Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
The University of Washington’s Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) program is assessing the efficacy of a geoengineering strategy that involves spraying tiny sea salt particles into marine clouds. The method is also known as marine cloud seeding or marine cloud engineering. The goal is to make clouds brighter, reflecting a small amount of incoming sunlight back into space. This would help offset global warming caused by humans.

Notes:
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issued a recall of Indian Spice products due to ethylene oxide contamination. Ethylene oxide is a colorless, flammable gas with various industrial uses including as a pesticide and sterilizing agent. Prolonged exposure can cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system, and poses carcinogenic risks to humans.

Notes:
The “Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023 Report” by SIPRI, established in 1966, highlights global military spending. India ranked fourth in military spending at $83.6 billion after the US, China, and Russia. NATO states’ expenditure totaled $1341 billion, comprising 55% of global spending. The report attributes the record-high global military expenditure of $2443 billion to Russia’s Ukraine invasion and geopolitical tensions. SIPRI focuses on conflict research, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.

Notes:
India’s top male squash player, Saurav Ghosal, retired from professional squash after a 21-year career. Ghosal, who began in 2003, claimed 10 PSA titles and reached 18 finals. His last victory was in 2021 at the Malaysian Open. Ghosal, ranked world No. 10 in 2019, held the highest Indian ranking. He was the first Indian to attain junior World No. 1 in 2004 and the only to reach the top 10 in men’s singles.

Notes:
Prachi Yadav, Madhya Pradesh’s leading para canoer from Gwalior, secured two gold medals at the ACC Paracanoe Asian Championship 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. She triumphed in the Women’s KL2 and Women’s VL2 categories. Notably, Prachi was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2023 for her outstanding achievements in the sport.

Notes:
The Tamil Nadu government intends to denotify a significant portion of the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary. Situated along the Bay of Bengal between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Pulicat Lake is India’s second-largest brackish water lake, following Odisha’s Lake Chilika. Sriharikota Island acts as a barrier between the lagoon and the Bay of Bengal. Fed by the Kalangi and Arani rivers, the sanctuary hosts the largest gathering of flamingos.

Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its 2nd edition of global sodium benchmarks for various food categories, as part of its effort to curb sodium intake and combat chronic health issues like high blood pressure and obesity. These benchmarks serve as reference values to gauge progress in reducing sodium consumption. WHO advises adults to consume less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt) for better health outcomes.

Notes:
In April 2024, the Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC) unveiled its new logo and motto, “Yatra Itihasam Bhavishyaam Prasakshantah”. Chosen from 436 entries in an online competition, Shaurya Pratap Singh’s submission won. Established in 1919, IHRC is a pivotal advisory body on archival matters in India, overseeing record management and historical research. It operates under the Union Minister of Culture, serving as a nationwide platform for record creators, custodians, and users.

Notes:
In 2023, Indian service sector exports surged by 11.4% to $345 billion, while Chinese service exports fell by 10.1% to $381 billion, as per a UNCTAD report. India’s service imports slightly decreased by 0.4% to $248 billion. India ranks 7th globally in service exports, with the US leading. Additionally, India stood as the 9th largest service-importing country. The US and China hold top positions as service importers, according to UNCTAD.

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.