Daily GK and Current Affairs Quiz – 11th & 12th April 2021

Correct Answer: C. Victoria

Explanation: India formally handed over Rs 100 crore patrol vessel “PS Zoroaster” to Seychelles during the virtual summit between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan. The PS Zoroaster is the fourth made-in-India patrol boat developed for Seychelles since 2005. The other vessels gifted by India include PS Topaz (2005), PS Constant (2014), Patrol Boat Hermes (2016).

About the PS Zoroaster:

The 48.9-metre patrol boat has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineering at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore.The vessel has a top speed of 35 knots and an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles.It will be used for multi-purpose operations, such as patrolling, anti-smuggling and anti-poaching operations, and search and rescue.

Other projects launched

Both the leaders inaugurated the new magistrates’ court building in Mahe, constructed with a $3.5-million grant from India.India also handed over a 1 MW solar power plant at Romainville Island of Seychelles built at a cost of $3.4 million by the Government of India.10 High Impact Community Development Projects were also inaugurated.

Important Points:

• Seychelles Capital: Victoria.
• Seychelles Currency: Seychellois rupee.
• Seychelles Continent: Africa.

Correct Answer – B. SBI Mutual Funds

Explanation: The State Bank of India (SBI) Mutual Funds has launched its first overseas offering on 1 March 2021. The fund titled SBI International Access — US Equity FOF is an open-ended fund of funds scheme investing in a mutual fund scheme/ETFs that invest in US markets, which are domiciled overseas. The scheme will invest 95-100 per cent of its net assets generally in Amundi Funds – US Pioneer Fund (including ETFs), which invest predominantly in the US markets.

The main features of the scheme include:

International diversification: Provides international diversification to the portfolio and provides investors with the opportunity to invest in themes not available in the Indian market.Lower correlation: Aids in mitigating overall risk by investing in a market that has a lower correlation to Indian markets.Currency depreciation: Provide investors with the opportunity to benefit from any depreciation in the Indian currency against the currency of the underlying fund.

Minimum Investment Amount

The customers interested in the scheme are required to invest at least Rs 5,000 for the first time. However, for additional purchase, the minimum application amount is Rs 1,000.There is no upper cap for the investment in this fund.

Important Points:

SBI Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara.

SBI Headquarters: Mumbai.

SBI Founded: 1 July 1955.

SBI Mutual Fund MD & CEO: Vinay Tonse.

Correct Answer – D. Homoeopathy – Roadmap for Integrative Medicine

Explanation: World Homeopathy Day is celebrated every year on April 10 to spread awareness about homoeopathy and its contribution to the world of medicine. The day marks the birth anniversary of German physician Dr Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, who is considered the founder of the system of alternative medicine called Homeopathy. The year 2021 marks the 266th birthday of Hahnemann.

International Convention on World Homoeopathy Day

The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), Ministry of AYUSH, organised a two-day scientific conference on the occasion of #WorldHomoeopathyDay from April 10 & 11, 2021 in New Delhi.The theme of the conference is “Homoeopathy – Roadmap for Integrative Medicine”.Objective: exchange of experience by policymakers and experts to identify strategic actions towards an effective and efficient inclusion of Homoeopathy in integrative care.

Correct Answer – B. 11 April to 14 April

Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently appealed to the Chief Ministers of the States to organise “Tika Utsav”. Tika Utsav is a vaccine festival. It is to be held between April 11, 2021, and April 14, 2021. The main objective of the festival is to vaccinate as many people as possible. It will also focus on zero wastage of the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccination Drive in India:

Currently, three states are receiving a maximum number of COVID-19 doses. They are Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.COVAXIN and COVISHIELD are the two major COVID-19 vaccines that are currently administered in India.So far, India has shipped 64 million doses of vaccines to 84 countries in the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. The major recipient countries of the Indian COVID-19 vaccines are Mexico, Canada, and Brazil.The GoI has planned to cover 250 million people included in the “high priority” category by July 2021 under its vaccination programme.

Correct Answer – E. England

Explanation: Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away.The 99-year-old royal passed away just months before his 100th birthday in June.He had retired from public duties in 2017 at the age of 96.He was the longest-serving royal consort in British history who was a constant presence at Queen Elizabeth II’s side for decades.

Correct Answer – A. Niger

Explanation: Niger President Mohamed Bazoum appointed Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou to head his new cabinet as the country’s new prime minister. He was previously served as a minister in charge of the finance and mining portfolios. He was the chief of staff to former President Mahamadou Issoufou between 2015 and 2021. He was sworn as Niger’s first democratic transition of power since independence in 1960.

Important Points:

• Niger Capital: Niamey.
• Niger Currency: West African CFA franc.

Correct Answer – B. Building a fairer, healthier world for everyone

Explanation:  World Health Day is observed every year on April 7 to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for World Health Organization.Theme for World Health Day 2021: “Building a fairer, healthier world for everyone”.

