Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

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:
Close to 100 hectares of forest were recently destroyed by fire in the Sulthan Bathery forest range within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS), located in Wayanad, Kerala. Established in 1973, the sanctuary spans approximately 344.44 sq. km and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It shares borders with protected areas in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is home to various tribes and boasts diverse flora, including teak, rosewood, eucalyptus, and silver oak.

Notes:
India will deploy defense attaches in Ethiopia, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Philippines, Armenia, and Poland to bolster strategic ties. This initiative aligns with India’s goal to expand global partnerships amid rising geopolitical tensions. Notably, India aims to strengthen defense relations with the Philippines to counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. Recent deals include a USD 375 million agreement for BrahMos missiles. High-level discussions emphasize mutual security and development goals.

Notes:
Doxxing incidents are rising globally, defined as the unauthorized release of personal information online, including names, addresses, and phone numbers. Often used for harassment or intimidation, it can result in serious consequences like physical harm or job loss. Doxxing, derived from “dropping dox,” typically involves obtaining data illegally through hacking. This trend highlights the dangers of online privacy breaches and the need for stronger safeguards.

Notes:
The Indian Army marked 40 years since ‘Operation Meghdoot,’ securing the Siachen Glacier, vital for its strategic location in Northern Ladakh. Launched in 1984, it responded to Pakistan’s territorial claims, establishing India’s presence at the world’s highest battlefield. Led by Lieutenant Generals Chibber and Hoon, along with Major General Sharma, the operation showcased remarkable coordination between the Army and Air Force, resulting in India gaining control of Siachen Glacier.

Notes:
Nigeria leads the global fight against meningitis, introducing the groundbreaking Men5CV vaccine, endorsed by WHO, targeting five strains in one shot. This surpasses previous vaccines, vital as bacterial meningitis, prevalent in Africa, poses serious health risks. Africa’s “meningitis belt,” including Nigeria, faces escalating cases, with a 50% rise reported last year by WHO. Nigeria’s pioneering move sets a precedent for broader adoption worldwide, marking a significant stride in public health.

Notes:
The Bhandasar Jain Temple, a ghee-made marvel in Bikaner, Rajasthan, was built by Jain merchant Bhandasa Oswal. Dedicated to the 5th Tirthankara, Sumatinatha, it’s under Archaeological Survey of India protection. During a drought, 40,000 kilograms of ghee substituted water in its construction. Its red sandstone structure, adorned with intricate yellow-stone carvings, stands three stories tall. The sanctum is crowned with a shikhara, while ornate paintings and frescoes depict Tirthankaras’ lives.

Notes:
IIT Madras launched India’s first mobile medical device calibration facility to enhance healthcare accessibility. Developed under the Anaivarukkum IITM initiative, it addresses the critical need for accurate calibration of medical instruments for precise diagnosis and treatment. This initiative aligns with UN SDG 3, aiming for universal healthcare. Prof. Kamakoti emphasized its cost-effectiveness and scalability, ensuring quality healthcare even in remote areas.

Notes:
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), under the Department of Science and Technology, played a pivotal role in the Surya Tilak Project at Ayodhya. The project aimed to bring sunlight onto the forehead of Sri Ram Lalla at noon on Sri Ram Navami. IIA’s team calculated sun positions, designed the optical system, and aligned it on-site. They also identified Ram Navami dates for a 19-year cycle and estimated sky positions accordingly.

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from Chandipur, Odisha. All subsystems performed well, monitored by range sensors and a Su-30-Mk-I aircraft. The missile showcased precise navigation, flying close to the sea surface. The test affirmed the reliability of the indigenous propulsion system by GTRE, Bengaluru. Developed by ADE, equipped with advanced avionics, the ITCM is a technology demonstrator with an upgraded seeker and small turbofan engine.