Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

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:
The “Mother of Dragons” comet, officially Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is now visible in the Northern Hemisphere after dusk. A ‘Halley-type’ comet, it orbits roughly every 71 years with a 30 km wide nucleus. Composed of ice, dust, and rocky material, it transitions from solid to gas as it nears the Sun. Classified as a Jupiter-family comet, it reaches perihelion near Mars’ orbit and will approach Earth closely in June 2024.

Notes:
Zimbabwe’s ZiG, a new gold-backed currency, saw a 0.2% strengthening to 13.53 per US dollar following its debut. Despite this, its introduction caused nationwide disruption as banks, retailers, and utilities struggled to adapt. Governor John Mushayavanhu announced an exchange rate of 13.56 per dollar during the unveiling last Friday. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s website published this data, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to establish a stable local currency.

Notes:
BEML Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed an MoU to jointly develop an indigenous Train Control Management System (i-TCMS). The exchange took place at BEML headquarters with dignitaries including Shri Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML, and Shri Manoj Jain, Director (R&D) of BEL. The collaboration aims to reduce India’s import dependency for train communication technology, aligning with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative for world-class rail products.

Notes:
World Homeopathy Day (WHD) is celebrated annually on April 10 in honor of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, on his birth anniversary. The theme for 2024 is “Homeoparivar: One Health, One Family”, emphasizing holistic health. Homeopathy gained prominence in the 19th century due to Hahnemann’s success. He advocated against medical methods with adverse effects, pioneering homeopathy. WHD aims to promote the homeopathic system of medicine globally.

Notes:
Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) have signed an MoU for technical collaboration on Critical Minerals. Led by Shri Sadashiv Samantaray and Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, the agreement aims at leveraging CSIR-IMMT’s expertise for various projects including metallurgical test plans, process flowsheets, and technology selection. The partnership will also foster joint research and scientific exchange. Shri Sridhar Patra, CMD of NALCO & Chairman of KABIL, hailed the collaboration as pivotal for India’s mineral security and technological advancement.

Notes:
Air India appoints Jayaraj Shanmugam, a 25-year industry veteran, as Head of Global Airport Operations amid its Vihaan.AI transformation program. Shanmugam, renowned for his expertise from Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Jet Airways, aims to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. The airline’s recent restructuring, including layoffs and employee evaluations, aligns with Tata Group’s vision for increased effectiveness and organizational adaptability. Expectations are high for Shanmugam to drive significant improvements in Air India’s operations.

Notes:
The Global Society for the Preservation of Baobabs and Mangroves (GSPBM) launches a pioneering effort to revive Madagascar’s iconic baobab trees. These long-lived giants, also known as the “upside-down tree,” are crucial for biodiversity. With nine species worldwide, they store water in their massive trunks, supporting life in arid landscapes. Found mainly in Africa and Madagascar, baobabs symbolize resilience, earning them the title “Tree of Life” for their ecological significance.

Notes:
Two people drowned in the Tons River while bathing in UP’s Ballia, the largest tributary of the Yamuna. Originating from Bandarpunch Mountain in Uttarakhand, it traverses through Garhwal and Himachal Pradesh. Spanning 200 km, it cuts through gorges and valleys, ending at the Yamuna near Kalsi. Despite being a tributary, Tons contributes more water than the Yamuna itself. Pabbar and Asan rivers are its main tributaries, enriching the culturally significant Tons Valley inhabited by indigenous tribes.

Notes:
India, accounting for 11.6% of global hepatitis cases in 2022 per WHO, faces over 35.3 million infections, with 29.8 million from hepatitis B and 5.5 million from hepatitis C. Ranking second after China, India and China together contribute 27.5% of global cases. The WHO report also highlights an increase in hepatitis-related mortality to 1.3 million deaths in 2022, with hepatitis B responsible for 83% and hepatitis C for 17% of deaths.