Daily Current Affairs MCQs : 10 March 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.

India along with 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS) were represented by 200 participants, at the 4th edition of the annual ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF) that was launched in Langkawi, Malaysia.
The AIGIF is an annual programme focused on fostering a strengthened relationship between India and AMS on the premise of cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). Department of Science & Technology (DST) and National Innovation Foundation (NIF) of India and the Science and Technology Ministry of the host nation, Malaysia collaborated for the event.

SEBI proposed changes in the regulatory framework for Special Situation Funds to facilitate the acquisition of stressed loans. Special Situation Funds (SSFs) are sub-category of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
Sebi suggested a definition of ‘special situation assets’, eligibility of investors in SSFs in terms of Insolvency law, among others. The proposals have been floated after consultations with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which is the principal regulator for the sale and purchase of stressed loans in India.

India for the first time invited bids for 20 critical mineral blocks, including lithium and graphite. This is not only seen to boost economic development but also a part of the nation’s strategy to ensure adequate domestic resources of essential raw materials for powering the green energy transition.
The auction will be held online, using a transparent two-stage ascending forward auction process. Eligible bidders will be chosen based on the highest percentage of the quoted value of dispatched minerals they offer.

The government launched a national protocol to provide for training of anganwadi workers to track and help children with disabilities.
The anganwadi eco-system reaches out to over eight crore children from birth to six years on a daily basis, according to a statement issued by the Women and Child Development Ministry. According to the Draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2021, one-third of most disabilities in India are estimated to be preventable, if they are detected early enough and adequately addressed.

The Indian Navy received the warship Imphal from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.  The crest design depicts the Kangla Palace on the left and ‘Kangla-Sa’ on the right. Kangla Palace is an important historical and archaeological site of Manipur and was the traditional seat of the kingdom.
With a dragon’s head and lion’s body, the ‘Kangla-Sa’ is the state emblem of Manipur. Imphal is the third of the four warships sanctioned under an important project called P-15B. INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao have already been commissioned. The ship has an indigenous content of around 75% including its medium range surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos missiles and others.