Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2021

Notes:
The Assam Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of Science City at Tepesia, in the outskirts of Guwahati.
It would be built at a total expenditure of Rs. 184 crores. The main building is being built by National Council of Science Museum, Union’s Cultural Affairs department and state’s Science and Technology Department.

Notes:
The Start-up Advisory Council was notified in January 2020, which aims to advise the Government to nurture innovation and start-ups in the country. It is chaired by the Commerce and Industry Minister.
The Centre has recently nominated 28 non-official members for the Start-up Advisory Council notified last year, including the founders of top start-up firms in the country including Byju’s, Urban Company, Snapdeal and Ola Cabs.

Notes:
The First Virtual Expo 2021 for R&D in processed food sector has been organized recently by the Union Ministry of Food Processing and Industries.
The expo is aimed to showcase the outcomes of projects supported by the Ministry through some of its leading food technology institutions. A portal displaying various researches undertaken in the food processing sector, was also launched during the expo.

Notes:
‘Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM)’ is a Not-for-Profit Association, which aims to facilitate the indigenous production in Indian Defence industry.
Recently, an MoU between the Indian Army & Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) was signed to boost use of indigenous spare parts. This took place on the occasion of the 25 years of partnership of the Indian Army with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Notes:
The Maharashtra government is launching a new initiative named Jail Tourism in the state.
As a part of the programme, jails where many freedom fighters were jailed will be developed as Tourism sites. From January 26, 2021 the state has launched the programme starting with the 150-year-old Yerawada Jail. It will also include Nagpur, Thane, and Ratnagiri Jails.

Notes:
Union Ministry of Tourism organises ‘Bharat Parv’ every year, on the occasion of Republic Day Celebrations from 26th to 31st of January.
Since 2016, the event has been conducted near the Red Fort, New Delhi. The event aims to showcase the rich cultural diversity of the country. States and UTs will display their tourism destinations, cuisine, handicraft and unique features.

Notes:
India’s economist Jayati Ghosh has been chosen to be a part of UN high-level advisory board on socio-economic challenges in post-COVID-19 world. The board would make recommendations to U.N. Secretary-General for making response to the future, especially after the post COVID era.
Ms. Ghosh is presently a professor of economics at University of Massachusetts.

Notes:
World Economic Forum (WEF) launched a global coalition at the ongoing Davos Agenda Summit to end racism at work place.
It has been named as “Partnering for Racial Justice in Business” initiative. Recently, Indian companies Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services joined the alliance, whose founding members include 48 organisations including Google, Microsoft, Deutsche Bank, EY, among others.

Notes:
As per the Brand Finance’s Global 500 ranking, India’s Reliance Jio owned by Mukesh Ambani has emerged as the fifth strongest brand globally. The list is topped by WeChat followed by Ferrari and Russian Bank Sber. Coco Cola is ranked 4th in the chart.
Reliance Jio has achieved this fete, despite being founded only a few years ago in 2016.

Notes:
The Budget Session of Parliament recently began with the address of President Ram Nath Kovind to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
During the address, the President mentioned that the ‘Amrut Mahotsav’ will be observed in the country from this year, to mark commencement of the celebrations towards the 75th year of India’s Independence.