This is the current affairs of 20 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. India has exported the supersonic cruise missile ‘BrahMos’ to which country for the first time?
a. France
b. Germany
c. Philippines
d. Vietnam
Answer: c. Philippines
– This is the first time India has exported the BrahMos missile.
– India handed over the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines on April 19, 2024.
– The Philippines is the first foreign country to acquire BrahMos.
Philippines
Capital: Manila
President: Rodrigo Duterte
– In January 2022, India had struck a deal with the Philippines for the sale of BrahMos missiles worth $375 million (₹3130 crore).
– The exact number of missiles India provided to the Philippines is yet to be confirmed.
– The Indian Air Force delivered these missiles to the Philippine Marine Corps via C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
– BrahMos is the most advanced supersonic missile system developed jointly by India and Russia to date. It has positioned India as a leading nation in missile technology.
About BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
– The BrahMos is a short-range ramjet, supersonic cruise missile.
– These missiles have a speed of 2.8 to 3 Mach and a range of up to 350 kilometers. – One Mach equals the speed of sound, which is 332 meters per second. The speed of the missile delivered to the Philippines is 2.8 times the speed of sound.
– It is capable of hitting targets at a speed of 4321 kilometers per hour.
– This missile can be launched from land, sea, or air. This capability is called triad.
Only a few countries had the reliable triad capability.
– It can be launched from a submarine, a ship, an aircraft, or the ground.
– The BrahMos missile has been jointly developed by India and Russia.
– It was jointly developed by Russia’s NPO Mashinostroeyenia and India’s DRDO.
– Both countries signed an agreement on February 12, 1998, for its development. – Since then, the missile has been under development.
– The full name of BrahMos is “The Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia.”
– The name of this missile is based on the names of the respective rivers of India and Russia.
– Each system of BrahMos consists of two missile launchers, a radar, and a command and control center. Through this system, two BrahMos missiles can be fired at the enemy within 10 seconds from submarines, ships, or aircraft. Additionally, India will provide training to the Philippines on operating the missiles.
Why did the Philippines purchase BrahMos?
– The Philippines received the missile system at a time when tensions between it and China in the South China Sea had escalated.
– The Philippines will deploy the 3 BrahMos missile systems in coastal areas (South China Sea) to counter the threat from China.
– In fact, the Philippines has a maritime dispute with China.
– China asserts its authority over the South China Sea.
– It has built several artificial islands.
– Through these islands, it claims a much larger extent of the ‘Exclusive Economic Zone’ than other countries’ ‘Exclusive Economic Zones’.
– This has led to tensions between the countries bordering the South China Sea and China.
– In 2016, an international tribunal ruled against China. The tribunal stated that there was no evidence that China historically had any rights over this area. However, China refused to accept the ruling.
– In such a situation, many Asian countries, especially, need reliable weapons for their security.
– According to ‘The Hindu’ newspaper, the Philippines can deploy the BrahMos missile in its coastal areas.
– This missile will significantly enhance the strength of the Philippines’ military.
Why is the South China Sea important for India?
– 95% of India’s trade takes place through the sea.
– Approximately 55% of this trade passes through the South China Sea.
#What are the benefits for India?#
Foreign currency
– By selling BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, India will receive $374.96 million (approximately ₹3130 crore).
– Such purchases will also strengthen India’s economy.
– This deal will also showcase India’s military prowess globally.
Countering China’s influence
– By providing BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, India has supported the formation of an anti-China sentiment.
– This deal will strengthen relations between India and the Philippines and boost defense cooperation between the two countries.
Improving position among arms exporting countries
– Along with this, under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ (Self-reliant India Campaign), we are trying to reduce the import of military weapons.
– In the financial year 2022-23, India’s defense exports crossed ₹21,000 crore for the first time. India exports military hardware to 85 countries.
– India has exported Do-228 aircraft, 155 MM Advanced Towed Artillery Gun, Akash Missile System, radars, simulators, mine-protected vehicles, Pinaka rockets, thermal imagers, etc.
Other countries can also buy this missile
– India and Russia are also trying to sell the BrahMos missile to other countries.
– Indonesia and Vietnam have also shown interest in purchasing this missile.
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2. Which country vetoed the proposal to grant full membership to Palestine in the United Nations?
a. America
b. China
c. Russia
d. France
Answer: a. America
– The United States has vetoed the proposal to grant full membership to Palestine in the United Nations.
– Algeria had presented this proposal in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which was voted on April 18, 2024.
– However, after the veto by the United States, Palestine could not become a permanent member of the UN.
– In the 15-member Security Council (UNSC), 12 votes were cast in favor of Palestine.
– While Britain and Switzerland abstained from voting.
– It was believed that after the devastation in Gaza, the United States would not veto the proposal, but the United States did veto it.
– This was Palestine’s second attempt to obtain full membership in the UN.
