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:
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:
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), under the Department of Science and Technology, played a pivotal role in the Surya Tilak Project at Ayodhya. The project aimed to bring sunlight onto the forehead of Sri Ram Lalla at noon on Sri Ram Navami. IIA’s team calculated sun positions, designed the optical system, and aligned it on-site. They also identified Ram Navami dates for a 19-year cycle and estimated sky positions accordingly.

Notes:
A new species of tiger cat, the clouded tiger cat (Leopardus pardinoides) is recently discovered in Brazil, faces threats from deforestation and illegal hunting. Tiger cats, also known as oncillas, are small spotted cats native to Central and South America, weighing between 1.5 to 3 kilograms. The clouded tiger cat, found in southern Central American and Andean Mountain chains, has distinct features including long tail, short-round ears, and rich reddish/orangish/grayish-yellow fur with ‘cloudy’ rosettes.

Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified the Euvichol-S vaccine, a simplified and cost-effective version of the oral cholera vaccine (OCV) Euvichol-Plus. It contains fewer ingredients, is cheaper, and can be produced more rapidly. Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria, is transmitted through contaminated food or water. Most cases occur in the Middle East and Africa, with India reporting 132 cases in 2023 (until July).

Notes:
A recent report reveals that over 30% of cultivable land in India suffers from acidic soil, hampering plant growth. Acidification, a process where soil pH declines over time, is exacerbated by agricultural activities, affecting both surface and subsoil. Acidic soils are prevalent in humid southwestern, northeastern, and Himalayan regions. Contributing factors include excessive ammonium-based nitrogen fertilizers, leaching of nitrate nitrogen, and removal of alkaline plant materials during harvesting.

Notes:
Kuwait launched its inaugural Hindi radio broadcast on Apr 22, hailed by the Indian Embassy for fostering stronger ties between India and Kuwait. The Indian community, numbering around 1 million, constitutes Kuwait’s largest expatriate group, as reported by ANI. This move underscores the significance of Indian presence in Kuwait and reflects efforts to cater to the needs and interests of the expatriate population.

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:
The Supreme Court halted the construction of four proposed dams within Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the eastern part of Yamunanagar district, Haryana, nestled in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas with the Yamuna River to its east. The sanctuary’s diverse topography ranges from plains to hills up to 700 meters elevation, featuring valleys and seasonal rivulets. Its rich flora includes sal, khair, and shisam trees, while fauna includes leopards, deer, hyenas, and various bird species.

Notes:
The theme for International Delegate’s Day in 2024 is “Together, we challenge those in power”. The day is celebrated on April 25th each year to recognize the important role of delegates who represent their countries at the United Nations (UN). Delegates negotiate agreements, coordinate with their home countries, and form alliances or compromise. They embody the multilateralism that the UN stands for.