Correct Answer – D. Actress

Explanation:  Veteran actress Shashikala Om Prakash Saigal (88 years) passed away at her residence in MumbaiShe was featured in over 100 popular movies like Bimla, Sujata, Aarti, Anupama, Gumrah, Khubsoorat, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.She was awarded with Padma Shri in 2007

Correct Answer – C. 12.5%

Explanation:   International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded its growth projection for India to 12.5% for Financial Year 2021-22 in its latest World Economic Outlook report.IMF projected global economy to expand 6% this year, up from the 5.5% pace estimated in January.

Correct Answer – C. Telangana

Explanation:  India’s biggest floating solar power plant with a capacity of 100 megawatt is expected to become operational in Telangana.The project has been set up by the energy conglomerate National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in the reservoir of its thermal power plant at Ramagundam, Peddapalli district.The solar photo-voltaic project, spread over 450 acres, will have 4.5 lakh photovoltaic panels and it can be expanded in the future.The project has been set up at a cost of Rs 423 crore.

Correct Answer: D. Mallika Srinivasan

Explanation: Chairman and Managing Director of Tractors and Farm Equipment (TAFE) Limited, Mallika Srinivasan has been appointed as the chairperson of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), an order issued by the personnel ministry.This is for the first time that a private sector specialist has been appointed as the head of the PESB, responsible for the appointment of top management posts in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).

Correct Answer – B. Shailendra Kumar Joshi

Explanation: M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India released the book “Suparipalana” authored by Dr Shailendra Kumar Joshi(SK Joshi), the former Chief Secretary of Telangana.This is the Telugu translation of SK Joshi’s book “Echo T Calling: Towards People Centric Governance”.The book was translated by AnnavarapuBrahmaiah and published by Maruthi.

Correct Answer – B. Rajasthan

Explanation: Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd (RRECL) commissioned India’s 1st Farm-based Solar Power Project under the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri-Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) Scheme at Bhaloji Village, Kotputli in Jaipur, Rajasthan.It has a capacity of 1 megawatt and is spread over on 3.5-acre semi-barren land.It has been developed at an investment of nearly INR 3.7 Crore.The power generated by the project will be purchased by Rajasthan VidhyutVitran Nigam Ltd (at the rate of INR 3.14 per unit).

Correct Answer: C. USA and Philippines

Explanation: Philippine and US soldiers will conduct a two-week joint military exercise from Monday (April 12), resuming the annual training event after last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic.Unlike previous exercises, however, this year’s “Balikatan” (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) drills to test the readiness of their militaries to respond to threats such natural disasters and militant extremist attacks, will be scaled down.Only 1,700 troops — 700 from the United States and 1,000 from the Philippines will participate, unlike previous exercises which involved as many as 7,600 soldiers.

Correct Answer: C. HDFC Bank

Explanation: HDFC Bank announced the winners of its fourth edition of SmartUp Grants 2021.21 startups working in the social sector were selected through a rigorous screening process from 300 applicants.The bank instituted SmartUp grants in 2017 and It has supported 87-number of startups from various cities across India so far.HDFC Bank has partnered with IIT Delhi, IIM Kashipur, AIC-BIMTECH, IIT BHU, GUSEC, C-CAMP, Banasthali University etc. to shortlist the winner.

Correct Answer: B. Nomadland

Explanation: Gig-economy Western “Nomadland” won four prizes including best picture at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) last night.The awards were given during a pandemic-curbed ceremony that recognized a diverse array of screen talent.“Nomadland” filmmaker Chloe Zhao became only the second woman, and the first woman of color, to win the BAFTA for best director, and star Frances McDormand was named best actress.

Correct Answer – A. Asian Development Bank

Explanation: The ADB has approved a USD 484-mn to improve transport connectivity and road maintenance in the Chennai -Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC) in Tamil Nadu.The CKIC is part of India’s East Coast Economic Corridor.It stretches from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu and connects India to the production networks of Southeast and East Asia.The project will upgrade about 590 km of state highways in the CKIC influence areas.

Correct Answer – B. Jammu

Explanation: Thomas Cook (India) Ltd has inaugurated its first Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet in Jammu with a focus to leverage the growth potential of the region.It has set up its first Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet at Jammu‘s Bahu Plaza.It has also expanded its footprint in Uttar Pradesh with the launch of a new Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet in Varanasi at RathYatra Chauraha.

Correct Answer: A. Amazon India

Explanation: Amazon India has announced the launch of its ‘Mentor Connect’ programme.It is aimed at accelerating the growth of startups and emerging brand owners enrolled under its Amazon Launchpad initiative.Through the programme, startups and emerging brands will gain access to guidance from venture capital firms, industry veterans, and Amazon leaders through expert knowledge sharing sessions, etc.