Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
Nat Sciver-Brunt, the first England woman honoured as Wisden’s top cricketer, topped Joe Wisden’s awards. Harry Brook and Mark Wood also named among Wisden’s five cricketers of the year. Sciver-Brunt nominated for stellar 2023 form, reclaiming top spot in women’s cricket.

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:
The Reserve Bank of India permits Foreign Institutional Investors to invest in Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs), aiming to fund environmental projects. SGrBs are debt securities issued by governments to support climate initiatives. The Union Budget 2022-23 introduced SGrBs, with the government outlining a framework based on ICMA principles: use of proceeds, project selection, fund management, and reporting. This move aligns with global efforts to finance sustainable development.

Notes:
Scientists recently discovered that Leaf Litter Frogs emit ultrasonic sounds as a defense against predators. These high-frequency screams, inaudible to humans, are a survival strategy for the most abundant frog species in forest communities. Found in Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, they inhabit leaf litter and low vegetation. Females are the largest at 64mm. Despite their unique adaptation, they are categorized as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Ultrasonic waves exceed human hearing frequencies.

Notes:
Severe drought and intense heat have caused the complete drying up of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of the Kaveri in Karnataka. Originating in the Brahmagiri hills, it flows eastward before merging with the Kaveri River at Krishna Raja Sagara Lake. The famous Lakshmanatirtha Falls, or Irupu Falls, adorns its path, near Kerala’s border. The Kaveri River, originating at Talakaveri, is sacred to Hindus and empties into the Bay of Bengal at Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu.

Notes:
The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education 2024, named ‘Aadharshila’, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. This 48-week curriculum caters to children aged three to six in anganwadis. Developed by a committee including various ministries, NCERT, and civil society organizations, it emphasizes foundational learning.

Notes:
During his visit to Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed establishing a long-term cooperation framework for Chabahar port with Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash. Chabahar, Iran’s first deepwater port at the Gulf of Oman, is crucial for global trade. It’s part of the proposed International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), with two ports: Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari. India’s investment is focused on Shahid Beheshti port.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu is the top state for electronic exports in India for the financial year 2023-24, with a record-breaking $9.56 billion in exports. This accounts for 30% of all electronic goods exports from India in the year 2024. Tamil Nadu exports a variety of electronic goods, including hardware, leather goods, textiles, and automobiles.

Notes:
Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. World Earth Day, April 22, 2024, focuses on “Planet vs Plastics,” highlighting the urgent need to address plastic pollution. EARTHDAY.ORG calls for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040 for planetary health. Originating in 1970 from Senator Gaylord Nelson and Harvard student Denis Hayes, Earth Day responds to environmental degradation, catalyzed by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill. This year’s event falls on Monday, emphasizing global action against plastic pollution.

Notes:
The “Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023 Report” by SIPRI, established in 1966, highlights global military spending. India ranked fourth in military spending at 83.6 billion after the US, China, and Russia. NATO states’ expenditure totaled 1341 billion, comprising 55% of global spending. The report attributes the record-high global military expenditure of $2443 billion to Russia’s Ukraine invasion and geopolitical tensions. SIPRI focuses on conflict research, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.