Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
In a recent study, German and British scientists proposed a radical explanation for the Hubble tension. This refers to a conflict between measurements of the universe’s expansion rate, known as the Hubble constant (H0). Determined through the cosmic distance ladder and the cosmic microwave background (CMB), discrepancies exist. The tension, indicating potential unknown physics or measurement errors, underscores the importance of resolving it for a deeper understanding of the universe’s expansion and underlying principles.

Notes:
Kuchipudi, an Indian classical dance originating from Andhra Pradesh, faces a survival crisis due to dwindling patronage. Historically, it evolved from itinerant actors into a refined form under Siddhendra Yogi in the 15th century. It’s known for intricate footwork, graceful movements, and storytelling. Performers must master Sanskrit, Telugu, music, and manuscripts. Kuchipudi is deeply rooted in Vaishnavism, often depicting stories of Krishna, and features unique elements like Tarangam, performed on a brass plate to Carnatic beats.

Notes:
Archaeologists in Pompeii unearthed a black-walled banqueting hall adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting Greek mythology. Pompeii, a preserved ancient Roman city near Naples, Italy, lies at the base of Mount Vesuvius. Established in the Bronze Age, it thrived under Roman rule, boasting a population of 10-12,000. Buried by Vesuvius in 79 CE, Pompeii remained hidden until rediscovery in 1748. Its remarkably preserved state offers profound insights into Roman life, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Notes:
Derek Underwood, England’s leading wicket-taker and esteemed left-arm spinner, has died. He claimed 297 wickets in 86 Test matches and 2465 wickets in 676 first-class cricket games. Underwood held the presidency of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 2008 and was honored with induction into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009. His legacy extends beyond his remarkable achievements on the field, leaving an indelible mark on cricket history.

Notes:
ISRO Chairman S Somanath declared India’s ambition for a debris-free space by 2030 at the 42nd IADC annual meeting. He emphasized ISRO’s clear strategy for future space endeavors and its commitment to sustainable space exploration. Somanath, also the Secretary of the Department of Space, highlighted the importance of debris-free missions for space sustainability. This initiative aims to spark discussions and actions toward achieving a cleaner space environment.

Notes:
INS Talwar, a vessel of the Indian Navy, intercepted 940 kg of drugs in the Arabian Sea under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) operation. CMF, headquartered in Bahrain, spans 3.2 million square miles of waters, safeguarding shipping lanes. It combats terrorism, piracy, fosters regional cooperation, and ensures maritime safety. CMF collaborates with partners to enhance security, build maritime capabilities, and responds to humanitarian crises.

Notes:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released the 2024 State of the World’s Population report in April 2024. India leads with a population of 144.17 crore, expected to double in 77 years. 68% aged 15-64, with a Total Fertility Rate of 2.0. Life expectancy at birth is 71 and 74 years for men and women respectively. Child marriage rates were 23%, and women with disabilities face up to 10 times more gender-based violence. Marginalized communities are largely ignored despite 30 years of SRH progress.

Notes:
The 16th World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2024 took place from April 16–18, 2024 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The summit focused on the global energy transition, investment in clean energy, and a sustainable future. The summit featured a panel of women entrepreneurs leading decarbonization innovation. Masdar’s parent company Mubadala, along with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and holding company ADQ, also agreed to form a hydrogen alliance to produce green and blue variants of the fuel.

Notes:
India’s team excelled at the 13th European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad in Georgia, April 11-17, 2024. The 4-member squad secured 2 Silver and 2 Bronze medals, marking the second instance of all members winning at EGMO since India’s 2015 debut. TIFR-HBCSE, India’s Olympiad hub, credits past medalists and EGMO Training Camp, backed by the National Board for Higher Mathematics, for this success.

Notes:
A Gray Slender Loris was rescued in North Goa by forest officials. The gray slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus) is native to southern India and central, north-central, and east-central Sri Lanka. It lives in subtropical and tropical dry forests, and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It’s also commonly found in the tropical scrub and deciduous forests, and dense hedgerow plantations bordering farmlands. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classifies the gray slender loris as Least Concern. The gray slender Loris is a small primate that’s part of the oldest and most primitive group of primates, called prosimians.