Daily GK and Current Affairs Quiz – 20th February 2021

Correct Answer – B. Odisha

Explanation: The state government of Odisha, under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has launched the development work for the SAMALEI Project (Samaleswari Temple Area Management and Local Economy Initiatives), to offer the divine experience to tourists & devotees. The project involves the development of 108 acres of land in & around the 16th-century shrine of Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity of western Odisha. Odisha Government has announced a package of Rs 200-crore for 2021-22 fiscal for the implementation of the project. The project will be implemented under MoSarkar5T and will focus on the beautification of the temple & economic development of local people. It will include the development of amenities for devotees inside the 12-acre temple premises and development of four tall heritage welcome gates.

Important Points:

• Chief Minister of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik
• Odisha Capital: Bhubaneswar
• Odisha Governor: Ganeshi Lal

Correct Answer – C. Kerala

Explanation: A team of scientists, doctors and photographers in Kerala have launched a mobile application named “Snakepedia”, that will present all relevant information on snakes, to help the public as well as doctors in treating snake bites. The main aim of the app is to help the public identify snakes, avail proper treatment on time for snakebites, bust myths about snakes, and protect snakes as well as snakebite victims. The android mobile application documents information on snakes with the help of pictures, infographics and podcasts and analyses its first aid, treatment, myths and superstitions.

Correct Answer – C. Georgia

Explanation:The Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia has announced his resignation. The 45-year-old Gakharia served as the Prime Minister from 8 September 2019 to 18 February 2021. He was stepping down because of disagreements within his own team over the decision to arrest Nika Melia, chairman of the United National Movement opposition party.

Correct Answer – E. Ajai Malhotra

Explanation:  Ajai Malhotra became the first Indian to be elected as the Chairperson of the United Nations Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council. He has been on the Indian team negotiating issues such as biological diversity, climate change, desertification, education, energy, forestry, health, human rights, human settlements, intellectual property, international law, labour, ozone depletion, sustainable development and trade

About the Ajai Malhotra:

Malhotra first joined the Indian Foreign Services in 1977. Malhotra has previously served as ambassador to Russia, Kuwait, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, New York and Romania.

Important Points:

• Human Rights Council Founded: 15 March 2006.
• Human Rights Council President: Nazhat Shameem.
• Human Rights Council Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

Correct Answer – C. Chris Morris

Explanation: Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) superstar and South African all-rounder Chris Morris shattered all records at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 auction in Chennai. Rajasthan Royals went all-out for the South African all-rounder Morris, buying him for a whopping INR 16.25 crore. Morris, who was declared surplus to requirement by the Virat Kohli-led side after the conclusion of the IPL 2020 last year, turned out to be the most expensive player bought in the history of the cash-rich tournament.

Correct Answer – B. Marc Llistosella

Explanation: Tata Motors Ltd appointed Marc Llistosella as the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) and Managing Director(MD)of the company, effective from July 2021. He succeeds Guenter Butschek who served the position since February 15, 2016He served as the President and CEO of Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation between 2015-2018 and Head of Daimler Trucks in Asia.Prior to this, he served as the MD and CEO of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd between 2008-2014. The company launched BharatBenz in 2012 and made it a successful brand in a short period of time.

Correct Answer – B. India Post Payments Bank

Explanation: On the lines of the labour welfare initiatives by the Central Government, the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) has inked memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Payments and Postal Bank (IPPB) to facilitate opening of bank accounts for construction workers.This MoU will ensure accessible financial services for construction workers along with financial literacy and digital inclusion.The aim of the pact is to cover around 10 lakh workers in a year from around current 3 crore workers engaged in construction activities across real estate projects.This program will be implemented in coordination with contractors.

Correct Answer – A. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

Explanation:  In a first of its kind in the world, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is developing a futuristic high altitude pseudo satellite namely Combined Air Teaming System (CATS) with a start-up company.Once developed the pseudo-satellite will be capable of taking information flying unmanned around 70,000 ft for 2-3 months.The system will have mother-ship carrying components and four autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles known as CATS Warrior.It can hit the target at a distance of 700 kilometres or can go to 350 kilometres and come back. It can also carry ammunition, missiles if needed.

Correct Answer – C. Uttar Pradesh

Explanation: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the Abhyudaya Scheme to provide free coaching to students appearing for the NEET, JEE (Mains and Advanced), and other competitive exams.This scheme aims at providing quality guidance and teaching to all aspirants coming from diverse backgrounds like rural areas, poor families and marginalised sections, who are not able to afford and avail private coaching services.There will be separate classes for NEET and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for admission into the IITs.All the lectures and complete study material will be made available online.

Correct Answer – B. Argentina

Explanation: The former president of Argentina Carlos Menem, passed away at the age of 90 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was born in 1930 in Anillaco, Argentina.Carlos Menem was elected governor of La Rioja in 1973.He was elected as the 44th President of Argentina and served from 1989 to 1999.He promoted the law to reform the government and the economy of Argentina following the resignation of Raúl Alfonsín, his predecessor.Carlos MenemJusticialist Party became the senator representing La Rioja province from 2005 to 2019.With the Peronist coalition “Front of All” Carlos was re-elected as the senator for a term which ends in 2023.

Correct Answer – B. Nagaland

Explanation: Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio has announced two new grants, namely, the Chief Minister’s Grant for Journalism and the Chief Minister’s Research Grant.The research grant will support the advancement of science and extend funding to research and research scholars.A Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Research Centre for Conflict Resolution will also be set up in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Nagaland: 

• Lok Sabha seats – 1.
• Rajya Sabha seats – 1.
• State Animal – Gayal.
• State Bird – Blyth’s tragopan.

Correct Answer – D. 6th

Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the sixth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog virtually on 20 February 2021.Deliberations on agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, and health and nutrition are the key agenda of the meeting.The sixth meeting will witness the entry of Ladakh for the first time in addition to the participation of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory.

Correct Answer – B. Australia

Explanation:  Facebook has barred users from sharing or reading news from Australian publishers on its platform.Facebook announced the decision in response to proposed legislation in Australia that would force tech platforms to pay news publishers for content.Total web traffic to Australian news sites dropped by around 13% after Facebook Inc blocked their content on the social media platform.

Australia:

• Capital – Canberra.
• Currency – Australian dollar.
• Prime minister –  Scott Morrison.
• National Sport – Australian Rules football.

Correct Answer – C. Haridwar

Explanation: Kumbh Mela 2021 will be held from 1st to 30th April in the holy city of Haridwar.COVID-19 negative report issued not later than 72 hours is mandatory for the visitors of Kumbh-Mela.All devotees desirous of attending the Kumbh Mela must register with the Uttarakhand government.The Kumbh Mela has been restricted to just 30 days to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection.