:
India has delivered two Dornier-228 aircraft to Guyana as part of a Line of Credit, marking a new phase in their partnership. The Indian Air Force dispatched a team to Guyana for the delivery. The High Commission of India in Guyana expressed enthusiasm, stating it marks the start of a significant chapter in their bilateral relations. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Guyana through strategic collaborations.

Notes:
REC Limited, a Ministry of Power entity, clinched the SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in ‘Renewable Energy Financing’. This accolade acknowledges REC’s dedication to sustainable financing, driving the shift towards renewable energy. As a pivotal player in India’s clean energy transition, REC spearheads numerous sustainable projects and engages in discussions with developers across various green sectors. The SKOCH ESG Awards highlight organizations’ commitment to environmental, social, and governance factors, crucial for India’s sustainable future.

Notes:
SEBI launched SCORES 2.0, enhancing complaint resolution for investors in securities markets. The system features auto-routing, auto-escalation, and monitoring by designated bodies, reducing complaint resolution timelines. SCORES is an online platform for lodging complaints. The new version is more user-friendly and aims for quicker complaint resolution. An application for SCORES will also be launched later.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh leads India with the most Geographical Indication (GI) certified products, now totaling 69 after the addition of 15 new items, surpassing Tamil Nadu’s 58. Sanjhi art, originating in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh in the 16th century, is renowned for intricate designs and spiritual significance. Associated with the mother goddess Sanjhi, the craft involves mud images crafted into cosmic forms. It originated around Krishna temples and is now practiced nationwide.

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SJVN Limited has partnered with IIT Patna to enhance tunnelling projects using advanced geological models. The agreement, signed in New Delhi on April 2, 2024, aims to develop predictive analytics algorithms for early risk detection, reducing time and cost. The priority lies in integrating diverse geotechnical data sources and evaluating overburden-deformation relationships. This strategic collaboration underscores both entities’ commitment to sustainable development and technological innovation in infrastructure projects.

Notes:
On April 4, 2024, the Indian Army integrated the ‘Akashteer Command and Control System’ into its Air Defence Corps to bolster air defence security. Developed by BEL, this advanced system is part of India’s self-reliance initiative. The Army’s ‘Year of Technological Absorption’ in 2024 aims to expedite the integration of modern technologies, reinforcing India’s air defence capabilities. Akashteer signifies a leap in India’s military preparedness, enhancing its response to evolving threats.

Notes:
India led the world in doping cases in 2022, with 3,865 samples tested, resulting in 125 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs). This constitutes 3.2% of AAFs globally, the highest among nations testing over 2,000 samples. Russia and the USA followed India in doping cases. In a 10-year study by WADA, India ranked as the second worst offender globally for doping cases involving minors, with Russia topping the list. China was ranked third.

Notes:
In Punjab, the District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Malerkotla, Dr. Pallavi, launched ‘Booth Raabta’, a special website for election-related information. Boothraabta.com assists voters and polling personnel. Deputy Election Commissioner of India Hirdesh Kumar and Punjab CEO Sibin C lauded the initiative. Booth Raabta, meaning ‘Booth Contact’, offers guidance on election issues. It facilitates certificate downloads for young voters, enables polling station ratings, and provides ambulance and hospital information, especially during heat waves.

Notes:
The “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2024,” released by UNESCAP, is a flagship publication providing insights into the region’s economic trends. Established in 1947, UNESCAP serves as a platform for governments to address socio-economic issues and foster regional cooperation. With 53 member states and 9 associate members, including India, it highlights India’s robust economic growth in 2023, driven by domestic consumption and infrastructure investments, amid limited external exposure.