– Prior to this, in 2011, there was also a voting in the UNSC regarding granting membership to Palestine, but at that time too, the United States vetoed the proposal.
America clarifies its veto decision
– Robert Wood, the representative of the United States in the UN, has stated that America also wants a two-state solution, but granting full membership to Palestine in the UN is not the appropriate approach.
– The correct way to grant separate status to Palestine is through direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
– We want a solution to be reached through direct negotiations between both parties.
Palestine says – We will not accept defeat
– Israel has praised America’s use of veto power.
– Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated, “A shameful proposal has been rejected; terrorism should not be rewarded.”
– Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has criticized America’s veto.
– Riyad Mansour, the ambassador of Palestine in the UN, said, “The proposal not passing will not weaken our resolve.”
About the Veto Power
– The UNSC has five permanent members. These include the United States, Russia, Britain, France, and China.
– They are the ones who possess the veto power.
– The Security Council cannot pass or implement any proposal without the consent of these five countries.
– If any one of the five members vetoes, the proposal is rejected.
Palestine as a Non-Member State
– Palestine has been recognized by more than 140 countries worldwide, but it still cannot become a full member of the United Nations.
– Whereas Israel was granted permanent membership in the UN as early as 1947.
– In 2012, Palestine was designated as a non-member observer state in the UN.
– These are the countries that can express their views in the UN but cannot vote.
– Besides Palestine, the Vatican City is also a non-member state.
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3. ‘Operation Meghdoot’ launched by the Indian Army to capture Siachen Glacier has completed 40 years, in which year was it started?
a. 1984
b. 1980
c. 1981
d. 1983
Answer: a. 1984
– On April 13, 2024, ‘Operation Meghdoot’ completed four decades, i.e., 40 years.
– In this operation, the Indian Army pushed Pakistan aside and seized control of the Siachen Glacier at an altitude of 15,632 feet on the Soltoro Ridge overlooking the Nubra Valley in the Karakoram Range.
– Although a ceasefire is in place, the operation is still ongoing today.
– Extreme weather is the biggest enemy on the glacier.
– In this operation, nearly 1,150 soldiers have lost their lives, most of whom were killed due to extreme weather conditions.
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4. The Supreme Court expanded the scope of which article of the Constitution to include ‘rights against adverse effects of climate change’?
a. Article 14
b. Article 21
c. Article 22
d. both a and b
Answer: d. Both a and b (Article 14 and Article 21)
– Article 14: Right to Equality
– Article 21: Right to Life
– The Supreme Court said on April 6, 2024, that it is protected by Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 21 (Right to Life).
– This decision came in a case related to the endangered Great Indian Bustard species (a bird).
What is the case of the Great Indian Bustard?
– This case came up on April 19, 2021, when the Supreme Court had ordered a ban on the establishment of overhead transmission lines in an area of approximately 99,000 square kilometers in Rajasthan.
– And there was consideration to convert overhead transmission lines into underground power lines.
– Why was this done: The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is an endangered species of bird. It is the state bird of Rajasthan.
– Typically, it is found in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
– Due to solar energy transmission lines, the lives of these birds have been affected.
– These birds have eyes on the sides of their heads.
– So they cannot see properly in front.
And they collide with the wires and die from the current.
– The Supreme Court expressed concern about the birds. And also said that people also need electricity supply because it affects economic development.
– Electricity supply is also necessary for equality.
– After this, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Power, and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy contacted the Supreme Court and demanded amendments in their directions.
– During another petition in March 2024, the Supreme Court made a remark that climate change is affecting constitutional rights.
What did the Supreme Court say in the comment or what was the decision?
– For this decision, a bench of three judges was formed in March 2024. Its chairman is Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.
– The Supreme Court said in a comment on April 6, 2024, that Article 48A of the Constitution provides that the state shall strive to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
– It is said in Article 51A (G) that it will be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
– Note: Article 48A is related to the directive principles of state policy. (It was not like a fundamental right.)
– The same problem exists in Article 51A (G).
– These articles were not legally enforceable, so they could not be brought before the Supreme Court for enforcement.
Was there any comprehensive law related to climate change concerns?
– The Supreme Court said that there is no comprehensive law in India for climate change concerns.
– “However, this does not mean that the people of India do not have rights against the adverse effects of climate change.”
– They have the right for sure.
How did the Supreme Court ensure this right?
– The Supreme Court ensured this right by expanding fundamental rights.
Fundamental rights are up to Part 3 (Articles 12 to 35) of the Constitution.
– Articles 14 and 21 have been expanded among them.
– Article 14: Right to Equality
– Article 21: Right to Life
How was the expansion of fundamental rights ensured?
– The expansion of fundamental rights was ensured by recognizing that the right to life cannot be felt without a clean environment.
