Current Affairs Quiz April 2024

[D] Mumbai

Notes:

Mumbai, India, is the first city in India to install 210 artificial reefs, which are being built in the Arabian Sea near Worli Koliwada. The RPG Foundation (RPGF) has funded the initiative, which is part of its Project Nature marine conservation initiative. The reefs are made from recycled cement and cost Rs 62 lakh to install. The reefs are a significant milestone in marine conservation. They will provide a steady supply of commercial fish and benefit local fishermen.

[B] United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)

Notes:

The “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2024,” released by UNESCAP, is a flagship publication providing insights into the region’s economic trends. Established in 1947, UNESCAP serves as a platform for governments to address socio-economic issues and foster regional cooperation. With 53 member states and 9 associate members, including India, it highlights India’s robust economic growth in 2023, driven by domestic consumption and infrastructure investments, amid limited external exposure.

[A] Lakshadweep

Notes:

The two-day coastal security exercise, “Sagar Kavach”, was recently held in the Lakshadweep Islands in April 2024. The exercise involved maritime security agencies, including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Fisheries, and Customs.

[A] Delhi

Notes:

Delhi’s ancient Satpula dam, built in the 14th century during Sultan Muhammad Shah Tughlaq’s reign, remains intact. Constructed with Delhi quartz, it formed a crucial part of Jahanpanah’s defense wall, serving dual roles of irrigation and protection. Believed to possess healing properties due to its proximity to Sufi saint Chirag Dehlavi’s residence, it was a site for Diwali celebrations and pilgrimages. Satpula, meaning ‘seven bridges,’ symbolizes resilience and heritage in Delhi’s history.

[C] Rajasthan

Notes:

Gangaur, a significant festival in Rajasthan, honors the union of Lord Shiva (Gan) and Goddess Parvati (Gauri), symbolizing marital bliss. Celebrated in Chaitra (March-April), it signifies the onset of spring. Women worship clay idols of Gan and Gauri, seeking blessings for marital happiness or their husbands’ well-being. Unmarried girls pray for suitable spouses, while married women wish for their husbands’ health and longevity.

[A] INS Sharda

Notes:

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, honored INS Sharda at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, with an ‘On the Spot Unit Citation’ for its successful anti-piracy efforts. The ship played a crucial role in rescuing 19 crew members of the Iranian fishing vessel Omari from Somali pirates. Utilizing surveillance data, INS Sharda covertly tracked the vessel, launching a helo and Prahar team at dawn, compelling the pirates to release the crew. This operation exemplifies Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime security.

[A] Ukraine

Notes:

Amidst ongoing conflict, Russia and Ukraine exchange accusations of launching kamikaze drones targeting Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Captured early in the war, the plant’s reactors are gradually being shut down despite intermittent attempts to reconnect to the Russian energy grid. Situated near Enerhodar in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine, the plant’s six power units utilize VVER reactors. The proximity to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster site adds gravity to potential risks.

[A] Hurun Research Institute

Notes:

Hurun Research Institute’s “Global Unicorn Index 2024” ranks startups founded in the 2000s. India, with 67 unicorns in 2023 (down from 68 in 2022), ranks third globally. The USA leads with 703, followed by China with 340. India lacks unicorns in Aerospace/SpaceTech. Unicorns are privately held, venture-capital backed startups valued at $1 billion. Factors behind India’s unicorn decline include a startup ecosystem slowdown and unsustainable growth. India’s initiatives include the Fund of Funds for Startups Scheme and tax exemptions for startups since April 2016.

[D] New Delhi

Notes:

On April 10, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu of India inaugurated a two-day Homoeopathy Symposium in New Delhi, organized by CCRH, to commemorate World Homoeopathy Day. She emphasized Homoeopathy’s global acceptance as a simple and accessible treatment. President Murmu lauded the Ministry of AYUSH and government bodies like CCRH, National Commission for Homoeopathy, and National Institute of Homoeopathy for their pivotal roles in promoting Homoeopathy in India.

[A] Jayaraj Shanmugam

Notes:

Air India appoints Jayaraj Shanmugam, a 25-year industry veteran, as Head of Global Airport Operations amid its Vihaan.AI transformation program. Shanmugam, renowned for his expertise from Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Jet Airways, aims to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. The airline’s recent restructuring, including layoffs and employee evaluations, aligns with Tata Group’s vision for increased effectiveness and organizational adaptability. Expectations are high for Shanmugam to drive significant improvements in Air India’s operations.