This is the current affairs of 17 & 18 April 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Due to what reason did the rainfall equivalent to the entire year’s precipitation occur in just 12 hours in UAE and Oman, and how did it affect other countries as floods?
a. unusual weather caused by climate change
b. El Nino
c. La Nina
d. Cloud Seeding
Answer: a. unusual weather caused by climate change
– In April 2024, there was unusual rainfall in the desert regions of UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
– Especially in UAE, there was the most rainfall.
– Rainfall started here from the night of April 15. Until the evening of April 16, more than 120 millimeters (4.75 inches) of water fell here. This much rain is unusual in UAE throughout the year.
– Cities like Abu Dhabi and Al Ain in UAE also faced flood-like situations due to heavy rainfall.
– Conditions are also deteriorating in Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia due to heavy rainfall.
– Due to heavy rain in Oman, 18 people have died.
Traffic had to be stopped at Dubai International Airport
– Due to the rain, aircraft operations have been halted at the world’s busiest Dubai International Airport.
– A spokesperson for Dubai Airport told Gulf News that 45 flights have been canceled. 3 flights have been diverted to other airports.
– Offices and schools have been closed in many cities. People have been advised to work from home.
Reasons for Weather Changes in Gulf Countries
– A major reason for weather changes in Gulf countries is the formation of low-pressure systems from the southwest. – This has led to increased humidity in the surrounding areas and heavy rainfall accompanied by storms.
– Experts have linked normal weather patterns to climate change, suggesting that extreme storms will become even more common in the future as the planet continues to warm.
– With each 1°C increase in average temperature, the atmosphere can hold approximately 7% more moisture. This can lead to more precipitation and heavy rainfall, sometimes in shorter periods and smaller areas.
– India has also experienced unusual rainfall in many parts of the country in 2023. Climate change is being attributed as a cause for this as well.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
– One of the world’s largest oil producers, the UAE, hosted the COP28 Climate Change Conference last year.
Why Arab countries couldn’t handle floods
– Like other Arab countries, the United Arab Emirates is hot and arid.
– In such conditions, rainfall is scarce, and there is no basic infrastructure to deal with such unusual rainfall.
– It is believed that due to anthropogenic climate change, events of such torrential rainfall will occur more frequently.
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2. How much more than normal rainfall has the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted in the monsoon season?
a. 90%
b. 100%
c. 106%
d. 108%
Answer: c. 106% (meaning 87 centimeters of rainfall)
– This year, there is an expectation for the monsoon to be up to 106%, which is higher than normal.
– The Long Period Average (LPA) for the four-month rainfall season is 868.6 millimeters (86.86 centimeters). This means that this much rainfall is expected during the monsoon season.
– According to the IMD, the monsoon rainfall was slightly below normal at 94% last year in 2023.
Prediction of monsoon season in advance
– For the first time in a decade, IMD has predicted “above normal” rainfall nearly 45 days in advance from the start of the four-month monsoon season, in the first phase.
– IMD provided this estimation on April 15, 2024.
Rainfall in the Past Five Years
Year – IMD Estimate – Skymet Estimate – Actual Rainfall
2023 – 96% – 94% – 94%
2022 – 100% – 98% – 106%
2021 – 98% – 94% – 99%
2020 – 109% – 110% – 100%
2019 – 110% – 93% – 100%
India Meteorological Department (IMD)
– Chief: Mrutyunjay Mohapatra
– Headquarters: New Delhi
– Establishment: January 15, 1875
Monsoon Meter according to IMD
– If the monsoon rainfall is below 90%, it is considered a significant deficiency.
– Rainfall between 90% and 95% is considered below normal.
– If rainfall ranges from 96% to 104%, it is considered normal.
– Rainfall between 104% and 110% is considered above normal.
– If rainfall exceeds 110%, it is considered excessive.
Impact of El Niño
– The Director General of the IMD, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, stated that this year, the El Niño phenomenon has not completely dissipated yet.
– However, it is expected to end by June, followed by the likelihood of La Niña intensifying.
– There is an anticipation of a transition from El Niño to La Niña effects during August to September, which could result in above-normal rainfall in the country.
La Niña
– The terms El Niño and La Niña refer to changes in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.
– The region above the equator between 140 to 120 degrees in the Pacific Ocean is called the Niño-3.4 region.
– During La Niña years, cooler surface temperatures in the oceans absorb more heat from the environment.
– As a result, the air temperature decreases, leading to a cooling effect.
– When sea surface temperatures in this region are below normal, this process is called La Niña.
– The occurrence of La Niña events typically happens near the equator in the Pacific Ocean, but its effects are felt across large parts of the world.
– In contrast, there is another weather phenomenon known as El Niño, which leads to warmer temperatures.
– It is due to La Niña that the likelihood of heavy rainfall and cold weather increases in India.
Is Good Rainfall Beneficial for the Economy?
– 70% of the country’s rainfall occurs due to the southwest monsoon.
– The agricultural sector contributes 14% to India’s total GDP.
– From this estimate, one can gauge how crucial good rainfall is for the country’s economy.
