Daily Current Affairs MCQs : 16 January 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

Mizoram University’s zoology researchers identified a new coral snake species, naming it Sinomicrurus gorei after Dr. Gore. Locally called ‘Rulṭhihna,’ it resembles the traditional Mizo amber necklace ‘Ṭhihna.’ Only one other Sinomicrurus species, Sinomicrurus macclellandi, exists in Northeast India. Unique features, including scales, hemipenis, DNA, and skull, differentiate them. Previously considered the same species, a recent study unveiled distinctions. While Sinomicrurus macclellandi lays 6-14 eggs, Sinomicrurus gorei lays up to three, and their habitats differ in Mizoram.

Kachchhi Kharek, the indigenous date variety of Kutch, secures Gujarat’s second Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Dating back 400-500 years in Kachchh, the palms likely originated from seeds tossed by settlers returning from Haj in the Middle East. Harvested at the khalal stage, Kutch dates, known for salinity tolerance, commence their season on June 15. Uniquely, Kutch is the sole global hub for economically cultivating, marketing, and consuming fresh dates, hosting over two million palms, contributing to 85% of India’s total date palm cultivation.

The President and Prime Minister recently extended warm wishes to Indian Army personnel on Army Day, celebrated annually on January 15. Established on January 15, 1949, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, marking a historic transition from British leadership. The 76th Army Day in 2024, themed “In Service of the Nation,” will be commanded by the Army’s Central Command in Lucknow, aligning with the Indian Army’s motto, “Service Before Self.”

The Minister of State for Defence recently initiated the delivery of indigenously developed Astra Missiles to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Bharat Dynamics in Hyderabad. Astra is a cutting-edge beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile, crafted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL). The ASTRA Mk-I, integrated with SU-30 Mk-I aircraft, boasts a range of 80 to 110 km, travels at 4.5 Mach speed, and features a locally developed Ku-band active radar guidance system and a 15-kg warhead.

The Prime Minister recently personally fed Punganur cows at his New Delhi residence. Punganur cows, native to Andhra Pradesh’s Punganur village, are one of the world’s smallest cattle breeds, standing 70-90 cm tall and weighing less than 200kg. Known for their resilience to drought, they adapt to low-quality feed and produce milk with 8% fat content, rich in nutrients. These eco-friendly cows play a significant role in cultural practices, as seen in Andhra Pradesh’s temples, including Tirupati Thirumala Temple.

Recently, the first bilateral maritime exercise 'Ayutthaya' was conducted between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy. This is a bilateral exercise between India and Thailand. Indigenously built Indian Navy ships Kulish and IN LCU 56 participated in this naval exercise.

The 75th Emmy Awards have been announced. 'The Bear' and 'Succession' each captured six awards. "The Bear" was awarded the title of Best Comedy. Road rage drama "Beef" won the Best Limited Edition award. The award for best drama series was given to 'Succession'. 'Kieran Culkin' was given the Best Actor Award in the Drama Series category.

The Ministry of Mines, Government of India has recently signed an agreement with Catamarca Minera y Energetica Sociedad del Estado (Camayan SE), a state-owned enterprise of Catamarca Province, Argentina. Under this, Mineral Videsh India Limited will do the exploration and mining of five lithium blocks. Argentina is a South American country. It is the second largest country in South America after Brazil.  

Recently, Indian Navy ships Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir have been decommissioned after four decades of glorious service. The decommissioning ceremony was held at Port Blair and the national flag, naval ensign and decommissioning pennants of the three ships were lowered for the last time. Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir were built at the Gdynia Shipyard in Poland. These ships were inducted into the Indian Navy in 1984, 1985 and 1986 respectively.  

Vice Admiral AN Pramod has been appointed as the Director General of Naval Operations (DGNO). AN Pramod was appointed to the Indian Navy in 1990. He is an alumnus of the 38th Integrated Cadet Course, Naval Academy, Goa.