Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
International Day for Human Space Flight (IDHSF) is celebrated annually on April 12, honoring Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space in 1961. The UNGA declared it in 2011 to advocate for peaceful space exploration. In 2024, the theme is “Encouraging Scientific Curiosity” to foster outer space exploration’s peaceful advancement. Gagarin’s historic flight paved the way for humanity’s space ventures, promoting benefits for all.

Notes:
A study in Leicester led by Dr. Joseph Barker and Prof. Andre Ng used AI to detect ventricular arrhythmia (VA), a deadly cardiac disorder. The AI tool, VA-ResNet-50, accurately identified VA 80% of the time, analyzing 270 adults’ ECGs from 2014 to 2022. Ventricular arrhythmia, if untreated, can cause sudden death. Published in the European Heart Journal – Digital Health, the study highlights AI’s potential in diagnosing critical heart conditions.

Notes:
Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano, recently produced rare volcanic vortex rings, where gas, mainly water vapor, forms perfect circles when released from its crater. This phenomenon, first noted in 1724, can last up to 10 minutes. Etna’s circular vent is a key characteristic. Similar events have been observed at various volcanoes worldwide. Situated on Sicily’s east coast, Etna boasts Italy’s highest peak south of the Alps.

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The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Army jointly conducted successful field tests of the indigenously developed Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) system. Designed by DRDO, it includes the MPATGM, launcher, target acquisition device, and fire control unit. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the achievement, marking a significant stride towards self-reliance in defense technology. Tests at the Pokhran Field Firing Range on April 13, 2024, showcased remarkable missile and warhead performance.

Notes:
The Jiadhal River, a northern tributary of the Brahmaputra, originates in the Arunachal Pradesh Himalayas. Its course through Dhemaji district in Assam features braided channels. It flows into the Brahmaputra near Selamukh but now joins the Subansiri due to an embankment. The basin area is 1053.20 sq.km., with heavy rainfall causing significant sediment deposition, leading to frequent floods. Jiadhal exemplifies a flashy river, prone to sudden, high discharge and devastating floods due to climate change.

Notes:
The Longte Festival, celebrated by the Nyishi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. It’s unique among tribal festivals as it prohibits animal sacrifice. Instead, the Altar is adorned with feathers and bamboo flowers. Longte Yullo, one of the oldest Nyishi festivals, is celebrated across various Nyishi clans. The Nyishi tribe, the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh, boasts rich traditions and identifies as descendants of Abutani in the Tani group.

Notes:
Three-time World Champion Rashmi Kumari secured her 12th national women’s singles title at the 51st National Carrom Championship, defeating K Nagajothi 25-8, 14-20, 25-20. Rashmi, employed at ONGC, triumphed in the women’s final. In the men’s category, K Srinivas clinched his fourth national singles title by defeating S Aditya 25-0, 19-6, showcasing exceptional skills with seven white slams.

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:
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:
Members of the Hakki Pikki tribe, predominantly found in Karnataka, were caught in violence in Sudan. The name “Hakki Pikki” means “bird catchers” in Kannada. In northern Karnataka and Maharashtra, they are known as Mel-Shikari. Socially divided into four clans resembling the Hindu caste system, they traditionally followed semi-nomadic lifestyles, relying on hunting and begging. However, with wildlife laws, they now depend on forest produce and trade spices and herbal oils.