Path of Monsoon in India
– The monsoon arrives in India through the Kerala route at the beginning of June.
– After four months of rainfall, it retreats via the Rajasthan route by the end of September.
#Impact of Rainfall in States#
States with Above-average Rainfall
– Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu.
States with Below-average Rainfall
– Odisha, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
States with Normal Rainfall
– Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Impact of Less Rainfall on Crops:
– Insufficient rainfall can have a negative impact on crop growth and yield.
– Drought conditions can arise due to less rainfall.
– Drought conditions can lead to a lack of moisture in crops.
– This can cause plants to wither and result in reduced crop yield.
Impact of Excessive Rainfall on Crops:
– Rainfall is crucial for the growth and development of crops because excessive rainfall produces moisture for the crops, which is beneficial. Such rainfall is considered favorable for crops and plants.
– However, excessive rainfall can also be detrimental to crops.
– Excessive rainfall can lead to soil erosion and waterlogging, increasing the risk of diseases in plants.
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3. When is World Hemophilia Day observed?
a. 19 April
b. 18 April
c. 17 April
d. 16 April
Answer: c. 17 April
Theme 2024
– Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders
– The purpose of observing this day is to raise awareness among people about this dangerous issue.
– Often, when we get injured, blood starts to flow from our body.
– After a while, the blood clot forms at the site where the blood flowed.
– This is because excessive bleeding is prevented, essential factors for clotting are present in our platelets.
– When there is a deficiency of certain proteins in the body, blood clotting does not occur, this condition is called hemophilia.
– In honor of the founder of the World Federation of Hemophilia, Frank Schnabel, this day is celebrated.
– World Federation of Hemophilia
– Established: 1963
– Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
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4. Indian Army has successfully field tested indigenously developed Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) weapon system, developed by?
a. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
b. DRDO
c. Bharat Electronics Limited
d. Skyroot Aerospace
Answer: b. DRDO
MPATGM : Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile
– On April 13, 2024, the Indian Army successfully conducted a warhead flight test at the Pokhran Field Firing Range.
– This system included MPATGM, launcher, target acquisition system, and Agni control unit.
– According to The Hindu newspaper, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh described it as a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in advanced technology-based defense systems.
MPATGM
– It is a lightweight, long-range missile.
– It has two sets of four radial wings.
– The ones in the middle are larger, while those at the ends are smaller.
– It is equipped with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shaped charge warhead.
– It is integrated with a fire extinguishing system along with target acquisition.
– It weighs 14.5 kg, with the Command Launch Unit (CLU) weighing 14.25 kg.
– It incorporates a laser designator with digital all-weather visibility.
– The minimum range is 200 to 300 meters, and the maximum range is 4 km.
– This weapon system is well-equipped for operation in both day and night.
– It has been designed and developed by DRDO.
– It was designed in 2015 and unveiled in 2018.
DRDO
– The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is the primary agency under the Defense Research and Development Department of the Indian government’s Ministry of Defense.
– Establishment: 1958
– Headquarters: New Delhi
– Chairman: Samir V Kamat
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5. Which Jain spiritual leader and Jain Acharya Muni of India was honored with the US President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award?
a. Acharya Lokesh Muni
b. Acharya Jinchand
c. Acharya Vimalsagar
d. Acharya Devanand ji
Answer: a. Acharya Lokesh Muni
– He is the founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati and the World Peace Center.
– He was awarded the Gold Volunteer Service Award on April 9, 2024, at Capitol Hill in Washington.
– American Congressman Brad Sherman read out the certificate and commendation letter issued by President Joe Biden.
– This award recognizes the contributions of Acharya Lokesh Muni to public welfare and humanity.
– Acharya Lokesh Muni is a follower of Jainism established by Lord Mahavir.
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6. Padmashree winner KG Jayan passed away on 16 April 2024, who was he?
a. Comedian and Musician
b. Musician and Singer
c. Actor and Politician
d. Journalist and businessman
Answer: b. Musician and Singer
About KG Jayan
– was an Indian Carnatic musician and singer.
– His birth: 21 November 1934
– Death: 16 April 2024
– He was ill for a long time.
– He was 89 years old. He was from Kerala.
– He received Padmashree in the year 2019.
– Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in the year 1991
Carnatic Music
– Carnatic music, also known as Karnatic music or Karnatak Sangitam, is a form of South Indian classical music.
– It is typically associated with the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
– It is one of the classical music traditions of India.
(Jaya-Vijaya Duo)
– K.J. Jayan and his late brother K.J. Vijayan were known as the ‘Jaya-Vijaya’ duo in the world of music.
– Together, they gave life to more than 1,000 compositions in films, dramas, and devotional albums.
– Vijayan passed away in 1988.
After that, Jayan continued his musical journey through devotional songs and Carnatic music programs.
Some Important Films with Music Contributions
– Bhoomiyile Malakhamaar, Dharmasastha, Nirakudam, Sneham, Theruvugitham, Padhapooja, Shanmughapriya, and Pappathi, among others.
