Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2021

Notes:
Russia had developed and registered the world’s first Covid vaccine for animals named ‘Carnivac-Cov’ in March. Recently, the country has produced the world’s first batch of the vaccine, with 17,000 doses.
As per the country’s agricultural regulator Rosselkhoznadzor, the first batch will be supplied to several regions of Russia. Several countries have expressed interest in purchasing the vaccine.

Notes:
The Network for Greening the Financial system (NGFS) was launched at the Paris One Planet Summit on December 2017.
It is a group of Central banks and supervisors willing to share the best practices and contribute to the development of the environment and climate risk management in the financial sector. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently joined the NGFS Group as a Member.

Notes:
The world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge has been built in Arouca Geopark, an UNESCO recognized site in northern Portugal.
The bridge spans to a length of 516 metres and is constructed at a height of 175 metres above the River Paiva. Previously the record was held by Charles Kuonen Bridge in Swiss Alps.

Notes:
As per SEBI, Alternative Investment Fund means any privately pooled investment fund established in India which collects funds from sophisticated investors, (Indian or foreign), for investing as per a defined investment policy for the benefit of its investors.
The Union Labour ministry has notified the changes in the investment pattern of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). It has permitted the body to invest up to 5% of its surplus in alternate investment funds (AIFs) which support infrastructure, MSMEs, venture capital funds and social venture capital funds.

Notes:
The USA Government has approved a major solar energy project in the California desert that would be capable of powering nearly 90,000 homes.
The USD-550 million Crimson Solar Project will be set up on 2,000 acres of federal land at California. It is being developed by Canadian Solar unit Recurrent Energy. This step aims to fight climate change, create jobs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Notes:
The Government of India has brought down the IGST for import of Oxygen Concentrators for personal use from the present 28% slab to 12%.
This would be applicable till 30th June 2021. This rare reduction comes in the wake of a sudden surge in the demand for oxygen, used for Covid 19 infected patients.

Notes:
Padma river is main distributary of the Ganges, which forms the western boundary between India and Bangladesh before it enters Bangladesh.
Recently, a ferryboat with over 30 passengers overturned after hitting a sand-laden cargo vessel in the Padma River. At least 26 people dead in the accident occurred at the old Kanthalbari ferry terminal of Bangladesh.

Notes:
India and UK have jointly adopted ‘Roadmap 2030’, during a virtual bilateral between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British counterpart Boris Johnson.
The two leaders pledged to elevate this road map into a comprehensive strategic partnership. An Enhanced Trade Partnership was also announced by the two leaders along with an intent to form a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Notes:
Denmark has officially passed a legislation, to prevent outside FDI and special economic agreements that may pose a threat to national security, through screening and potential interference.
The new law was developed following security concerns over a bid by China’s Huawei to build Denmark’s 5G network. However, Denmark’s biggest telecoms operator, TDC picked Ericsson over Huawei for the project.

Notes:
Scientists have discovered the oldest known human burial in Africa, at a location named “Panga ya Saidi”. It is an archaeological cave site located in South-Eastern Kenya.
It is a burial of a child aged 2-1/2 or 3 years old, buried in a shallow grave with its head resting on a pillow. The burial is said to be more than 78,000 old.