Daily Current Affairs Quiz: October 21, 2024

Answer: B

Current Context : Recently, the Food And Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Director-General opens the third Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum.

ABOUT HAND-IN-HAND INITIATIVE:

• It is a flagship of Food And Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
• Launched in 2019

OBJECTIVE:

• Eradicate poverty (SDG 1), end hunger and malnutrition (SDG 2), and reduce inequalities (SDG 10).
• Accelerate the market-driven transformation of agri-food systems to boost incomes, improve nutrition, empower vulnerable populations, and build resilience to climate change.

Member countries: 72 countries participate in the initiative, collaborating with FAO to strengthen their agri-food sectors.

ABOUT FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION (FAO):

• It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
• Established: October 1945.
• Mandate: Improve nutrition, boost agricultural productivity, enhance rural livelihoods, and support global economic growth.
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
• Members: 194 member states + European Union.

Answer: C

Current Context : Recently, Larsen and Toubro recently launched the INS ‘Samarthak’, a multi-purpose vessel for the Indian Navy.

ABOUT INS SAMARTHAK:

• It is a Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) for the Indian Navy.
• Supports testing and development of next-gen weapons and sensors.
• Performs roles in maritime surveillance, target towing, pollution control, mine countermeasures, and humanitarian assistance.​

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Length: 107 meters
• Displacement: Over 3,750 tonnes
• Maximum speed: 15 knots​

KEY FEATURES:

• Supports the ‘Make in India’and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
• Will serve as a mothership for unmanned vessels.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

• L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard in Tamil Nadu is one of India’s most advanced shipbuilding facilities, equipped to handle complex naval projects.
• The yard is currently involved in building three Cadet Training Ships and six other defence vessels for the Indian Navy under a Public-Private-Partnership model​.
• The yard is also involved in the repair of the US Naval Ship Charles Drew under a Master Ship Repair Agreement with the US Navy.

Answer: A

Current Context : The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) recently approved five major road projects passing through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

ABOUT KARAKORAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:

• Location: Situated in Ladakh, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), bordering Jammu and Kashmir.
• Area: Covers approximately 5,000 sq km, one of India’s largest high-altitude protected areas.
• Altitude: Ranges between 4,200m to 7,500m; major peaks include Saltoro Kangriand Saser Kangri I.
• It is situated just to the north of Hemis National Park and to the east of Deosai National Park.
• Climate: Experiences harsh cold desertconditions; winter temperatures drop below -20°C, and summers stay below 20°C.
• Rivers: Shyok and Nubra Riversflow through the sanctuary.

Biodiversity:

• Fauna: Includes snow leopards, Tibetan antelope (chiru), Siberian ibex, and Bharal (blue sheep).
• Flora: Sparse vegetation, featuring medicinal plants and cold desert flora.

Answer: C

Current Context : Recently, Hong Kong ranked as the world’s freest economy, surpassing Singapore, with a score of 8.58, according to the Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World report.

• Hong Kong scored 58, just ahead of Singapore’s score of 8.55. Following them, Switzerland ranked third, New Zealand fourth, and the United States fifth.
• On the other hand, Venezuela was ranked last, with a low score of 3.02.

Factors for High Ranking:

• Low taxes and simple tax system.
• Free flowof goods, capital, talent, and information.
• Efficient markets and adherence to international standards in regulatory regimes.
• Strong legal framework under the “one country, two systems” policy.

Future Outlook: The Hong Kong government aims to integrate more with China’s national strategies, maintain its status as a financial hub, and attract international enterprises​

What is the “Freest Economy”?

• A freest economy is characterized by a minimal level of government intervention, allowing free trade, low taxation, and economic liberalism. It promotes:
  • Free markets, where businesses operate with minimal restrictions.
  • Economic freedom, meaning individuals can freely engage in voluntary transactions without excessive regulation.
  • A conducive environment for international trade, capital mobility, and innovation​

ABOUT HONG KONG:

1. Location: Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, known for its global financial hub
2. Unique Features:
   1. World’s longest escalator system(800 meters).
   2. Over 1,500 skyscrapers, more than any other city.
   3. A population of over 7 million, making it one of the most densely populated areas​

Answer: D

Current Context : The Indian government has approved a significant ₹2,642 crore project to construct a rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga River, connecting Varanasi and Chandauli in Uttar Pradesh.

Aim : to improve transportation efficiency and ease congestion on one of the busiest sections of Indian Railways, which is crucial for both passenger and freight traffic, including goods like coal, cement, and food grains.

• Completion Timeline: 4 years.
• Structure: Six-lane highway and four railway tracks.
• Significance: Will decongest the overburdened Varanasi–Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction route, which is operating at 163% capacity.
• Environmental Impact: The project will reduce CO2 emissions by 149 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 6 crore trees, supporting India’s climate goals.
• Economic Impact: Expected to carry 27.83 million tonnes of freight annually and generate employment, contributing to the socio-economic growth of the region.
• This initiative is aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

Answer: B

Current Context : The “Mera Hou Chongba” festival was celebrated in Manipur amidst ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

ABOUT FESTIVAL

• The festival promotes unity and solidarity among the diverse ethnic groups in Manipur, particularly between the hill tribes and valley communities.
• Celebrated on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month, typically falling in September or October.
• Significance: It symbolizes the historical ties between various indigenous communities and serves as a cultural reminder of their interconnectedness.

Answer: D

Current Context : Recently, Meta, in partnership with the Indian government, launched a safety campaign called ‘Scam se Bacho’.

• Goal : to promote awareness and educate people on how to recognize and avoid various online scams, aligning with the government’s efforts to combat cybercrime.
• It is a two-month initiative focused on enhancing digital safety.
• Collaborative Effort: The campaign involves multiple government bodies, including:
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
• Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)
• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)

Answer: B

Current Context : State Tuberculosis Cell, National Health Mission (NHM)-Himachal Pradesh identified nearly 13000 TB patients in Himachal.

1. Total Active TB Cases: 12,835 patients are under treatment across Himachal Pradesh.
2. District-wise Breakdown:
   1. Kangra: Highest with 2,322 active cases.
   2. Mandi: 2,055 cases.
   3. Solan: 1,416 cases.
   4. Shimla: 1,405 cases.
   5. Lahaul and Spiti: Lowest with 52 cases.

3. TB-Free Gram Panchayats (GPs):
   1. Total GPs in State: 3,615.
   2. Declared TB-Free in 2023: 723 GPs.
   3. Kangra: 165 out of 814 GPs.
   4. Mandi: 81 out of 559 GPs.
   5. Lahaul and Spiti: 20 out of 45 GPs.
   6. Shimla: 133 out of 412 GPs.
   7. Una: 68 out of 245 GPs.

ABOUT TUBERCULOSIS (TB) :

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious illness that mainly affects the lungs. The germs that cause tuberculosis are a type of bacteria.

1. Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
2. Spread: Airborne transmission (through coughing, sneezing).
3. Common Symptoms: Cough, chest pain, coughing up blood. If spread, can cause swollen glands, body aches, and headaches.
4. Types:
   1. Inactive TB (Latent): Bacteria present but no symptoms.
   2. Active TB Disease: Bacteria causes illness.
5. Treatment: Typically a 6-month antibiotic course (e.g., rifampicin, isoniazid). If untreated, TB can be fatal.