Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
The Election Commission’s Suvidha portal has garnered over 73,000 applications since the announcement of Lok Sabha polls, facilitating permissions for campaigning activities. Developed to ensure fair elections, Suvidha streamlines permission requests for various campaign elements transparently, adhering to a First in First Out principle. It offers online and offline submission options, covering a range of activities from rallies to pamphlet distribution. The portal’s real-time tracking enhances transparency and aids in scrutinizing election expenditures.

Notes:
Delhi’s ancient Satpula dam, built in the 14th century during Sultan Muhammad Shah Tughlaq’s reign, remains intact. Constructed with Delhi quartz, it formed a crucial part of Jahanpanah’s defense wall, serving dual roles of irrigation and protection. Believed to possess healing properties due to its proximity to Sufi saint Chirag Dehlavi’s residence, it was a site for Diwali celebrations and pilgrimages. Satpula, meaning ‘seven bridges,’ symbolizes resilience and heritage in Delhi’s history.

Notes:
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) launched TSAT-1A, an optical sub-metre-resolution Earth observation satellite, with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Built in collaboration with Satellogic Inc., it offers military-grade imagery capabilities and multispectral/hyperspectral imaging. Deployed for Indian defense, it enhances preparedness and strategic decision-making. Assembled in Karnataka, it marks the private sector’s first foray into military satellite development, complementing India’s existing ISRO-built spy satellites.

Notes:
Neptis philyra, a rare butterfly species known as the long-streak sailor, was recently discovered in India’s Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Previously found in east Asia, it boasts serrated wings with rich brownish-black on top and yellow-brown underneath, featuring a distinctive “hockey stick” pattern on the forewing. Part of the Nymphalidae family, it thrives in habitats like evergreen forests and rocky streams, marking a significant addition to India’s biodiversity.

Notes:
Researchers at the University of Kerala developed an innovative Airbreathing Magnesium-Copper/Cupric Oxide (Mg-Cu/CuO) Fuel Cell. Unlike its predecessor, the Mg-C fuel cell, it features a reusable copper-based cathode, offering enhanced operational stability. This eco-friendly technology utilizes air and seawater to generate power, emitting only water as a byproduct. Anticipated to rival the impact of Lithium-ion batteries, it exclusively produces electricity and heat during operation.

Notes:
India is contributing to the ‘Early Warnings for All’ initiative by the United Nations, aiming to establish life-saving early warning systems for hazardous weather, water, or climate events globally by 2027. Collaborating with Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Mauritius, India is aiding in setting up early warning weather systems. These efforts enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities by providing timely alerts and forecasts for natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and storms.

Notes:
Israel deployed its ship-mounted defense system, C-Dome, for the first time. C-Dome, a naval adaptation of the Iron Dome, protects against rocket and missile threats. Utilizing radar detection and interceptors, it boasts high effectiveness. Mounted on Sa’ar 6-class corvettes, it integrates with ship radar for enhanced target detection. Operational since November 2022, C-Dome ensures comprehensive maritime defense against modern threats, showcasing Israel’s advanced military technology.

Notes:
Germany proposed stricter limits on importing hunted trophies (animals are hunted and their remains are kept as trophies). In response, Botswana’s President threatened to send 20,000 elephants due to overpopulation. Botswana boasts the world’s largest elephant population due to stable governance, low human density, and rigorous conservation measures. Elephants sought refuge in Botswana after poaching crises in neighboring Namibia and Angola, avoiding crossing the Choba River.

Notes:
The 2024 Asian Wrestling Championship took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where India’s Udit clinched silver in men’s freestyle 57 kg, while Abhimanyu secured silver in 70 kg. Abhimanyu and Vicky also won bronze medals in their respective categories. Five Indian wrestlers competed, with Udit’s standout performance reaching the final. Despite defeating opponents from Iran, Kyrgyzstan, and North Korea, Udit settled for silver after a close final against Japan’s Kento Yumiya, marking India’s first absence from gold since 2019.

Notes:
History buffs aim to preserve the laterite-brick ruins of Fort Emmanuel, constructed by the Portuguese in 1503 at Fort Kochi Beach, Kerala. Originally a symbol of alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and Portugal, it housed the town within its walls. Dutch forces took over in 1683, followed by British control in 1795. By 1947, it lay in ruins, signifying its historical importance amidst foreign occupation.