Current Affairs Today - Latest Current Affairs Questions 2024

The world's first Om shaped temple, 'Om Aakar', was opened in Jadan in Pali district of Rajasthan, spread over 250 acres. Its Nagara style and intricate designs honor the heritage of North India. Containing 1,008 idols of Lord Mahadev and 12 Jyotirlingas, it stands at a height of 135 feet with 2,000 pillars and 108 rooms.

Traces of tantalum, a rare metal important in electronics, were found in the Sutlej River by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Punjab. Tantalum is important for capacitors and resistors in devices such as smartphones and laptops. Its discovery indicates untapped mineral wealth beneath the river bed, sparking interest in further exploration. Tantalum's unique properties make it valuable, potentially impacting various industries and the local economy.

Scientists discovered a new species of cicada in Meghalaya, which has been named “Butterfly Cicada”. Cicadas, belonging to the family Cicadidae, are sound-producing insects with two pairs of wings, compound eyes and ocelli. They are 2 to 5 cm in length and the males produce a loud sound through a vibrating membrane. Females usually lay eggs in woody plants.

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched CoViNet, a global network of laboratories specializing in human, animal and environmental coronavirus surveillance. It aims to detect and monitor emerging coronaviruses, including potential new strains, to enhance risk assessment and inform WHO policies. CoViNet will expand surveillance capabilities to monitor MERS-CoV and other important coronaviruses, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to global public health preparedness.

Skyroot Aerospace recently successfully test fired Kalam-250 at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This second stage of the Vikram-1 space launch vehicle features a carbon composite rocket motor, EPDM thermal protection and precise thrust vector control. Developed by Skyroot Aerospace, it will take the launch vehicle from the atmosphere to outer space, playing a key role in its ascent.

The Cumbum Valley, known as the “Grape City of South India”, is known for the Panneer Thrachai grape, which accounts for 85% of India's production. Introduced by a French priest in 1832, these grapes flourish year-round, unlike elsewhere. Recognized for its rapid growth and early maturity, it earned the Geographical Indication tag in 2023. Nutrient-rich Cumbum Valley grapes are used for wines, spirits and more. Its location in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu adds to its attraction.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct the country's largest air military exercise 'Gagan Shakti-2024', which will involve all air force stations. The event, held every five years, will begin on April 1, 2024, at the field firing range in Pokhran. About 10,000 airmen will participate with exercises on the western and northern fronts.

IIT Madras will host the 6th Shastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament in Chennai from March 30 to 31, 2024. It is the only IIT in India to organize an annual open rapid rating tournament. More than 35 players from IIT Madras have participated along with international players from countries like Australia, England, USA and Singapore. Notable participants include six Grandmasters, sixteen International Masters, three Woman Grandmasters and one Woman International Master.

Microsoft and OpenAI are jointly working on a $100 billion project to build “Stargate,” an AI supercomputer. Scheduled for launch in 2028, it follows OpenAI's AI upgrade in 2022. The project aims to increase the capacities of existing data centers by more than 100 times. Divided into five stages, with the Stargate as the fifth stage, a smaller fourth stage supercomputer will be released in 2026.

Professor Meena Charananda, Principal of Kalindi College, Delhi University, received the ‘International Culture Award’ in 2024 for her extraordinary contribution to education and social service. This honor was given to him on March 30, 2024 at the India International Centre.