Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

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:
Astronomers have identified Gaia-BH3, the most massive known stellar black hole in the Milky Way. Discovered through data from the Gaia mission, it causes an unusual ‘wobbling’ of its companion star. Confirmed by ground-based observatories, it boasts a mass 33 times that of our sun, located 1,926 light-years away in Aquila. Gaia-BH1, another nearby black hole, has nearly 10 solar masses. Sagittarius A* remains the galaxy’s most massive black hole.

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.

Notes:
New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a treaty recognizing whales as legal persons, following New Zealand’s declaration of the Whanganui River as a legal entity. Legal persons, whether human or non-human entities, possess rights akin to individuals, including the ability to sue, be sued, own property, and enter contracts. This marks a significant step in environmental and legal spheres, acknowledging the intrinsic value of non-human life forms and natural entities.

Notes:
April 18 marks ‘World Heritage Day,’ honoring cultural sites globally. It’s also ‘International Day for Monuments and Sites,’ stressing heritage preservation. Recognized by UNESCO, it celebrates significant cultural and natural sites. In 2024, the theme is “Discover and Experience Diversity,” urging reflection on our global treasures. It emphasizes understanding diverse cultures, traditions, and ecosystems, fostering appreciation for our shared heritage.

Notes:
The Kerala Health Department is launching detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for eight infectious diseases under its One Health initiative. SOPs will cover diseases like Hepatitis A and E, dengue, Nipah, and Avian influenza. Aimed at early disease surveillance and prevention, these SOPs were developed at a two-day workshop by the Centre for One Health, Kerala. The initiative targets robust outbreak investigation and control mechanisms at district levels.

Notes:
On April 19th, World Liver Day promotes liver health awareness globally. This year’s theme, “Keep your liver healthy and disease-free,” highlights preventive measures and regular check-ups. The initiative aims to educate about liver-related disorders, encourage lifestyle changes, and support affected individuals. By fostering proactive approaches, the campaign empowers people to make informed choices, prioritizing their liver’s well-being through early detection and healthy habits.

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:
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.