Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2021

Notes:
Asian Power Index is prepared by the Lowy Institute of Sydney. In the recently released index of 2021, the United States ranked at the top spot, for exerting influence over the region.
The Index, which ranks 26 nations and territories in Asia, ranks India as the 4th most powerful country. India has retained its 4th position, on the basis of several measures of power such as economic capability, military capability, resilience and cultural influence.

Notes:
The Seine is a 777-kilometre-long river situated in northern France. The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on July 26, 2024, will be held on the River Seine.
Athletes and officials from more than 200 countries will sail almost 6 kilometres (4 miles) between the Pont d’Austerlitz and Pont d’Iena bridges in Paris.

Notes:
UN recognised the 38 degrees Celsius measured in Siberian region of Russia, as the new record high for the Arctic
The heat equivalent to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit was seen on June 20, 2020 in the Russian town of Verkhoyansk. It marked the highest temperature ever recorded above the Arctic Circle, as per the World Meteorological Organization.

Notes:
Four-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles was named Time’s 2021 Athlete of the Year, the Time magazine announced.
She had withdrawn from four event finals at the Tokyo Olympics, stating reasons of her mental health. However, the 24-year-old managed to earn all-around silver and a bronze in balance beam at the Tokyo Olympics.

Notes:
The Retail inflation based on Consumer Price Index increased to a three-month high of 4.91 per cent in November.
As per the data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Food inflation increased to 1.87 per cent in November from 0.85 per cent a month ago. The inflation figure is within the 4+/-2 per cent target range of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Notes:
Time magazine has named CEO of Tesla and SpaceX Elon Musk as Person of the Year.
Elon Musk gained attention for becoming the richest person in the world due to the rise in Tesla’s (TSLA) stock price. As per Time Magazine, “Musk emerged not just as the world’s richest person but also as the richest example of a massive shift in our society.”

Notes:
India voted against a UN Security Council (UNSC) draft resolution that linked climate change with global security challenges.
Moved jointly by Niger and Ireland, the draft resolution called on “integrate climate-related security risk as a central component into comprehensive conflict-prevention strategies.”India argued that this resolution would only create friction among the UN membership.

Notes:
Manohari Gold Tea, a rare variety of tea in Assam has recently created history as it was sold for Rs 1 lakh per kilogram at Guwahati Tea Auction Centre.
The Tea variety broke its own record of 2020, when the tea was auctioned at Rs 75,000 per kg. The North Eastern Tea Association has planned to increase the production of such tea and started making different types of tea like white tea, green tea, yellow tea.

Notes:
Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton received his knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor Castle for his services to motorsport.
A knighthood is a title conferred on a person by a British king or queen for their high achievement and services to their country within their industry. Hamilton is also the only black driver in the 70-year history of Formula One. Hamilton was earlier awarded the MBE, a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2021-26 with an outlay of Rs.93,068 crore. PMKSY was launched in 2015-16.
The three components: Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet ko Paani (HKKP) and Watershed Development components have been approved for continuation during 2021-26.  AIBP is implemented by Ministry of Jal Shakti; Per Drop-More Crop and Micro Irrigation scheme of Agriculture Ministry and Watershed Development by Rural Development Ministry.