Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

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:
The Forest Department in Karnataka is launching an operation to capture troublesome wild elephants and equip them with radio collars. Asian elephants, weighing around 5,500 kg and standing up to 3.5 meters tall, are subdivided into three subspecies: Indian, Sumatran, and Sri Lankan. Elephants are keystone species and India’s Natural Heritage Animal. With over 30,000 wild Asian Elephants, India holds the largest population, with Karnataka boasting the highest numbers in the country.

Notes:
According to a 2024 report from the New Lancet Commission, breast cancer is projected to cause one million deaths a year by 2040, an increase of more than 50% from 2020. The report states that, from 2020 to 2020, 7.8 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 685,000 of those women died from the disease that same year. The report also predicts that global breast cancer diagnoses will exceed three million annually by 2040.

Notes:
The Higher School of Economics in Russia and the University of Delhi signed a strategic cooperation agreement, establishing a joint research hub. New Delhi hosted the Indo-Russian Education Summit, a landmark event in bilateral relations, with 60 Russian universities participating from various regions. The summit aims to enhance educational ties and foster collaboration between India and Russia, marking a significant milestone in their partnership.

Notes:
National Civil Services Day is celebrated on April 21 annually in India to honor civil servants, the nation’s administrative backbone. It commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 1947 address to probationary officers, calling them ‘the steel frame of India.’ The day involves recognizing and motivating civil servants, evaluating departmental performance, and presenting awards for excellence in public administration, reaffirming their commitment to serving citizens.

Notes:
As Lok Sabha elections approach, the iconic symbol of Indian polls, a purple-black indelible ink mark on the left index finger, becomes ubiquitous. The ink, containing silver nitrate, remains visible under UV light and resists soap and liquids for up to 72 hours. Manufactured by CSIR and licensed to Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd. since 1962, it’s exported to over 25 countries. Mandated by the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) of 1951, it ensures electoral integrity.

Notes:
The Union Health Ministry mandates a unique NOTTO-ID for all organ transplant cases to combat commercial organ dealing. The directive ensures accountability and compliance by appointing authorities to investigate and take action against violations. Regular inspections of registered hospitals are emphasized for quality assurance. Violating hospitals face suspension of registration under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act. The aim is to enforce ethical practices and prevent malpractices, especially with foreign nationals.

Notes:
The proposed transshipment terminal at Galathia Bay threatens leatherback turtle nesting grounds. Leatherbacks are the largest turtles, reaching 2.7 meters and 500 kilograms. They’re highly migratory, traversing oceans and swimming over 10,000 miles yearly to nest. Known for deep dives, they feed on pelagic invertebrates like jellyfish and squid. Their diet includes fish and seaweed. Leatherbacks are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Notes:
Mohammed Salem received the 2024 World Press Photo of the Year award for his poignant image capturing a Palestinian woman holding her five-year-old niece’s body in the Gaza Strip. Taken on Oct. 17, 2023, at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis during Israeli bombings, the photograph reflects the human toll of conflict. Salem’s work highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians in Gaza, earning him international recognition for his powerful storytelling through photography.