Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently conducted a successful test firing of the Crystal Maze 2 missile, also known as ROCKS. Originating from Israel, this air-launched medium-range ballistic missile is designed for targeting high-value stationary and relocatable assets like long-range radars and air defense systems. It boasts extended stand-off range capabilities compared to its predecessor, Crystal Maze 1, with a range of over 250 kilometers. With options for penetration or blast fragmentation warheads, it’s effective in GPS-denied environments.

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:
NASA’s Voyager 1 probe, launched in 1977, is transmitting vital data after a period of malfunction, the agency announced. The spacecraft’s mission aims to explore the outer Solar System and beyond, conducting flybys of Jupiter and Saturn, discovering new moons and rings. It became the first human-made object to exit the Solar System in 2012, carrying a golden record depicting life on Earth. Voyager 1 is expected to remain operational until at least 2025, currently 13.8 billion miles away from the sun.

Notes:
C-DOT, the premier Telecom R&D Centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, and Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur (IIT-J) have inked an agreement under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) of the DoT. The collaboration aims to develop AI frameworks for automated network management and fault detection in 5G and Beyond Networks. This initiative will establish a real-time testbed for showcasing automated management and slicing techniques, catering to various application use-cases like smart metering and remotely operated vehicles.

Notes:
Papua New Guinea has named Colonel Edison Napyo as its inaugural Defence Advisor to India, signifying deepening cooperation between the two nations. Acting Chief of Defence Force Commodore Philip Polewara led the farewell ceremony for Napyo, who will serve as a liaison between PNG’s government and military in India. Col Napyo, the first to hold this position, aims to facilitate training and diplomatic engagements. Commodore Polewara emphasized representing PNG effectively during Napyo’s deployment.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu and Kerala are set to conduct the first synchronized survey of Nilgiri tahrs starting April 29, a monumental effort in India. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forest, anticipates valuable insights from this initiative. The Eravikulam National Park harbors the largest population of these endemic ungulates, native to the southern Western Ghats. Nilgiri tahr, the state animal of Tamil Nadu, faces endangerment, according to the IUCN.

Notes:
The Centre aims to modernize the nine-year-old National Career Service (NCS) portal to connect millions of youths with potential employers, fostering a future-ready workforce. Launched in 2015 as part of the E-Governance Plan, NCS offers online career counseling, vocational guidance, and job matching services nationwide. It bridges the gap between job seekers, employers, and training providers, facilitating informed career decisions based on qualifications, skills, and interests.

Notes:
Indian para-shooter Mona Aggarwal clinched gold in women’s 10m air rifle, while Army man Amir Ahmed Bhatt secured silver in 25m pistol at the World Shooting Para Sport tournament in Changwon, Korea. Mona, 37, claimed the R2-10m air rifle standing SH1 gold with a score of 250.8, her second World Cup title of the year. Slovakia’s Verónica Vadovicova won silver and Swedish shooter Anna Benson took bronze.

Notes:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issues draft notification defining the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) for Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan. The ESZ aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and conserve wildlife. The sanctuary, established in 1983, houses endangered species like leopard, Indian wolf, and vulture. The draft proposes an ESZ of 348.60 sq km around the sanctuary’s core area. Public feedback is sought within 60 days. A Supreme Court directive mandates ESZs for all protected forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu issues Guidelines for Elimination of Corporal Punishment in Schools (GECP) to foster safe environments for students, as per Right to Education Act, 2009. The GECP, issued jointly by Directors of School and Elementary Education, aims to prevent physical and mental harm, discrimination. It includes awareness camps on National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) guidelines. Measures include prompt complaint redressal, addressing harassment, mental health concerns, and forming monitoring committees at schools.