Daily Current Affairs Quiz: June 22,2021

ANSWER: D

Why in news ?

Odisha has become the only state in India to have all the three species of crocodiles.

About:

• Three species in the state of Odisha are:

1. Reptile freshwater Gharials at Satkosia in Mahanadi,
2. Muggers in Bhitarkanika National Park and
3. Saltwater crocodiles.

• Odisha has witnessed natural nesting of Gharials (a critically endangered species) for the first time since they were introduced in its rivers in 1975.
• About 28 hatchlings of Gharials were spotted in Mahanadi River in Baladamara area near Satkosia range.

ANSWER: C

Why in news ?

German agrochemicals major Bayer has commercially launched first-ever yellow watermelon variety called “Yellow Gold 48” in India under Seminis brand.

About:

• Yellow watermelon has been developed from superior germplasm under Bayer’s global research and development efforts.
• Yellow watermelon variety has been commercially introduced in India after two years of local trials.
• Yellow Gold 48 have enhanced yield potential, better disease & pest tolerance and higher returns which can benefit watermelon growers.
• Yellow Gold 48 variety is best suited for cultivation during October to February. Harvest can be done from April onwards after which it will be available in market until mid-July.

Significance of Yellow Gold 48

Yellow Gold 48 is having high yield and income potential which will empower watermelon growers to diversify into new categories. It will also help in growing demand for exotic fruits.  It is the first of its kind yellow flesh watermelon which have moderate to good plant type. It has dark green rind with slight stripes and orange yellow flesh colour. Average weight of the fruit is 2.5 -3 kg.

ANSWER: D

Why in news ?

Israeli military has successfully tested an airborne high-power laser which has the capability to shoot down drones

Key points

• Israel already has large and sophisticated air defense system.
• This system had 90 per cent interception rate against thousands of rockets which were fired from Gaza during 11-day war of May 2021.

About Israel’s Laser defence system

Laser is a prototype developed with Elbit Systems. It was mounted on a civilian plane and successfully shot down drones in recent test conducted over Mediterranean Sea

ANSWER: A

Why in news ?

UN committee recommended adding Great Barrier Reef to the list of “in danger” World Heritage Sites. However, this recommendation is opposed by Australia which is blaming political interference.

Key Points

Recommendation was made by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) committee. This committee sits under UNESCO.

According to the committee, world’s biggest coral reef system should be added to ‘in danger’ list because of impact of climate change.

Great Barrier Reef

It is world’s largest coral reef system that comprises of about 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,300 kilometres over an area of 344,400 square kilometres. It is located in Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The reef can be seen from outer space. It is world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. Structure of the reef is composed of and built by tiny organisms called coral polyps. It was selected as World Heritage Site in 1981.

ANSWER: B

Why in news ?

ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) has found CASSAVA as a raw material for bioethanol production to meet Ethanol Blending Petrol (EBP) programme target of 2025 by India.

Key Points

• As a biofuel crop, cassava has several advantages over sugarcane.
• Cassava is having a high starch content and ability to grow under low management conditions. It has been globally recognised as a potential candidate for bioethanol production.
• However, economic viability to scale-up production from cassava varieties has to be ascertained because of failure of an alcohol plant set up in Palakkad in 1990s.

Pas biofuel crop

Its starch is having unique physicochemical and functional properties which find extensive applications in food and industrial sectors. Agricultural residues of cassava like peels, stems and leaves are the potential feedstock for 2G bioethanol production.

Production of Cassava in India

Cassava, also known as Tapioca, production in India is estimated to be 4.98 million tonnes. Tamil Nadu, followed by Kerala accounts for major amount of production. Its cultivation is also extending towards non-traditional areas like Maharashtra in order to meet projected demand for starch.

ANSWER: D

Why in news ?

The Hayagriva Madhava Temple Committee in Assam has signed a MoU with Turtle Survival Alliance India, Help Earth, and Assam Forests Department to conserve the Black Softshell Turtle.

As part of the pact, a Vision Document 2030 was also released. The document aims to raise at least 1,000 black softshell turtles by 2030.

About Black Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia nigricans):

• Black Softshell Turtle is a species of freshwater turtle. It is found in India and Bangladesh.

Distribution:

• Brahmaputra’s drainage and Near Temple Ponds in Assam
• Bangladesh (Chittagong and Sylhet)

• IUCN Status:Critically Endangered
• Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: It does not enjoy legal protection.

Significance:

• Temple Ponds in Assam conserve Turtles based on religious grounds.
• At the Bayazid Bostami shrine in Chittagong, Bangladesh, the black softshell turtle is known as mazari(inhabitant).

Threats:

• Hunted for turtle meat and cartilage in regional and international markets.

ANSWER: A

Why in news ?

The Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff has inaugurated the construction of the second frigate of the Krivak or Talwar stealth frigates. These are being built with technology transfer from Russia by Goa Shipyard Ltd(GSL).

About:

• Krivak or Talwar stealth frigates are a series of frigates and guard ships (patrol boats) built in the Soviet Union, primarily for the Soviet Navy since 1970.
• Purpose: They are primarily used to accomplish a wide variety of naval missions. Such as finding and eliminating enemy submarines and large surface ships.
• Indian Navy currently operates six Krivak class frigates weighing around 4,000 tonnes in two different batches. Such as
  • The Talwar class,The upgraded Teg class.