In Current Affairs for 20 April 2024, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 20 April 2024
UN Membership For Palestine
- United States has blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine.
- In the 15-member Security Council, twelve members voted in favor of the resolution while two countries – the UK and Switzerland – abstained.
- The US vetoed it. US allies France, Japan and South Korea supported the resolution.
- US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood told the Security Council that the veto does not reflect opposition to Palestinian statehood but instead is an acknowledgement that it will only come from direct negotiations between the parties.
- Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, criticized the US veto, saying in a statement that it was unfair, immoral, and unjustified, and defies the will of the international community.
- The resolution would have recommended that the 193-member UN General Assembly, where there are no vetoes, approve Palestine becoming the 194th member of the United Nations.
- Some 140 countries have already recognized Palestine, so its admission would have been approved, likely by a much higher number of countries.
Miss AI: The World’s First Beauty Pageant
- World is set to witness the first-ever beauty pageant exclusively for AI-generated models and influencers.
- Dubbed “Miss AI,” this unique contest will pit these virtual creations against each other, judging them on their online presence, aesthetics, and the technical prowess behind their creation.
- The victor of this pioneering event will be crowned with a staggering $20,000 prize money, solidifying Miss AI’s status as the world’s first AI beauty pageant.
- The AI-generated influencers will be evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria that goes beyond mere physical appearance. Their engagement numbers with fans, rate of audience growth, and utilization of platforms will be meticulously assessed, ensuring that the social clout of these virtual contestants is given due consideration.
- Adding to the excitement, the Miss AI pageant will be judged by a panel of four esteemed individuals, including two AI influencers themselves – Aitana Lopez and Emily Pellegrini, boasting a combined following of over 550,000 on Instagram.
- The human judges, Andrew Bloch, an entrepreneur and PR adviser, and Sally-Ann Fawcett, a renowned beauty pageant historian and author, will provide their expertise and insights to this groundbreaking event.
- The first prize of $5,000 cash, along with Fanvue promotion and PR support, await the crowned Miss AI winner (or the creator behind the AI influencer). The runner-up and third-place winners will also receive cash prizes, further incentivizing the creation of these virtual influencers.
GI Tag
- GI Registry Office based in Chennai announced that the Tiranga Barfi of Varanasi and the Dhalua Murti Metal Casting Craft have been included in the prestigious GI category.
- Total number of GI products from the state has reached an impressive 75, comprising 58 handicrafts and 17 agricultural and food products.
- This remarkable achievement sets a new record for the highest number of GI tags associated with a particular state in India.
- Steeped in the rich history of India’s independence movement, the Tiranga Barfi holds a special place in the hearts of Varanasi’s residents. During the struggle for freedom, this tricolored sweetmeat was ingeniously crafted to facilitate secret meetings and information exchange among revolutionaries.
- The saffron hue is derived from saffron, the green color comes from pistachio, and the white shade is created using khoya and cashew nuts.
- The Dhalua Murti Metal Casting Craft, originating from the Kashipura locality of Varanasi, has gained national recognition for its intricate and exquisite metal idols.
- The craftsmen in this region have mastered the art of casting idols of deities such as Maa Annapurna, Lakshmi-Ganesh, Durgaji, and Hanumanji, along with various instruments, bells, thrones, and seals for minting coins.
UNFPA Report
- United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) latest report, titled “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,” sheds light on India’s population dynamics and the persistent disparities in sexual and reproductive health.
- India leads globally with an estimated population of 144.17 crore, surpassing China. The report reveals that India’s population is expected to double in 77 years.
- Notably, 24% of India’s population falls in the 0-14 age bracket, indicating a significant youth demographic.
- While maternal deaths have decreased, accounting for 8% of global fatalities, India still faces stark inequities in maternal health. Despite improved access to maternal health services, disparities persist, with certain districts experiencing alarmingly high maternal mortality ratios.
- The report highlights ongoing gender-based disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Vulnerable groups such as women with disabilities, migrants, ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and disadvantaged castes face heightened risks and barriers to sexual and reproductive health services.
World Future Energy Summit
- 16th World Future Energy Summit has commenced in Abu Dhabi, drawing together global leaders, policymakers, and experts in sustainable energy and climate initiatives.
- The summit aims to foster dialogue on key issues like global climate action, renewable energy, energy security, and sustainable development.
- Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators, emphasized the critical need for substantial financial investments to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- She highlighted the role of blended finance and stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, emphasized the urgency of increasing renewable energy capacity to at least 11 terawatts by 2030.
- Organized by Masdar, the state-owned Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, the summit serves as a platform for global leaders in sustainable energy and climate initiatives to exchange knowledge, ideas, and solutions.
- Leen Alsebai, the head of the summit, highlighted the event’s role in fostering actionable climate strategies through collaboration, innovation, and investment.
- The World Future Energy Summit is a crucial event that drives intellectual and corporate development in the energy sector.
- It serves as a platform for professionals to share knowledge, learn about the latest advancements, and promote evolution in energy-related industries..
Takshvi Vaghani
- India’s young skating sensation, Takshvi Vaghani, has etched her name in the record books by setting a new world record for the lowest limbo skating over 25 metres.
- On April 18, 2024, the 6-year-old prodigy from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, defied the boundaries of human agility, gliding across the 25-meter distance at a mere 16 cm (6.29 in) above the ground.
- With her lithe movements and impeccable balance, she surpassed the previous world record held by Manasvi Vishal from Pune, who had skated the same distance at a height of 16.5 centimeters.
