Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2021

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 new US administration headed by Joe Biden has announced its plans to halt temporarily its oil and gas leasing in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The preceding administration headed by Trump had issued leases in this region which is considered sacred by Indigenous Gwich’in.
Gwichʼin are an Athabaskan language speaking people of Canada and Alaska. They live in the northwestern part of North America close to the Arctic circle.

Notes:
India is to host the Defence Ministers of the countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in Bengaluru city on February 4, 2021.
This conclave will be organised alongside the upcoming Aero India in Bengaluru. The theme of the conclave will be ‘Enhanced Peace, Security and Cooperation in the Indian Ocean’.

Notes:
Recently, the Central Board of Investigation (CBI) has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against two UK based firms Cambridge Analytica and Global Scientific Research.
The FIR has been filed after 30 months since probe was initiated against these two firms, based on a complaint by the IT Ministry. Investigation have revealed that the firm Global Scientific Research has illegally harvested Indian data and passed on to Cambridge Analytica for commercial gains.

Notes:
The central Government has recently stated that, Geological Survey of India (GSI) is in the process of expediting some of its important national level surveys. The GSI has proposed to complete its National Geochemical Mapping (NGCM) programme by 2024.
The GSI has also commenced an initiative named National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) for collecting all the geoscience data of the country.

Notes:
The Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh has celebrated recently its 50th statehood day on January 25, 2021.
In 1970, the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed in the Parliament and the state came into existence from January 25, 2071. It is the 18th Indian state to be formed in the country. Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar was its first chief minister.

Notes:
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a revamped website, which provides information about gallantry awards in India and their recipients.
The portal has all the important information, which will be available throughout the day. The Minister also launched an e-magazine named ‘Shauryawaan’ and a gallantry award quiz competition.

Notes:
Indian IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has surpassed Accenture, to become the world’s most valued IT services company.
The Market Capitalization of TCS surged to USD 169.9 billion recently. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is also India’s largest software exporter.

Notes:
The second edition of the International Conference on Gender Equality (ICGE-II) is to be hosted in February, 2021, at the Gender Park Campus, Kozhikode, Kerala.
The Chief Minister is also set to inaugurate a Gender Park at Kozhikode. It was established in 2013 under the Department of Women and Child Development. It has partnerships with various global organisations like UN Women.

Notes:
The Davos Dialogue of the World Economic Forum (WEF) which generally takes place at Davos of Switzerland, was conducted this year in an “all virtual” format.
During the virtual meet, Indian Prime MinisterNarendra Modi appreciated India’s efforts to fight against the COVID pandemic. Also, he shared India’s efforts and endeavours in four pillars of Industry 4.0.