Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2021

Notes:
India’s senior oncologist and chairperson of the Adyar Cancer Institute Dr V Shanta passed away at the age of 93.
She was known for serving the poor and downtrodden at the institute during her 50 yearlong medical service career. The veteran was presented various awards Padma Shri, Magsaysay Award, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.

Notes:
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) signed an agreement with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to collaborate in sustainable geo-hazard management.
The expertise of one of the DRDO labs, Defence Geo Informatics Research Establishment (DGRE), would be used. This move aims to ensure Road safety of users on National highways (NHs) against the effects of landslides and other natural calamities.

Notes:
Pakistan has recently successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile named ‘Shaheen-III’.
The missile is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 2,750 kms. Pakistan is one of the eight countries worldwide with the stated nuclear weapons capability.

Notes:
The Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju launched the first Khelo India Zanskar Winter Sports Festival in Zanskar of Kargil district, Ladakh.
The 13-day festival festival, organised by the Ladakh UT Administration, aims to promote Zanskar as an important destination for the winter tourists. The Sports Ministry is to promote Ladakh as a centre for Ice Hockey.

Notes:
The OTT (Over-the-top) channel managed by the Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous organization of the Department of Science & Technology, was launched in 2019.
The OTT Channel ‘India Science’, has completed two years since its launch. It aims to create scientific awareness amongst the citizens of the country. The channel was also started on the DTH (Direct to Home) mode.

Notes:
The White House has recently released the 1776 Commission report, which was initiated by former US President Donald Trump in September last year.
Trump signed an order to set up a National commission to promote patriotic education in the country, also called as the ‘1776 Commission’. This was seen as a counter to 1619 Project, The New York Times initiative, to mark the completion of 400 years since the enslaved Africans arrived.

Notes:
The Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) has been indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s research centre Imarat.
Recently, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully test fired a Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) from a Hawk-I aircraft, off the coast of Odisha. HAL deploys its Hawk-I platform for certification of systems and weapons.

Notes:
Tesla Chief Executive Officer the world’s richest person at present, Elon Musk announced that he has decided to give away USD 100 million as prize for the best carbon capture technology.
Carbon dioxide, released in electricity generation and industrial processes can be captured using various methods including post-combustion, pre-combustion and oxyfuel. The International Energy Agency also stated about the role of carbon capture technology in net-zero emissions recently.

Notes:
India Gas Exchange (IGX) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX). It is the first gas exchange in the country to be authorised from Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) under Gas Exchange Regulations 2020
Adani Total Gas and Torrent Gas have recently acquired five percent equity stake each in Indian Gas Exchange (IGX).

Notes:
A team of archaeological experts have discovered tombs with the remains of two children claimed to have belonged to the Incan empire.
The tombs were discovered as part of excavations at the ‘Huaca de las Abejas’ complex in the Lambayeque city. The Incan Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The Inca civilization is said to have arisen from Peru in the early 13th century.