Daily Current Affairs Quiz: June 23,2021

ANSWER: A

Why in news ?

A 50 kWp solar rooftop in Solan, Himachal Pradesh was inaugurated under Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) of the MInistry of Power.

• The project further reinforces the ‘Go Green’ Initiative of the government envisaged in the Urban Distribution scheme.

About IPDS:

Launch:

• December 2014.

Nodal Agency:

• Power Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power.

Objectives

• 24×7 Power supplies for consumers.
• Reduction of AT&C (aggregate technical and commercial) losses.
• Providing access to power to all households.

ANSWER: B

Why in news ?

Recently, Shyam Sundar Jyani, a Rajasthan-based climate activist, has won the prestigious United Nations’ Land for Life Award for his environment conservation concept, Familial Forestry.

• Familial Forestry means transferring the care of the tree and environment in the family so that a tree becomes a part of the family’s consciousness.

ANSWER: A

Why in news ?

As per recent study in Punjab, adoption of BT cotton in Punjab has resulted in net economic and environmental benefits.

About BT Cotton

BT cotton is a genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically modified pest resistant plant cotton variety. It produces an insecticide to combat bollworm. BT toxins are insecticidal to larvae of moths, butterflies, cotton bollworms, beetles and flies. Commercial cultivation of BT cotton (Bacillus thuringiensis cotton) began in 2002 after Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) approved it. Its cultivation was started in 2002 in western and southern parts of the country. It was introduced by joint venture between Monsanto and Mahyco. India grew the largest GM cotton crop in 2011 at 10.6 million hectares.

BT cotton in Punjab

BT cotton was released for cultivation in Punjab in 2005. Even before it was released, 72% farmers were growing BT Cotton on 22% of cotton area

 ANSWER: B

Why in news ?

Rubber Board has started field trial of world’s first GM (genetically modified) rubber in the state of Assam.

Key Points

• GM Rubber was developed in biotechnology laboratory at Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) in Puthuppally, Kottayam.
• It was planted at Rubber board’s Sarutari research farm in Guwahati.
• Rubber Board launched field trial of GM Rubber in Assam a decade after Kerala Government denied permission for the same because of its adverse impact on environment.

Background

GM Rubber is the second genetically modified crop for which field trial has started after Bt. Cotton. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) had allowed to open field trials of GM rubber in 2010 at Chetchackal, Thombikandom, in Kottayam.

ANSWER: D

Why in news ?

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in agriculture & allied sectors was signed between Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and Fiji’s Minister of Agriculture, Waterways & Environment, Dr. Mahendra Reddy.

Key Points

• India and Fiji share a cordial and friendly relations based on mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural & people-to-people ties.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Fiji and first Forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation(FIPIC) have given a new boost to India’s engagement with Fiji and Pacific region.
• In the lines, signing of this MoU will further strengthen the multi-faceted cooperation between both the countries.

Cooperation between countries

Food and agriculture are closely associated to climate change. Both countries are cooperating to deal with global challenges in agriculture. Amid the covid-19 pandemic, India have distributed about 7 tonnes of seeds of 14 varieties of fruits and vegetables to Fiji as a grant for livelihood restoration of communities who were affected by Cyclone Yasa.

 ANSWER: D

Why in news ?

Indian pharmaceutical company Zydus Cadila is soon going to apply Central Drugs Regulator (DGCI) for emergency approval of the corona vaccine ZyCoV-D. If approved, it will be the world’s first DNA-based vaccine. With this, the number of vaccines available in the country will increase to 4. So far, Serum Institute’s Covishield, Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin and Russia’s Sputnik-V are being used in India.

How does this vaccine work?

ZyCoV-D is a DNA-plasmid vaccine. This vaccine uses genetic material to increase the immunity of the body. Just as Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines in many countries including the US use mRNA to increase immunity; in the same way it uses plasmid-DNA. mRNA can also be called messenger RNA, which goes into the body and gives the message to make antibodies against the corona virus. Whereas, plasmid is a small DNA molecule present in human cells. This DNA is different from the common chromosome DNA. Plasmid-DNA is commonly found in bacterial cells and can replicate independently.  The plasmid-DNA is converted into a viral protein when it enters the human body. This develops a strong immune response to the virus in the body. This stops the virus from growing. If a virus changes its shape, that is, it has a mutation, then this vaccine can be changed in a few weeks. It is easier to maintain than other vaccines. It can be stored at 2 to 8 degree temperature. Even at 25 degree room temperature, it does not spoil. Because of this, there is no need of cold chain for its maintenance. Even for the new variant of the corona, it can be easily modified compared to the other vaccines.

ANSWER: D

Why in news ?

Sports Minister of Mizoram, Robert Romawia Royte, has announced a cash incentive of Rs 1 lakh for having more children.

Highlights

• Rs 1 lakh would be given to living parent with highest number of children in minister’s constituency to encourage population growth among the demographically small Mizo communities.
• This declaration was announced at a time when several Indian states are advocating population control policy.
• Person will also get a certificate and a trophy.
• Cost of the incentive will be borne by a construction consultancy firm which is owned by Royte’s son.

Why this declaration was made?

Minister made this declaration as infertility rate has increased and growth rate has decreased among Mizo population which has become a serious concern. Mizoram is far below optimum number of people to attain development across several fields because of gradual decline in its population

ANSWER: B

Why in news ?

Delhi government has launched “Mukhyamantri COVID-19 Pariwar Aarthik Sahayata Yojana” to provide financial assistance to the families who lost a member due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Why scheme was launched?

• According to notification by Social Welfare Department, Rs 50,000 ex-gratia will be provided to every family that has lost a member amid pandemic.
• A pension of Rs 2,500 per month would also be given to those families that lost the sole breadwinner to covid-19 pandemic.
• Government will also consider single member of affected family to be enrolled as civil defence volunteer.
• Government will also look after health and education needs of dependent children.

ANSWER: C

Why in news ?

World Olympic Day is observed on June 23 across the world to embrace all through pure Olympic values.

Key points

• This day signifies the Olympic Games which is held every four-year featuring summer and winter sports competitions.
• During the event, thousands of athletes from world take part in several competitions.
• Athletes participate in sports activities like runs, music, exhibitions, and educational seminars on this day.