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7. Where has the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise Dustlik started in April 2024?
a. Nukus, Uzbekistan
b. Visakhapatnam, India
c. Termez, Uzbekistan
d. Rajasthan, India
Answer: c. Termez, Uzbekistan
Dustlik Military Exercise
– Dates: April 15 to April 28, 2024
– Location: Termiz, Uzbekistan
– Edition: Fifth
– Previous: Fourth (Year 2023)
– This exercise is an annual event.
– It is alternatively hosted in India and
Uzbekistan.
Note: The Indian contingent of 60 personnel is being represented by 45 personnel from the Indian Army.
Objective
– The objective of the Dustlik exercise is to enhance military cooperation and increase joint capabilities for conducting joint campaigns in mountainous and semi-urban areas.
– It will focus on high-level physical fitness, joint planning, joint military exercises, and basic weapon skills.
Uzbekistan
– Capital: Tashkent
– President: Shavkat Mirziyoyev
– Prime Minister: Abdulla Aripov
– Currency: Uzbek som
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8. Who became the Managing Director (MD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the second time?
a. Sonia Bajaj
b. Kristalina Georgieva
c. Rauna Mehta
d. Nidhi Razdan
Answer: b. Kristalina Georgieva
– Kristalina Georgieva will assume office from October 1, 2024.
– She has been reappointed as the Managing Director of the IMF for a term of five years.
– Kristalina Georgieva, hailing from Bulgaria, has served as the Managing Director of the IMF since 2019.
– She has previously worked as the Chief Executive Officer of the World Bank and as the Interim President of the World Bank Group.
– She has also worked as the European Commission’s International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid, and Crisis Response Commissioner.
About the IMF
– The International Monetary Fund (IMF) provides financial assistance to member countries facing economic crises, monitors the economies of member countries, and provides technical assistance and training to implement strong economic policies.
– The IMF’s headquarters are located in Washington D.C., United States.
– Currently, it has 190 member countries.
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9. India and which country signed a protocol to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), made public in April 2024?
a. Sri Lanka
b. Mauritius
c. Myanmar
d. Nepal
Answer: b. Mauritius
DTAA : Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
– As per The Indian Express, the amended protocol was signed on March 7, 2024, and it has now been made public in April 2024.
– It includes a provision to determine whether a foreign investor is eligible to claim treaty benefits or not.
Addition of a new paragraph in the rules:
– According to The Indian Express, tax experts have stated that a new paragraph ’27B Benefit Entitlement’ has been added to the protocol.
– The agreement includes a Principal Purpose Test (PPT).
– The aim is to ensure that tax avoidance is minimized by ensuring that treaty benefits are granted only for transactions with genuine purposes.
Under which framework
– Nangia Anderson India Chairman Rakesh Nangia said that the amendment is India’s step against misuse of the treaty.
– It represents India’s step to engage with global efforts.
– Especially under the BEPS Action 6 framework.
– However, things remain unclear regarding the use of PPT for old investments.
– Clear guidance is needed from CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) in this matter.
Some concerns raised on DTAA
– According to the Income Tax Department of India, some concerns have been raised over the recently amended India-Mauritius DTAA.
– In this context, it is clarified that these concerns are being raised prematurely.
– Because the guidelines have not yet been approved and notified under Section 90 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
– When the protocol is operational, questions, if any, will be addressed as necessary.
Several years ago, signatures were put on a tax treaty.
– In the year 2016, India and Mauritius signed an amended agreement.
– This granted India the right to levy capital gains tax on shares in Indian companies through the medium of a DTA (Double Taxation Avoidance) treaty starting from April 1, 2017.
What are the current military relations between India and Mauritius?
– India and Mauritius have engaged in close cooperation on maritime security and other aspects.
– Indian defense officials are appointed to Mauritius defense forces.
– A document from the Ministry of External Affairs mentions an Indian Navy officer as the head of the Mauritius National Coast Guard.
– An Indian Air Force officer commands the Police Helicopter Squadron.
– An Indian Navy officer heads the Mauritius Hydrographic Services.
– Around 20 officers from Indian defense forces are deployed on assignment in Mauritius.
– India and Mauritius have long-standing relations that are deeply rooted at historical, cultural, and economic levels.
Mauritius:
– President: Prithvirajsing Roopun
– Prime Minister: Pravind Jugnauth
– Capital: Port Louis
– Currency: Mauritian Rupee
– Continent: Indian Ocean
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10. Name the first Indian batsman to complete 500 sixes in T20 cricket?
a. Virat Kohli
b. Rohit Sharma
c. MS Dhoni
d. Suryakumar Yadav
Answer: b. Rohit Sharma
– He made this record on April 14, 2024, at Wankhede Stadium against Chennai Super Kings.
– He is a batsman for the Mumbai Indians team in the IPL.
– Currently, IPL 2024 is ongoing, and it is in this tournament that Rohit achieved this milestone.
Most sixes in T20 cricket:
– Chris Gayle: 1056
– Kieron Pollard: 860
– Andre Russell: 678
– Colin Munro: 548
– Rohit Sharma: 500*
Rohit Sharma:
– He is an Indian international cricketer who currently plays for the Indian national cricket team in all formats.
– He is a right-handed batsman.
– He holds several significant records in cricket.
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