Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2021

Notes:
China-based technology major Xiaomi has announced “Mi Air Charge”. It is a new wireless charging technology that has been patented by the company.
This device lets users to charge multiple electronic devices without any cables, pads, or wireless charging stands. But Xiaomi has stated that this device is still in the concept phase and will not be available commercially in the near future.

Notes:
The Germany-based think tank Germanwatch has recently released Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2021. The index ranks countries as per their vulnerability to climate risks both in terms of fatalities and economic losses
As per the report, India is the 7th worst-hit country on account of extreme weather events in the year 2019.

Notes:
As per a recent research published in the journal “Nature”, the number of shark and ray in Indian ocean have declined by 84.7% and has been falling continuously since 1970.
The research noted that oceanic sharks and rays worldwide has fallen by 71% since the last 50 years. Also, 24 out of 31 oceanic shark and ray species are presently classified as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India has recently announced a framework to strengthen the grievance redress mechanism in Banks. The framework mandates all banks (excluding regional rural banks) to have enhanced disclosures on complaints.
This move of Reserve Bank comes at the back drop of increase in customer complaints in the banking industry in the recent years.

Notes:
As per the latest Budget presented by the Union Finance Minister, the Fiscal Deficit of our economy is estimated at 9.5% of GDP for the current financial year. The same is expected to be at 6.8% of GDP for FY 2021-22.
The budget estimate of expenditure for next FY (2021-22) is Rs.34.83 lakh crore.

Notes:
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has announced the launch of its first all civilian mission to space. The mission will be the first all-commercial astronaut mission to the orbit.
Named as Inspiration4, the mission is to be launched using the flagship vehicle of SpaceX, the Falcon 9. Expected to be launched by the end of 2021, it is a charity-focused mission commanded by the entrepreneur Jared Isaacman.

Notes:
Pattachitra is one of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha. It is a traditional style of painting performed on a cloth-based scroll.
This unique artform is known for its intricate artistic work and details about the mythological stories. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the name of a Orissa student in his Mann ki Baat radio programme, for practising the art form during Covid-19.

Notes:
The 13th edition of Aero India, the Global Air show ‘Aero India’ is being organised at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru.
The exhibition is hosted by the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Exhibition Organisation. This show enables the manufacturers and service providers from the Indian aviation industry meet potential buyers.

Notes:
India’s apex rights body NCPCR – National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has identified 50 “religious places” for complete elimination of child labour.
These places include Taj Mahal and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. The commission has stated that collaborative intervention would be made with stakeholders including child welfare police officers, anti-human trafficking unit etc in this regard.

Notes:
This year, the 16th edition of India-USA joint military exercise – Yudh Abhyas would be held between February 8 and 21.
This year’s exercise would be conducted at Indio-Pakistan border. The exercise aims to enhance cooperation between the two countries and will have a special focus on counter-terrorism operations.