Current Affairs Quiz April 2024

B [Andhra Pradesh]

Notes:

Kuchipudi, an Indian classical dance originating from Andhra Pradesh, faces a survival crisis due to dwindling patronage. Historically, it evolved from itinerant actors into a refined form under Siddhendra Yogi in the 15th century. It’s known for intricate footwork, graceful movements, and storytelling. Performers must master Sanskrit, Telugu, music, and manuscripts. Kuchipudi is deeply rooted in Vaishnavism, often depicting stories of Krishna, and features unique elements like Tarangam, performed on a brass plate to Carnatic beats.

C [Nat Sciver-Brunt]

Notes:

Nat Sciver-Brunt, the first England woman honoured as Wisden’s top cricketer, topped Joe Wisden’s awards. Harry Brook and Mark Wood also named among Wisden’s five cricketers of the year. Sciver-Brunt nominated for stellar 2023 form, reclaiming top spot in women’s cricket.

[B] Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

Notes:

In 2023, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport secured a spot among the world’s top 10 busiest airports, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport leading the list. Ranked tenth, Delhi’s airport saw significant traffic, amidst a global total passenger forecast nearing 8.5 billion. This marks a notable recovery of 93.8% from pre-pandemic levels, highlighting resurgence in air travel post-COVID-19. The list was released by the Airports Council International (ACI), reflecting a promising trend in global aviation.

[B] New Zealand and the Cook Islands

Notes:

New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a treaty recognizing whales as legal persons, following New Zealand’s declaration of the Whanganui River as a legal entity. Legal persons, whether human or non-human entities, possess rights akin to individuals, including the ability to sue, be sued, own property, and enter contracts. This marks a significant step in environmental and legal spheres, acknowledging the intrinsic value of non-human life forms and natural entities.

[A] RBI

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.

[D] Tamil Nadu

Notes:

The Noyyal River in Tamil Nadu originates from the Velliangiri hills, flowing through Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Karur, and Erode districts before joining the Cauvery River. It faces pollution and choking due to plastics and sewage. Historical relics from Chalukya and Chola periods line its banks. Restoration efforts, aided by the Central Government’s National River Restoration Fund, managed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

[A] Indian Air Force

Notes:

Squadron Leader Dalip Singh Majithia, the oldest living pilot of the Indian Air Force, passed away at 103 on his Uttarakhand farm. His cremation is scheduled for Tuesday at his farm in Rudrapur. Born July 27, 1920, in Shimla, he joined the IAF volunteer reserve in 1940 during World War II, inspired by his uncle Surjeet Singh Majithia. His daughter Kiran confirmed the news, mentioning the bhog ceremony to be held in New Delhi.

[B] Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi

Notes:

Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM, presently Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, appointed next Chief of the Naval Staff from April 30, 2024. Born May 15, 1964, commissioned in 1985, specializes in Communication and Electronic Warfare. With 39 years of service, he served as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Admiral R Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, the current Chief, retires on April 30, 2024.

[C] Tamil Nadu

Notes:

Tamil Nadu is the top state for electronic exports in India for the financial year 2023-24, with a record-breaking $9.56 billion in exports. This accounts for 30% of all electronic goods exports from India in the year 2024. Tamil Nadu exports a variety of electronic goods, including hardware, leather goods, textiles, and automobiles.

[D] University of Washington

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.