– Under Article 21, the right to health is affected by factors such as air pollution, changes in vector-borne diseases, rising temperatures, drought, reduced food supply due to crop failure, and the impact of factors such as storms. Climate change is behind all of these causes.
– It means that if we deal effectively with climate change, we can better realize the right to health.
– However, marginalized communities are unable to cope with climate change or its impacts. [Right to Equality (Article 14)]
Now the understanding here is that some can cope with these impacts while others cannot.
– It means that equality is not evident here.
Therefore, both of these points or both articles expand.
About the Great Indian Bustard:
– The Great Indian Bustard or GIB is the state bird of Rajasthan.
– It is also considered India’s most critically endangered bird.
– It is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.
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5. What is the rank of Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, Delhi in the list of world’s busiest airports according to Airports Council International (ACI)?
a. 18th
b. 12th
c. 10th
d. 11th
Answer: c. 10th
– The Airport Council International (ACI) has released its rankings for the year 2023 regarding the world’s busiest airports.
– In this ranking, Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport is ranked 10th.
– IGI maintained its position among the top 10 busiest airports, handling over 72.2 million passengers in the year 2023.
Top 5 Busiest Airports:
– Atlanta in the United States holds the first position consecutively in terms of passenger numbers.
– In the year 2023, 104.7 million passengers traveled from here.
– Dubai Airport ranks second, where 87 million passengers traveled.
– Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in the United States holds the third position.
– London’s airport is in fourth place.
– Tokyo International Airport is in fifth place.
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6. Who was crowned Skytrax World Airport Awards 2024?
a. Seattle-Tacoma Airport
b. Singapore Changi Airport
c. Hamad International Airport
d. Dubai Airport
Answer: c. Hamad International Airport (Doha, Qatar)
– The list of the world’s best airports has been released.
– Hamad International Airport in Doha has been ranked first.
– Singapore’s Changi Airport secured the second position.
Top 5 Airports:
– Hamad, Doha
– Changi, Singapore
– Incheon, Seoul
– Haneda, Tokyo
– Narita, Tokyo
About Indian Airports:
– Only four Indian airports could make it to the top 100 list.
– Delhi Airport maintained its position at 36th place in the list.
– Meanwhile, Mumbai Airport slipped from the previous year’s 84th position to the 95th position.
– Bengaluru Airport jumped 10 ranks, moving from the 69th position last year to the 59th position.
– Hyderabad Airport climbed to the 61st position from the 65th position in 2023 among the best airports.
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7. Who won the ‘Best Airport Employee’ award in India and South Asia as per Skytrex report?
a. Mumbai
b. Hyderabad
c. Chennai
d. Bengaluru
Answer: b. Hyderabad
– GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited has won the ‘Best Airport Staff in India and South Asia 2024’ award by Skytrax.
– The announcement of this award was made at an event held on April 17, 2024, at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Frankfurt, Germany.
– Hyderabad Airport is ranked number one among airports in India and South Asia.
– This award is based on the results of audits and evaluations.
– It includes the combined quality of staff services provided at airports in terms of frontline positions (courtesy, friendliness, efficiency).
Who provides it?
– Skytrax is a global airline rating organization that has been evaluating airports and airlines worldwide since 1989. – It provides ratings from 1 to 5 stars based on assessment.
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8. When is National Civil Services Day celebrated?
a. 23 April
b. 22 April
c. 21 April
d. 20 April
Answer: c. 21 April
– This day is dedicated to public servants who work for the progress of the country.
– In fact, on this day, April 21, 1947, India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel addressed newly appointed and organized administrative service officers.
– Sardar Patel’s speech was held in New Delhi, during which he referred to civil servants as the “steel frame of India.”
– This means that civil servants working at various levels of government serve as the supporting pillars of the country’s administrative system.
– Prior to this, during British rule, civil services were known as the Indian Civil Service, which was later changed to the All India Services.
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9. In which city was the 16th World Future Energy Summit held?
a. Tel Aviv (Israel)
b. Abu Dhabi (UAE)
c. Goa (India)
d. New York (USA)
Answer: b. Abu Dhabi (UAE)
– Date of Event: April 16-18, 2024
– The aim of the Summit is to promote discussions on major issues such as global climate action, renewable energy, energy security, and sustainable development.
UAE
– Capital: Abu Dhabi
– President: Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
– Prime Minister: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
– Currency: UAE Dirham
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10. In which state Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated in April 2024?
a. Kerala
b. Bihar
c. Rajasthan
d. Odisha
Answer: a. Kerala (Idukki)
– Dr. Satheesh Reddy, the Chairman of DRDO, inaugurated it in Idukki, Kerala.
Its establishment was initiated by DRDO’s Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory in collaboration with the establishment of Space.
– This facility serves as a center for testing and evaluation of sonar systems used by the Indian Navy on various vessels, including ships, submarines, and helicopters.
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