Current Affairs Quiz - October, 2021

Notes:
Union Environment Minister released important publications of the Central Zoo Authority, at the National conference for Zoo directors and veterinarians organized by Central Zoo Authority and hosted by Sardar Patel Zoological Park, Gujarat.
First is the Vision Plan (2021-2031) for Indian zoos to upgrade them to global standards and strengthening of Central Zoo Authority. It focusses on animal care, research, and visitor experiences. Second is the WASH Manual for Zoos- for creating and maintaining WASH facilities within the premises for staff and visitors. He also gave away ‘Prani Mitra’ Awards, set up by CZA.

Notes:
Bullish trader Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed new airline named ‘Akasa Air’ has got no objection certificate (NOC) from the government to operate in India.
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala is often referred to as the Warren Buffett of India or the Big Bull. His stock moves and investment strategies are closely tracked by investors. He manages his own portfolio as a partner in his asset management firm, Rare Enterprises.

Notes:
The Central Government has accorded “Maharatna” status to Power Finance Corporation (PFC). PFC is the 11th state-owned entity to get the status, joining the elite group of ONGC, Indian Oil Corporation, SAIL among others.
“Maharatna” status is granted to a company which has recorded more than ₹ 5,000 crore of net profit for three consecutive years, an average annual turnover of ₹ 25,000 crore for three years or should have an average annual net worth of ₹ 15,000 crore for three years.

Notes:
Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder, known as ASKAP, is a radio telescope situated at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in Australia. It is run by Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australian Government agency.
Recently, using this telescope, Astronomers have discovered unusual signals coming from the direction of the Milky Way’s center. This new signal had very high polarisation and varying brightness. It was named as ‘ASKAP J173608.2-321635’.

Notes:
As per the International Monetary Fund’s ‘Fiscal Monitor’ Report, the global debt has jumped to a new high of USD 226 trillion. Advanced economies and China contributed more than 90 per cent to the accumulation of world-wide debt in 2020.
India’s debt increased from 68.9 per cent of its GDP in 2016 to 89.6 per cent in 2020. It is projected to jump to 90.6 per cent in 2021. The debt of governments, households and non-financial corporations added up to USD 226 trillion in 2020.This is the highest increase on record.

Notes:
Jaishankar arrived in Armenia on the last leg of his three-nation tour to Central Asia. This is also the first-ever visit by an External Affairs Minister to Armenia.
He proposed that the strategic Chabahar Port in Iran be included in the North-South Transport Corridor, to enhance the connectivity. The Minister’s tour is aimed at further expanding bilateral ties and discussing regional issues including the developments in Afghanistan.

Notes:
BrokerChoose, a broker discovery and comparison platform has released its annual proliferation index. As per the index, India has the highest number of individuals owning cryptocurrency with 10.07 crore users.
The second position is occupied by USA with 2.74 crore crypto and Russia is placed at the third position.

Notes:
JSW Steel Chairman and Managing Director Sajjan Jindal has been elected as the Chairman of the World Steel Association (WSA) for the 2021-22 period.
Jindal also becomes the first representative from India to serve as Chairman of the WSA. He precedes Yu Yong as the Chairman of WSA, whose members represent approximately 85 per cent of the world’s steel production. Established in 1967, it is headquartered in Brussels.

Notes:
The 17th edition of “Ex Yudh Abhyas”, which is a joint military exercise between India and USA is held from October 15 to 29, at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska, the United States. This is the largest joint military exercise for India.
This is a part of the Indo-US Defence Cooperation. The 16th edition was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Bikaner, Rajasthan in Feb 2021.

Notes:
Mount Harriet is the third-highest island peak in Andaman and Nicobar islands. Union Home Minister has announced that the peak will now be known as Mount Manipur, as a tribute to the freedom fighters of Manipur.
Manipur’s Maharaja Kulchandra Singh and 22 other freedom fighters were imprisoned during the Anglo-Manipuri war (1891) at the Mount Harriet. They were sent to Kalapani and kept on Mount Harriet.