Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2021

Notes:
The United States has recently designated Cuba as a ‘State sponsor of terrorism’. The U.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced this decision.
U.S alleges that Cuba repeatedly provides support for acts of international terrorism. This move is against the decision of former President Barrack Obama to remove this label, and the incoming Presidents efforts to normalize ties.

Notes:
France has hosted the One Planet Summit recently, in which 30 leaders, government officials and heads of international organizations participated. The summit was held in a virtual mode due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.
During the summit, which focussed on protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and agroecology, 50 countries pledged to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030.

Notes:
The world’s oldest known orangutan, named Inji recently died in the Oregon Zoo, U.S. It is a 61-year-old female Sumatran Orangutan.
There are three species of orangutans namely Bornean orangutans, Tapanuli orangutans and Sumatran orangutans, all of which are listed as critically endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. At present, there are only 15,000 Sumatran orangutans, while only 800 Tapanuli orangutans are left.

Notes:
Google has completed its USD 2.1 billion acquisition of fitness-gadget making firm Fitbit for approximately USD 2.1 billion.
This acquisition has come at the time when the US government regulators are pursuing an antitrust case. Google announced about this acquisition before 14 months, which will help expand the Tech Major’s presence in the market.

Notes:
The present Prime Minster of Estonia – Juri Ratas has resigned over a corruption scandal of his party. The allegation of corruption has led key party officials resigning overnight and talks are around for formation of a new ruling coalition.
He has been the Prime Minster of Estonia since November 2016.

Notes:
The National Informatics Centre and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) jointly launched a software named CollabCAD. The software would allow students to create and modify 3D digital designs with a free flow of creativity and imagination.
The NIC, CBSE, and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) will also jointly release a comprehensive e-book on CollabCAD 3D modeling.

Notes:
The Pakistan government has issued special permits to Dubai Ruler and six other members of the ruling family to hunt the internationally protected bird Houbara bustard.
As per media report, the permit was issued to hunt during the 2020-21 hunting season. Among the large terrestrial bird typically found in parts of Asia, the Middle East and Africa, the Asian houbara is related to great Indian bustard.

Notes:
Ram Sewak Sharma, the first Director-General of the Unique Identification Development Authority of India (UIDAI), has authored a book titled “The Making of Aadhaar: World’s Largest Identity Platform”.
The book comprises of technical details regarding the legal, governance and social aspects of the Aadhar system. He also explains his experience during various bureaucratic positions and interactions with the team of Aadhar.

Notes:
The Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS) is an attached office of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Jal Shakti ministry.
Based at New Delhi, it deals with investigations and research in Geotechnical engineering, construction materials and river valley projects. It helps in development of water resources sector in the country, through Central Water Commission. Minister of State Jal Shakti conducted a Review Meeting of CSMRS recently.

Notes:
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has authorised Antrix, the commercial arm of ISRO, to move a petition before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to wind up Bengaluru-based start-up Devas.
The Ministry has authorised Chairman and MD of Antrix to present the petition under the Section 271 of Companies Act. Three months ago, US Federal Court ordered Antrix Corporation to pay USD 1.2 billion to Devas Multimedia Private Ltd.