Monthly Current Affairs Quiz - February, 2017
1. Panama Canal, which has been in news, connects which two oceans?
[A] Atlantic Ocean & Pacific Ocean
[B] Atlantic Ocean & Indian Ocean
[C] Indian Ocean & Arctic Ocean
[D] Pacific Ocean & Arctic Ocean
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Atlantic Ocean & Pacific Ocean]
Notes:
Scientists recently discovered a 22-million-year-old lost forest in the Panama Canal, a crucial artificial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Stretching 80 kilometers, the canal features locks to adjust water levels for ship passage through the isthmus. Initiated by France in 1881, the United States took over in 1904, completing and managing the canal until 1999. Panama assumed full control in 2000, following the Torrijos-Carter Treaties with the U.S. in 1977.
2. What is ‘Paramyrothecium indicum’, that was seen in the news recently?
[A] Flowering plant
[B] Phytopathogenic fungus
[C] Herbicide-resistant crop
[D] Marine species
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Phytopathogenic fungus]
Notes:
Scientists discovered a new phytopathogenic fungus species in Kerala, named ‘Paramyrothecium indicum.’ Most Paramyrothecium are phytopathogens, causing serious plant diseases that impact crop productivity. Paramyrothecium leaf spots are a type of fungal disease affecting various plants. Some produce bio-herbicidal metabolites, potentially used for weed control. Fungi, one of the six biological kingdoms, are eukaryotic organisms with diverse roles, including decomposition, plant diseases, and human skin ailments. They are crucial in industrial processes like bread and beer making.
3. Recently, Telangana collaborated with which organization to establish Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR)?
[A] World Bank
[B] World Trade Organization
[C] World Economic Forum
[D] International Monetary Fund
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [World Economic Forum]
Notes:
The World Economic Forum (WEF) and Telangana government are establishing the 19th Center of the WEF’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Network (4IR) in Hyderabad, slated for launch in February 2024. It will be the world’s first thematic center dedicated to health tech and life sciences, solidifying a strategic partnership between Telangana and WEF. The center aims to enhance healthcare technology, aligning with the broader vision of both entities. The launch during BioAsia 2024 positions Hyderabad as a global healthcare hub, emphasizing collaboration for improved living standards and global recognition for Telangana in the 4IR network.
4. Which organization recently issued Japanese Yen Denominated Green Bonds?
[A] REC Limited
[B] International Monetary Fund
[C] World Bank
[D] Japan Green Finance Organization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [REC Limited]
Notes:
REC Limited, a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power, achieved a milestone with its inaugural JPY 61.1 billion green bonds issuance. It marks REC’s eleventh entry into the international bond market and the first Yen Green Bonds issuance by an Indian PSU. The bonds, with maturities of 5, 5.25, and 10 years, were issued at yields of 1.76%, 1.79%, and 2.20%, respectively. This Euro-Yen issuance is the largest in South and Southeast Asia, making it India’s largest Yen-denominated issuance. The bonds received significant interest globally, with a high international allocation. They will be listed exclusively on India INX and NSE IFSC in GIFT City, Gujarat.
5. Recently, which state was ranked as the Best Performer in the Indian startup ecosystem ranking for 2022?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Bihar
[C] Manipur
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Tamil Nadu secured the title of the ‘best performer’ state in the 2022 Startup India State Startup Rankings. The state’s strategic efforts included the revamping of its nodal startup agency, StartupTN, in 2021, and budget allocations for the launch of new funds like Tamil Nadu Startup Seed Fund (TANSEED), Emerging Sector Seed Fund, and Tamil Nadu SC/ ST Fund. The rankings also recognized Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh as best performers, while Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Telangana were categorized as ‘leaders.’ Currently, Tamil Nadu boasts over 7,600 startups registered under the Startup India scheme, with more than 2,250 startups registering in 2022 alone.
6. Pinaka, a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL), was developed by which country?
[A] China
[B] UK
[C] Russia
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [India]
Notes:
Two South American countries express interest in the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, designed by India’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). The Pinaka MBRL, utilized in the Kargil War, effectively neutralized Pakistan Army positions. It delivers lethal fire against various targets, boasting a range of 60 to 75 kilometers. The system includes a multi-tube launcher vehicle, replenishment-cum-loader vehicle, replenishment vehicle, and a command post vehicle. With two pods of six rockets each, it can cover a 700 × 500 square meter area in 48 seconds.
7. What is the theme of the ‘India International Science Festival’, 2023?
[A] Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal
[B] Global Science for Global Wellbeing
[C] Marching towards Amrit Kaal with Science, Technology, and Innovation
[D] Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a sustainable future
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal]
Notes:
The 9th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 is started from January 17, 2024, and will conclude on January 20, 2024. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, with coordination from the National Innovation Foundation-India, the festival is hosted by the Department of Biotechnology institutes Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) and Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in Faridabad. The central theme is “Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal,” with 22 participating countries.
8. Recently, the central government announced its plan to extend basic facilities under the PM-JANMAN scheme to which endangered tribe?
[A] Sauras tribes
[B] Kolam tribes
[C] Koraga tribes
[D] Birhor tribes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kolam tribes]
Notes:
The Central government is extending basic facilities to the endangered Kolam tribe through the Jan Jati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan, focusing on health and education. Kolam tribes, concentrated in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, are designated as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group. Historically, they served as priests for the Gond tribe. Primarily farmers, they’ve transitioned from shifting cultivation to settled farming. They speak Kolami and other languages, using Devnagari script for writing.
9. ‘e-SAKSHI Application’ recently seen in news, is associated with which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Power
[D] Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation]
Notes:
The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) e-SAKSHI Mobile App, recently launched by the Minister of State for Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), transforms the MPLAD Scheme’s fund flow procedure. Offering convenience and accessibility, the app revolutionizes how MPs manage development projects, enabling real-time proposal tracking and oversight. It enhances decision-making with instant updates, streamlining communication between MPs and authorities. The app promotes transparency through budget management features, ensuring efficient monitoring of expenditures for proposed projects, ultimately facilitating a more responsive and accountable development process.
10. Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival, which was seen in the news, is celebrated in which state of India?
[A] Assam
[B] Sikkim
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Nagaland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) is scheduled from January 18-20, 2024, in Seijosa, Arunachal Pradesh. Initiated in 2015, the festival celebrates the Nyishi tribal group’s conservation efforts for hornbills in Pakke Tiger Reserve. The theme, “Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh,” emphasizes preserving these iconic birds. PPHF aims to generate alternative income sources, raise awareness about Pakke Tiger Reserve, and highlight the significance of hornbill preservation.
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