Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Cumbum Valley, known as the “Grapes City of South India,” is known for Panneer Thratchai grapes, comprising 85% of India’s production. Introduced in 1832 by a French priest, these grapes thrive year-round, unlike elsewhere. Recognized for its rapid growth and early maturity, it earned a Geographical Indication tag in 2023. Cumbum Valley’s grapes, rich in nutrients, are used for wine, spirits, and more. Its location in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats adds to its allure.

Notes:
IIT Madras hosts the 6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament from March 30 to 31, 2024, in Chennai. It’s the sole IIT in India to conduct an annual Open Rapid Rating Tournament. Over 35 players from IIT Madras join, alongside international players from countries like Australia, England, America, and Singapore. Notable participants include six grandmasters, sixteen International Masters, three female grandmasters, and a Woman International Master.

Notes:
World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2nd, advocates for improving the lives of individuals with autism and promoting their human rights. Established by a UN resolution in 2007, the day raises public awareness and encourages inclusive actions. The 2024 theme, “Empowering Autistic Voices,” emphasizes amplifying the voices of those with autism. Its goal is to ensure they enjoy dignity, participation, and rights on par with others in society.

Notes:
Paradip Port Authority in Odisha surpassed Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla as India’s top cargo-handling major port in 2023-24. Handling 145.38 MMT of cargo, it registered a 7.4% growth from the previous year. It’s capable of handling 289 MMT. Notably, it excels in coastal shipping, handling 59.19 MMT of coastal traffic and achieving highest productivity among major ports. Established in 1962, it became India’s 8th major port in 1966, now under the Ministry of Ports.

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:
South Korea’s KSTAR fusion reactor that is also called as Korean artificial sun, operating at the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, achieved a breakthrough by sustaining plasma at 100 million degrees Celsius for 48 seconds, setting a new world record. This surpasses its own previous record and marks progress toward clean, limitless energy through nuclear fusion. Despite challenges, fusion holds promise as a climate solution. Director Si-Woo Yoon highlights the significance of stable, high-temperature plasmas for future fusion reactors.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently launched the myCGHS app for iOS devices. Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), it aims to improve access to Electronic Health Records and resources for CGHS beneficiaries. The app offers services such as appointment booking, accessing lab reports, and checking medical reimbursement status. Security features like 2-factor authentication ensure user data confidentiality. It’s designed to enhance information and accessibility for CGHS beneficiaries.

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:
OpenAI unveils Voice Engine, a groundbreaking AI capable of mimicking any voice in any language. Users upload short audio samples to generate speech in the same voice. It’s unreleased to the public but has diverse applications such as aiding reading, translating, and assisting patients’ voice recovery. However, concerns arise over potential misuse, including cloning voices of public figures, privacy risks, and the absence of regulations.