Daily Current Affairs MCQs : 24 April 2024 - Bank Exams MCQ

Over 40 years, ISRO’s satellite imagery reveals a 178% expansion of the Gepang Gath glacial lake in Himachal Pradesh, growing from 36.49 to 101.30 hectares by 2022. ISRO warns of a 1.96-hectare yearly increase, signaling heightened risk. Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) threaten downstream communities, triggered by natural dam failures due to factors like avalanches and extreme weather. Recent GLOFs in Sikkim caused severe flooding, damaging infrastructure and raising concerns over future events.

India, at the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona, proposed a region-specific ocean observation center for deep-sea ecosystem understanding. Led by Earth Sciences Secretary M. Ravichandran, the delegation emphasized better forecasting. The conference, from April 10 to 12, aimed to assess progress toward UN Decade of Ocean Science goals (2021-2030). Spain, with UNESCO, hosted the event under the theme “Delivering the science we need for the ocean we want.”

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) achieved captive breeding of the high-value marine fish, golden trevally. This breakthrough will enhance sustainable seafood production and boost India’s mariculture activities. Golden trevally, a reef-associated species, cohabits with larger fishes like skates and groupers. It’s utilized for consumption and ornamental purposes. CMFRI, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, monitors and assesses marine fisheries resources within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Established in 1967, CMFRI is part of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

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.

Recently discovered in India, the rare butterfly Neptis philyra was found in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tale Valley wildlife sanctuary. Known as the long-streak sailor, it boasts serrated wings with rich brownish-black above and yellow-brown below. Native to East Asia, it frequents evergreen forests, riverine vegetation, and rocky streams. Its habitat spans eastern Siberia, Korea, Japan, central, and southwest China. This marks the first sighting of the species in India.

Ahead of the interim Budget 2024, exporters are urging the government to allocate $3.88 billion for the Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme. MAI is an export promotion initiative aimed at catalyzing sustained growth in India’s exports. The scheme focuses on specific products and countries, supporting activities like marketing projects abroad, capacity building, statutory compliances, and more. Eligible entities include government departments, trade promotion organizations, exporters, research institutions, and others. Funding is on a cost-sharing basis, administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Champion trap shooter Preeti Rajak made history as the first woman subedar in the Army, promoted from havildar. This marks a significant milestone as the Army recently opened soldier ranks to women in the Corps of Military Police (CMP). Subedar Rajak, a meritorious sportswoman in shooting, joined the Army in 2022 based on her trap shooting prowess. Currently, the CMP is the only Army branch with enlisted women, offering opportunities for aspiring female Agniveers.

The new Mahindra Armado, India’s first Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV), debuted at the Republic Day Parade. Designed and built by Mahindra Defence Systems, it’s intended for the Indian armed forces in counter-terrorism, Special Forces, reconnaissance, and border patrolling. With a seating capacity of six (expandable to eight), it boasts a 1,000 kg load capacity, B7-level ballistic protection, and a 3.2-liter diesel engine generating 216 hp. Armado accelerates from 0 to 60 kmph in 12 seconds, reaching speeds exceeding 120 kmph, equipped with self-cleaning exhaust and air filtration for extreme climates.

All India Presiding officers’ conference concludes in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 84th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, emphasizing the ‘One Nation, One Legislative Platform’ through e-Vidhan and Digital Sansad. He commended the government’s removal of 2,000 outdated laws over the past decade. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, inaugurating the conference, expressed concerns about indiscipline in legislatures. The All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, celebrating its centenary in 2021, plays a crucial role in shaping legislative governance in India.

Four new emperor penguin colonies were recently discovered in Antarctica through satellite imagery. The Emperor Penguin, Aptenodytes forsteri, is the largest penguin species, inhabiting the Antarctic continent and sub-Antarctic islands. During breeding months (April to November), colonies are found between 66° and 78° south latitude along the Antarctic coastline. These ice-adapted birds have distinct black and white coloring with orange and yellow accents, measure around 120 cm, and weigh approximately 40 kg. They exhibit unique behaviors like huddling for warmth and are capable of diving to depths of 550 meters. Conservation status: Near Threatened.