Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) won the ‘Best Airport Staff in India & South Asia 2024’ award by Skytrax at the Passenger Terminal EXPO 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 17. This highlights the staff’s exceptional service quality across various fronts, recognized for attitude, friendliness, and efficiency. The accolade underscores their dedication in enhancing the overall passenger experience, covering roles from customer help to security and food services.

Notes:
The 34th Seng Khihlang festival concluded in Wahiajer, Meghalaya. Hosted by the Seng Khasi Sein Raij, it unifies followers of the Khasi Indigenous Faith. A highlight is the exchange of the Monolith, symbolizing unity. This year, Wahiajer received it from Seng Khasi Shaid Shaid. Khasi people, indigenous to Meghalaya and parts of Assam and Bangladesh, celebrate their culture and faith during Seng Khihlang, showcasing their vibrant community.

Notes:
Indian Navy conducted ‘Exercise Poorvi Lehar’ off the Eastern Seaboard on April 20, 2024. Under Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, the exercise aimed to assess the Navy’s readiness for maritime security challenges. It involved ships, submarines, aircraft, and special forces. Conducted in two phases, it included combat training in real scenarios and successful firings to confirm warhead delivery capability. Continuous maritime awareness was maintained with aircraft operating from various locations.

Notes:
Thrissur Pooram, a grand temple festival celebrated globally, embodies Kerala’s rich culture and diversity. Rooted in tradition, it unites people of all backgrounds with music, processions, fairs, and fireworks. Lasting seven days, the highlight is the sixth day in the Malayalam month of Medam, coinciding with the Pooram star. Established in 1796 by Shakthan Thampuran, it ensures the continuity of temple festivals. This year, Thrissur Pooram falls on April 20, showcasing Kerala’s vibrant heritage.

Notes:
Microsoft unveils VASA-1 AI model, crafting realistic talking faces for virtual characters. Leveraging Visual Affective Skills (VAS), it transforms static images and speech clips into lifelike videos. Users can tweak videos with customizable options.

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.

Notes:
The fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) on the UN Plastics Treaty was held from April 23–29, 2024 at the Shaw Center in Ottawa, Canada. The meeting was the second-to-last round of talks to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The meeting was preceded by regional consultations on April 21, 2024. The INC-4 meeting brought together diplomats, civil society leaders, business groups, and other stakeholders to reach an agreement on reducing waste.

Notes:
Professor Naima Khatoon is appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), the first woman to hold the position in its history. The appointment was made by the Ministry of Education and approved by President Droupadi Murmu. Khatoon, currently the Principal of AMU’s Women’s College, will serve for five years or until she turns 70. She becomes the third VC of a Central University and the second woman VC in India after Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit.

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has achieved a milestone by creating the nation’s lightest Bullet Proof Jacket, designed to withstand Level 6 threat of BIS ammunition. Recently tested at TBRL, Chandigarh, it incorporates novel materials and processes for enhanced protection. The front Hard Armour Panel (HAP) utilizes a monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing, providing both durability and comfort for operatives during missions, as affirmed by the Ministry of Defence.

Notes:
The United Kingdom has passed the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, permitting the deportation of some asylum-seekers to Rwanda to deter illegal entry via small boats. Proposed by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022, the bill follows a treaty enhancing migrant protections. Flights deporting migrants for processing in Rwanda are set to commence in 10 to 12 weeks, marking a significant step in UK immigration policy.