Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
In 2023, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport secured a spot among the world’s top 10 busiest airports, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport leading the list. Ranked tenth, Delhi’s airport saw significant traffic, amidst a global total passenger forecast nearing 8.5 billion. This marks a notable recovery of 93.8% from pre-pandemic levels, highlighting resurgence in air travel post-COVID-19. The list was released by the Airports Council International (ACI), reflecting a promising trend in global aviation.

Notes:
Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made reservoir, faces drastic water level decline due to El Nino drought. Situated between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it spans 1300km upstream from the Indian Ocean. Created by the Kariba Dam, which took three years to complete in 1959, it’s a crucial power source for both countries and sustains a vibrant fishing industry. Covering nearly 6000 sq km, it’s approximately 280km long and 40km wide.

Notes:
Tulsi (Shabari) waterfall in Chitrakoot welcomes the first glass skywalk bridge in Uttar Pradesh, resembling Lord Rama’s bow and arrow, costing Rs 3.70 crore. Constructed in the Kodand forest area by the Forest and Tourism Department and Pawan Sut Construction Company, it’s part of a plan to develop the site into a premier eco-tourism destination. With a load capacity of 500 kg/sqm, the bridge offers panoramic views of the waterfall.

Notes:
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh for collaboration in research and technology. The MoU focuses on semiconductors, quantum technologies, and drones. It aims to strengthen the synergies between BEL and IIT-Mandi, and to improve the quality and range of solutions BEL provides to its customers. The MoU also supports the indigenization of products and a solution supplied by BEL to its customers, and is in line with the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative.

Notes:
World Hemophilia Day, observed annually on April 17, raises awareness about hemophilia and bleeding disorders. It highlights the rare blood disorder’s impact on clotting and prolonged bleeding due to clotting factor deficiency. The 2024 theme, “Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders,” underscores universal treatment access regardless of condition, gender, age, or location, aiming for inclusive care for individuals with inherited bleeding disorders and honoring community volunteers.

Notes:
ISRO announced a significant advancement in rocket engine technology, unveiling a lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). This breakthrough promises to boost payload capacity by enhancing crucial parameters like thrust levels, specific impulse, and thrust-to-weight ratios. Leveraging advanced materials such as Carbon-Carbon composites, VSSC crafted a nozzle divergent with exceptional properties, paving the way for improved launch vehicle performance.

Notes:
Veeranam Lake, vital for Chennai’s water supply, hit zero million cubic feet (mcft) in April, 2024, as per Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) data. Last year, it held 687.40 mcft; its capacity is 1,465 mcft. Located in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district, it’s among the world’s longest man-made lakes (14 km). It is built by Chola Prince Rajaditya Chola between 907-955 A.D., it’s named after his father, Veeranarayanan. Fed by the Kollidam River, it’s referenced in Kalki’s “Ponniyin Selvan.”

Notes:
Israel’s successful interception of Iranian drones and missiles is dubbed “Operation Iron Shield.” Its defense includes Arrow-2, Arrow-3, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome systems. Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 target medium to long-range missiles, while David’s Sling focuses on short to medium and medium to long-range ones. Iron Dome, the world’s first missile defense system, handles short-range rockets and UAVs, adeptly managing multiple threats simultaneously.

Notes:
Recently discovered in the Laccadive Sea near India’s southwest coast, three new fish species—Jansen’s, checkerboard, and moon—are capable of using tools. They utilize live or dead coral structures as anvils to crack open sea urchin shells for food, showcasing specialized behaviors. This behavior challenges the perception of fish intelligence. The Laccadive Sea, also known as the Lakshadweep Sea, borders India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, encompassing 303,476 square miles within the Indian Ocean.

Notes:
Tiranga Barfi of Varanasi linked with India’s independence, attained Geographical Indication (GI) status. Dhalua Murti Metal Casting Craft from Varanasi also received GI recognition. The GI Registry Office in Chennai listed 75 new products from Uttar Pradesh, including these. Varanasi now boasts 34 GI products, contributing to Uttar Pradesh’s total of 75. Other items like Bareilly Zardozi and Tharu Embroidery also gained GI registration, bringing the state’s total to 75, a record.