Daily Current Affairs MCQs : 20 January 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) confirmed that the Chang’e 6 sample return mission is scheduled to land on the Moon in the first half of 2024. This mission, aiming to collect lunar samples from the south pole, will contribute valuable data to understand the Moon’s geology. Marking the first attempt to retrieve samples from the far side of the Moon, Chang’e 6 plans to bring back up to two kilograms of lunar samples and involves collaboration with international partners like the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French space agency CNES. The mission includes a lander, rover, and contributions from various countries, emphasizing global scientific cooperation.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) appointed Sue Redfern as the first female neutral umpire to officiate a bilateral series. Redfern will umpire the upcoming ICC Women’s Championship and T20I matches between Australia and South Africa. The ICC also appointed seven other impartial women umpires to officiate in the Women’s Championship series. The decision to appoint Redfern aims to promote gender diversity in officiating roles.

ISRO has developed a second-generation Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT) that enhances safety for fishermen at sea. Operational since 2010, over 20,000 DATs are in use. The technology allows fishermen to send emergency messages with real-time acknowledgments through satellite communication. The DAT-SG, an improved version, utilizes advanced capabilities and features. Messages decoded at the Indian Mission Control Centre help Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres locate distressed boats for timely Search and Rescue operations, reassuring fishermen of impending assistance.

In response to severe water shortages in dry regions of Africa, the ancient “qanat system” is proposed as a solution. Originating in arid areas worldwide, this water-supply system channels mountain water through sloping tunnels to address limited water supplies. Known by various names, such as “foggara” and “falaj,” qanats have been used for centuries in regions like North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This gravity-based system, requiring no electricity, offers sustainability, minimal evaporation, and widespread irrigation potential, fostering social cohesion.

Chhattisgarh recently launched the Mahtari Vandana Yojana 2024, inspired by Madhya Pradesh’s successful ‘Aarthik Sarkari Ladli Bahna Yojana.’ The state initiative aims to provide monthly economic assistance of 1,000 rupees to women, fostering self-reliance and skill development. The scheme supports women in managing expenses, initiating small-scale enterprises, and improving their financial conditions. With direct transfers to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, Mahtari Vandana Yojana 2024 proves to be a significant state-level effort empowering women in Chhattisgarh.

Tamil Nadu secured the title of the ‘best performer’ state in the 2022 Startup India State Startup Rankings. The state’s strategic efforts included the revamping of its nodal startup agency, StartupTN, in 2021, and budget allocations for the launch of new funds like Tamil Nadu Startup Seed Fund (TANSEED), Emerging Sector Seed Fund, and Tamil Nadu SC/ ST Fund. The rankings also recognized Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh as best performers, while Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Telangana were categorized as ‘leaders.’ Currently, Tamil Nadu boasts over 7,600 startups registered under the Startup India scheme, with more than 2,250 startups registering in 2022 alone.

REC Limited, a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power, achieved a milestone with its inaugural JPY 61.1 billion green bonds issuance. It marks REC’s eleventh entry into the international bond market and the first Yen Green Bonds issuance by an Indian PSU. The bonds, with maturities of 5, 5.25, and 10 years, were issued at yields of 1.76%, 1.79%, and 2.20%, respectively. This Euro-Yen issuance is the largest in South and Southeast Asia, making it India’s largest Yen-denominated issuance. The bonds received significant interest globally, with a high international allocation. They will be listed exclusively on India INX and NSE IFSC in GIFT City, Gujarat.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) and Telangana government are establishing the 19th Center of the WEF’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Network (4IR) in Hyderabad, slated for launch in February 2024. It will be the world’s first thematic center dedicated to health tech and life sciences, solidifying a strategic partnership between Telangana and WEF. The center aims to enhance healthcare technology, aligning with the broader vision of both entities. The launch during BioAsia 2024 positions Hyderabad as a global healthcare hub, emphasizing collaboration for improved living standards and global recognition for Telangana in the 4IR network.

Scientists discovered a new phytopathogenic fungus species in Kerala, named ‘Paramyrothecium indicum.’ Most Paramyrothecium are phytopathogens, causing serious plant diseases that impact crop productivity. Paramyrothecium leaf spots are a type of fungal disease affecting various plants. Some produce bio-herbicidal metabolites, potentially used for weed control. Fungi, one of the six biological kingdoms, are eukaryotic organisms with diverse roles, including decomposition, plant diseases, and human skin ailments. They are crucial in industrial processes like bread and beer making.

Scientists recently discovered a 22-million-year-old lost forest in the Panama Canal, a crucial artificial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Stretching 80 kilometers, the canal features locks to adjust water levels for ship passage through the isthmus. Initiated by France in 1881, the United States took over in 1904, completing and managing the canal until 1999. Panama assumed full control in 2000, following the Torrijos-Carter Treaties with the U.S. in 1977.