Current Affairs Quiz 20 February 2023
Current Affairs Quiz 20 February 2023 covers the major topics of 19th and 20th February 2023. The questions are designed as per the need of exams like UPSC, PCS, SSC, and major competitive exams in India.
1. What is the objective of the Sagar Parikarma Programme?
(A) Deploy Indian Coast Guard 24×7 along the Indian coastline to prevent drug trafficking.
(B) A 13 days sailing expedition program to test the skills of the Indian Army.
(C) To launch an autonomous sailing vehicle to map the entire Indian ocean.
(D) To facilitate interaction with fishermen and coastal communities to disseminate information on various fisheries-related schemes.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (D)
Why this question?
- Recently, the Department of Fisheries hosted the third phase of the Sagar Parikarma Programme from Gujarat to Maharashtra.
What is Sagar Parikarma Programme?
- It is a program launched by the Fisheries Ministry in 2022.
- Objectives of this program:
- to facilitate interaction with fishermen and coastal communities to disseminate information on various fisheries-related schemes.
- demonstrate solidarity with fish farmers and other stakeholders in the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Promote sustainable fisheries by maintaining a balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for food security of the nation and the livelihood of coastal fisheries communities.
2. Consider the following statements regarding India’s fisheries sector:
- India is the third-largest fish-producing nation in the world.
- In terms of the export of fish, India comes in fourth place in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (C)
Status of India’s fish sector:
- It is identified as the “Sunrise sector” by Indian Government.
- Fish sector statistics
- Fish production – 3rd place
- Aquaculture – 2nd place
- Export of fish – 4th place
- Global fish export share – 7.7%
3. Consider the following statements regarding the GST (Goods and Services Tax) Council:
- It is a joint forum of Centre and States, constituted by the President under Article 279A (1) of the Constitution.
- Centre and States have an equal voting share in the decision-making process.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (A)
Why this question?
- Recently, the 49th GST Council meeting was held.
Important outcomes from the 49th GST Council Meeting:
- Approved the constitution of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act 2017 (CGST Act). GSTAT national bench will be situated in New Delhi. It will be headed by its President and consists of two judicial members and two technical members.
- Central Government will clear entire GST Compensation dues to states.
What is GST Council?
- It is a joint forum of Centre and States, constituted by the President under Article 279A (1) of the Constitution after the 101st Constitution Amendment Act.
- Composition:
- Union Finance Minister as the Chairperson.
- Union Minister of State of Revenue or Finance
- Minister-in-charge of Finance/Taxation or any other Minister nominated by each State Government.
- Union Revenue Secretary as the ex-officio Secretary to the council.
- Voting weightage:
- Central Government – one third
- Combined State Governments – two thirds
4. Name the joint military exercise held between India and Uzbekistan.
(A) Dustlik
(B) Khanjar
(C) Prabal Dostyk
(D) Nomadic Elephant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (D)
Why this question?
- Recently, a joint military exercise was held between India and Uzbekistan.
Joint Military Exercises with Central Asian Countries:
- Dustlik – Uzbekistan
- Khanjar – Kyrgyzstan
- Prabal Dostyk – Kazakhstan
- Nomadic Elephant – Mongolia
5. Consider the following statements regarding Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA):
- It is an inherited blood disorder.
- SCA affects the shape of white blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
- Stems cells or Bone marrow transplants are the only cure available for this disease.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 2 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (B)
Why this question?
- Recently, the Minister of Finance said that India will work in mission mode to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) condition by 2047.
What is Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA)?
- It is an inherited blood disorder that is highly prevalent in tribal people of South India.
- People suffering from SCA are associated with a typical hemoglobin molecule called hemoglobin S, which can distort RBC into a sickle or crescent shape.
- SCA affects Red Blood Cells (RBC) which carry oxygen to all parts of body.
- It can damage several organs like the liver, heart, kidney, bones, eyes, etc.
- Stems cells or Bone marrow transplants are the only cure available for this disease, but they also involve significant risks.
- India is the 2nd worst affected nation in terms of chances of being born with SCA condition.
6. Consider the following statements regarding the possible impact of Geomagnetic Storms on Earth:
- Formation of bright red auroras.
- Long-range satellite communication can be difficult due to the heating of the ionosphere.
- Large voltage surges in the power grids cause blackouts.
- It can throw satellites off course and even cause them to fall to the surface of the earth.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
(A) 1, 2 and 3
(B) 2, 3 and 4
(C) 1, 3 and 4
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (D)
Why this question?
- Recently, a G1-Class Geomagnetic storm hit the earth.
What is Geomagnetic Storm?
- It is a disturbance in the earth’s magnetosphere, caused by the massive exchange of energy from the solar wind into the space environment surrounding the earth.
- They are characterized between G1 and G5, the latter being the strongest one.
Effects of Geomagnetic storm:
- Formation of bright red auroras due to the interaction of oxygen molecules with solar radiation.
- Long-range satellite communication can be difficult due to the heating of the ionosphere.
- Large voltage surges in the power grids cause blackouts.
- It can throw satellites off course and even cause them to fall to the surface of the earth.
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