Current Affairs 2nd April 2019

Current Affairs 2nd April 2019

Current Affairs from PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express

Current Affairs 2nd April 2019

 Odisha’s Kandhamal Haldi (turmeric), famous for its healing properties, received GI tag.

• Kandhamal Haldi is a variety of haldi indigenous to Sourthern Odisha.
• The spice, named after the district where it is produced and has been cultivated since time immemorial.
• It is known for its medicinal value.
• Turmeric is the main cash crop of tribal people in Kandhamal. Apart from domestic use, turmeric is also used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

China Launches Its 2nd Generational Data Relay Satellite, Tianlian II-01

• China has successfully launched the first of its new-generation data relay satellite, Tianlian II-01 into orbit that will provide data relay, measurement, and control services for its manned spacecraft.

• It was launched by a Long March-3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Earth Hour 2019

Individuals, businesses and cities in 188 countries and territories worldwide joined Earth Hour 2019 to speak up for nature and inspire urgent action for the environment. As Earth Hour rolled around the globe, thousands of landmarks switched off their lights in solidarity for our planet.

• Individuals pledged their support for the planet, challenging world leaders to push the preservation of nature up the global agenda. The theme for Earth Hour 2019 is “Change the Way We Live”.

Hump-backed Mahseer, a large freshwater fish added in 'Critically Endangered' list

• Hump-backed Mahseer, also called the tiger of the water and found only in the Cauvery river basin (including Kerala’s Pambar, Kabini and Bhavani rivers) - is now “Critically Endangered”, as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
• There are about 16 species of mahseer in India. Maximum length of fish is 150 cm and a weight of 90 kg. The fish is considered as one of the 229 species from recent Red List which updated in November 2018. The threat status of 12 other Indian species, including great hornbills, has increased.

Asian Airgun Championship

• Indian shooters claimed five gold medals on the final day of the Asian Airgun Championships to sign off with a total of 25 medals in Taoyuan, Taipei. 
• India finished with 16 gold, five silver and four bronze medals.  The next assignment for Indian shooters is scheduled at Al Ain, the United Arab Emirates where the International Shooting Sport Federation Shotgun World Cup stage.