Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 20, 2024

Answer: B

World Senior Citizens Day is commemorated on August 21.

• Aim : to respect the contributions of older people, honour them, and address the challenges they face in the society.
• The origins of the day can be traced back to the efforts of the former President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.
• On August 19, 1988, President Reagan issued a presidential statement appointing August 21 as National Seniors Day in an attempt to honour the senior citizens in the country,

Answer: C

It is celebrated on August 21^st every year.

• This day is dedicated to honouring the contributions of visionaries and innovative minds who shape the business landscape.
• This day was first celebrated in

Answer: B

Current Context : Government of India has declared 23^rd  Day of August as the National Space Day (NSpD).

• Aim : To commemorate the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 Mission, and soft landing of the Vikram Lander and deployment of the Pragyaan Rover on the Moon on 23rd August, 2023.
• With this achievement, India has joined the elite group of Space fairing nations becoming only the fourth to land on the surface of the Moon, and the first nation to land near the south pole of the Moon.

Answer: D

Current Context : Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare launched the digital geo-spatial platform, Krishi-Decision Support System (K – DSS).

• Krishi-DSS is a first-of-its-kind geospatial platform specifically designed for Indian
• The platform provides seamless access to comprehensive data including satellite images, weather information, reservoir storage, groundwater levels and soil health information, which can be easily accessed from anywhere at any time.
• Krishi-DSS includes several advanced modules designed to support comprehensive agricultural management.
• The geo-spatial platform, Krishi-DSS, was unveiled as a powerful tool to empower stakeholders with real-time data-driven insights on weather patterns, soil conditions, crop health, crop acreage and advisories.

Answer: D

Current Context : The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), under the ministry of development of north eastern region (DoNER), has secured the Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk.

About Eri Silk :

• It is a type of silk produced from the Eri silkworm (Samia ricini), which primarily feeds on castor oil plants.
• It is known for its unique properties and is considered one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable forms of silk.
• It is harvested by collecting the cocoons after the moths have emerged, unlike mulberry silk, which is harvested before the moths emerge, ensuring a more humane process.
• It is known for its warmth and softness. It is relatively strong and durable, making it suitable for various uses, including clothing and home textiles.

About OEKO-TEX :

• OEKO-TEX certification is a global standard for textile products that ensures they are free from harmful substances.
• It is managed by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile Ecology (OEKO-TEX), which is an organization with several independent institutes across the world.

Answer: B

Current Context : Renowned DRDO missile scientist Ram Narain Agarwal, widely known as the “father of Agni Missiles,” passed away in Hyderabad.

• Dr Agarwal led the country’s ambitious Agni missile programme for over two decades right from its beginning in 1983 as Project Director.
• He was a distinguished Scientist of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and worked on the Agni and other missile programmes alongside Dr Arunachalam and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
• Dr Agarwal played a key role in establishing the re-entry technology, all composite heat shield, onboard propulsion system, guidance and control etc for missiles during a distinguished tenure of 22 years.
• He was conferred the Padma Sri in 1990 and Padma Bhushan in 2000 by the President of India.

Answer: A

Current Context : Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, was elected Thailand’s prime minister.

• She is the country’s youngest leader at 37, and Thailand’s second female prime minister after her aunt.

About Thailand

• Location: Thailand is located in the center of Southeast Asia.
• Bordered by Myanmar (Burma) to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the southeast, and Malaysia to the south.
• It also has a coastline along the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east.
• Capital: Bangkok
• Major Cities: Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Nakhon Ratchasima
• Government : Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.
• The King is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
• The monarchy is highly revered in Thailand, and the King plays a significant role in the nation’s political and cultural life.

Answer: C

Current Context : The Ministry of External Affairs appointed Parvathaneni Harish as India’s next Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

• He is a 1990-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, is presently serving as India’s ambassador to Germany.
• The position of India’s ambassador or permanent representative to the UN has been lying vacant after Ruchira Kamboj retired in June.

About UN

• Founded : October 24, 1945, following the end of World War II.
• Objectives : To maintain international peace and security, promote human rights, foster social and economic development, and coordinate international cooperation.

Answer: C

Current Context : Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has become the country’s first airport to get the net zero carbon emission status under the Airport Council International’s accreditation programme.

• GMR Group-led DIAL is the operator of the IGI Airport in the national capital.
• The airport targeted to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2030, and the target has been achieved well ahead of schedule through various initiatives, including the adoption of renewable energy, development of green airport infrastructures and promotion of electric vehicles.
• ACA programme provides a comprehensive framework for active carbon management at airports, encouraging best practices in carbon reduction and offering recognition for achievements. There are 5 levels of accreditation, and level 5 is the highest.

Answer: A

Current Context : Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde launched Ladki Bahin Yojana on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

• Aim : to provide ₹1500 every month to more than one crore women across the state.
• Eligibility : Permanent resident of the state and women of age group 21 and 65 years are eligible to apply for the scheme.
• Income Criteria : families with less than ₹5 lakh household income per annum.

SEVERAL SOCIAL SCHEMES FOR WOMEN :

• Mahatma Jyotirao Phule (MJP) Scholarship Scheme : Scholarships cover educational expenses for students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
• Aaple Sarkar – Women Empowerment Scheme in Mahrashtra : To provide various benefits and services to women, including health care, legal aid, and financial support.
• Mahila E-Haat : To provide a digital platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products.
• Swadhar Greh Scheme : To provide shelter, support, and rehabilitation to women in difficult circumstances, including survivors of violence and trafficking.
• Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana (JSSK) : To provide free and cashless delivery services for pregnant women in government hospitals.
• Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM) : To empower rural women through financial and social development programs.