- At the tender age of 6, Takshvi Vaghani has already etched her name in the annals of sporting history, inspiring countless aspiring athletes around the globe.
- Her accomplishment serves as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to greatness, and with dedication and passion, even the most seemingly insurmountable challenges can be conquered.
India’s Indigenous Bullet Train
- Country is gearing up to launch an indigenous bullet train capable of reaching speeds exceeding 250 kilometres per hour (km/h).
- This groundbreaking initiative is set to revolutionize high-speed rail travel in India, showcasing the nation’s engineering prowess and commitment to cutting-edge technology.
- The Vande Bharat trains, manufactured by the Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, are at the forefront of this ambitious project.
- These state-of-the-art trains are designed to operate on the recently announced north, south, and east corridors, reaching a top speed of 220 kmph – faster than any existing train on the Indian Railways network.
- National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), responsible for executing India’s first bullet train project, has made remarkable progress.
- It has already completed 300 kilometres of pier work, laying the foundation for the country’s journey into high-speed rail excellence.
- Additionally, the extensive land acquisition process for the entire 508-kilometre route was successfully completed in January, paving the way for seamless implementation.
- The Vande Bharat trains are a testament to India’s indigenous engineering capabilities, seamlessly fusing Indian technology with domestic manufacturing.
- The upcoming bullet train under development is based on the Vande Bharat platform, boasting an impressive acceleration from zero to 100 kmph in just 52 seconds – outpacing existing bullet trains, which typically achieve this feat in 54 seconds.
- While India is currently leveraging Japanese technology for the bullet trains that will operate on the Ahmedabad to Mumbai line, the Vande Bharat trains will incorporate more Indian technology and domestic manufacturing. This strategic approach not only fosters self-reliance but also paves the way for the development of a new corridor complementing the existing western corridor, created with Japanese assistance.
- The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is providing a soft loan of approximately Rs. 40,000 crore for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project, which has a total project cost of more than Rs. 1.08 lakh crore.
- This collaboration underscores India’s commitment to achieving high-speed rail excellence through strategic partnerships and knowledge sharing.
Current Affairs 20 April Question
- Report, Titled “Interwoven Lives, Threads Of Hope Released By
A. WHO
B. UNFPA
C. UNICEF
D. WTO
ANSWER: B - Takshvi Vaghani Seen In News Relates To
A. Skating
B. Badminton
C. Tennis
D. cricket
ANSWER: A - India’s Indigenous Bullet Train Project Will receive Loan From
A. JICA
B. IMF
C. World Bank
D. RBI
ANSWER: A - What Is The Theme Of ‘World Heritage Day 2024
A. Discover and Experience Diversity
B. Heritage Changes
C. Complex Pasts: Diverse Futures
D. Heritage and Climate
ANSWER: A - Tiranga Barfi Got A GI Tag, Belongs To Which City Of Uttar Pradesh
A. Ayodhya
B. Lucknow
C. Kanpur
D. Varanasi
ANSWER: D - A State Of Art Submersible Platform For Acoustic Characterization And
Evaluation Was Inaugurated In Which State
A. Kerala
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Maharashtra
D. Odisha
ANSWER: A - Leaf Litter Frog Is Primarily Found In Which Forest
A. White River National Forest
B. Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest
C. Kukrail Reserve Forest
D. Norway Spruce Forests
ANSWER: B - What Is ‘Salas Y Gomez’
A. Earth observation satellite
B. Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine
C. Invasive species found in Great Lakes Region
D. Oceanic ridge in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean
ANSWER: D - Derek Underwood Was Associated With Which Sports
A. Hockey
B. Cricket
C. Football
D. Basketball
ANSWER: B - DRDO Organized First International Workshop On ‘Emerging Technologies And
Challenges For Exoskeleton’ At Which Place
A. Bengaluru
B. Chennai
C. Hyderabad
D. Bombay
ANSWER: A - A Team Of Archaeologists Discovered A Unique Iron Age Megalithic Site In
Which State
A. Telangana
B. Kerala
C. Gujarat
D. Odisha
ANSWER: A - Where Was World Future Energy Summit 2024 Organized
A. Abu Dhabi
B. London
C. Paris
D. New Delhi
ANSWER: A - DRDO Conducted A Successful Flight Test Of The Indigenous Technology
Cruise Missile At Which Place
A. Chandipur Odisha
B. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
C. Pokhran, Rajasthan
D. Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
ANSWER: A - Muria Tribe Primarily Located In Which States
A. Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha
B. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra
C. Mizoram and Nagaland
D. Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
ANSWER: D - What Is Impatiens Neo Uncinata
A. Bamboo plant
B. Balsam plant
C. Asteroid
D. Species of Fish
ANSWER: B - Where Was 23rd Session Of UN Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues Held
A. Paris
B. New Delhi
C. New York
D. London
ANSWER: C - Bharat Electronics Limited Signed An Mou With Which Institution For Co
operation In Research And Technology
A. IIT Mandi
B. IIT Kanpur
C. IIT Bombay
D. IIT Ahmedabad
ANSWER: A - Which State Developed An Airbreathing Magnesium Copper / Cupric Oxide
fuel cell
A. Kerala
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Karnataka
D. Maharashtra
ANSWER: A - Recently, Who Organized ‘Shakti Festival Of Music And Dance
A. Sangeet Natak Akademi
B. Ministry of Home Affairs
C. Lalit Kala Akademi
D. UNESCO
ANSWER: A - Which Of Following Rajput Clan Does Not Belong To Agnikula
A. Parmara
B. Pratihara
C. Chalukya
D. Kachwaha
ANSWER: D
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