Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2021

Notes:
As per the Chinese lunar calendar, a 12-year cycle is described, which is used in the Chinese Zodiac. As per the country’s Zodiac, this year is celebrated as the Year of Ox.
The country celebrates the festival for sixteen days, beginning from the Chinese New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival. After China adopted the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese New year was renamed as the Spring Festival.

Notes:
Vigyan Jyoti programme, was launched by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) which encourages gilrs take interest in science and build their career.
The second phase of Vigyan Jyoti programme was commenced on the occasion of International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, 2021. This will extend the scheme to 50 more districts in additional to the 50 districts.

Notes:
As per a study published in the PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases journal, tap water access in densely populated parts of Delhi is a strong predictor of Dengue contraction risk.
As per the study, 7.6 per cent of the surveyed individuals were positive for dengue virus antibodies. Areas with less than 61 per cent of houses having access to tap water, were associated with a higher risk of virus exposure.

Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) in association with the European Union are launching the 40-million-euro COVID Vaccine programme in six former Soviet republics.
These countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. Also, it has been observed that the number of COVID positive cases in this region has been declining in the past.

Notes:
The Department of Science and Technology of India has reported that Indian astronomers have detected huge optical flare in BL Lacertae.
BL Lacertae is a feeding super massive black hole or blazar. The analysis of this old astronomical object may help to trace the mass of the black hole and the source of this emission.

Notes:
Grand Anicut Canal, also called as ‘Kallanai’ is said to be the oldest water regulating structure in the world, constructed in the 2nd century A.D by the Chola King Karikal Cholan.
Recently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the extension, renovation and modernization of the Grand Anicut Canal System. The project is to be taken up at a cost of Rs 2,640 crores. He also inaugurated the 1000-Crore Discovery Campus in IIT, Chennai.

Notes:
The Department of Science and Technology has announced major changes to India’s mapping policy. This step aims to enable the Indian companies access to modern mapping technologies.
As per the guidelines released by the Science and Technology Ministry, there are no restrictions for acquiring and producing geospatial data and geospatial data services including maps.

Notes:
The final production batch of Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) was recently flagged off at DRDL, A P J Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad.
The missiles have been designed and developed by DRDO in collaboration with various industry partners and integrated by Bharat Dynamics Limited. The missile system provides defence against aerial targets including fighter aircrafts and missiles.

Notes:
Arribada is a term used to describe the mass migration of sea turtles, where large groups of females assemble at a nesting site on the beach.
Recently, the Olive Ridley turtles have started laying eggs in the beach in this nesting season. The nesting season which usually begins in November was delayed by a few weeks this year, due to changes in climate conditions due to the cyclones Nivar and Burevi.

Notes:
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has recently launched the ‘Pey Jal Survekshan’ survey under the Jal Jeevan Mission- Urban.
This survey is conducted on a pilot basis in 10 cities- Agra, Badlapur, Bhubaneswar, Churu, Kochi, Madurai, Patiala, Rohtak, Surat and Tumkur. The survey would assess distribution of water, reuse of wastewater and mapping of water bodies.