Daily GK and Current Affairs Quiz – 24th March 2021

Correct Answer: C. Denmark

Explanation: The Danish Red Cross has launched first of its kind, a catastrophe bond for volcano-related disasters with the support of several financial firms.The $3 million bond will enable the disaster relief agency to get aid quickly to those suffering following the eruption of 10 named volcanoes, in Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Indonesia and Mexico.Catastrophe bonds offer investors high yields, but do not pay out if a named catastrophe occurs. They typically cover areas prone to hurricanes and typhoons.

Correct Answer: A. Andhra Pradesh

Explanation: Andhra Pradesh state government has decided to set up “India’s first government-run ambulance network” for animals.The Animal Husbandry Department has been further directed to set up one Mobile Ambulance Veterinary Clinic at every assembly constituency.These mobile ambulances shall provide veterinary first aid services along with spot diagnosis and attending to emergency cases.One of the major facilities these ambulances will provide is the ‘Hydraulic Lift’ facility to lift animals and shift them to the nearest Government Veterinary Facility in case of emergency.

Correct Answer – D. The clock is Ticking

Explanation: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed every year on March 24 to raise public awareness about the health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to end TB epidemic.March 24 marks the day when Robert Koch discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1882 that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.Theme 2021: ‘The Clock is Ticking’TB is a contagious infection that usually attacks lungs and nearly 4000 lose their lives to TB and close to 28,000 people fall ill every day.

Correct Answer – D. 38

Explanation:  Russia put 38 foreign satellites into orbit after a successful launch from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan following delays due to technical issues.The Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Fregat upper stage and 38 spacecraft from 18 countries took off from the Baikonur cosmodrome.Soyuz rocket successfully placed into orbit the 38 satellites from more than a dozen countries, including South Korea, Japan, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy and Brazil.Among them was the Challenge-1, the first satellite made completely in Tunisia, which was created by the Telnet telecommunications group.

Correct Answer – B. Afghanistan

Explanation: Union Cabinet has approved MoU between Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), India and Independent Administrative Reforms and Civil Services Commission (IARCSC), Afghanistan.It will strengthen the relationship between IARCSC and UPSCThe MoU will facilitate sharing of experience and expertise in the area of recruitment, books, manuals and other documents which are not of a confidential nature and Information Technology (IT) for the preparation of written examinations and holding of Computer Based Recruitment Tests and Online Examinations.

Correct Answer – B. Instoried

Explanation: Instoried, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based content intelligence platform, has raised an undisclosed amount from Rockstud Capital.Instoried helps enterprises and individuals create emotionally engaging content thereby improving return on investment.The funds will be used to reach out to newer geographies for their existing tool as well as the recently launched tool for individuals.

Correct Answer – C. 12.8

Explanation: Fitch Ratings has revised India’s GDP growth estimate to 12.8% for the next fiscal from the previous 11%.The agency, in its latest Global Economic Outlook GEO, anticipates the level of the country’s GDP to remain well below its pre-pandemic forecast trajectory.Fitch also expects GDP growth to ease to 5.8% in Fiscal Year 2023.

Correct Answer – B. Andaman and Nicobar

Explanation: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lt. Governor Admiral D K Joshi declared that the UT has achieved 100 percent Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) coverage.With this, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands becomes the third state/UT in the country to achieve the target after Goa and Telangana under Jal Jeevan Mission.The connections were provided at 266 villages located in 9 blocks.

Correct Answer – B. Vivek Murthy

Explanation:    US Senate has voted to confirm Indian-American Dr. Vivek Murthy to be President Biden’s Surgeon General.Dr. Murthy served as the Surgeon General under the Obama administration from 2014 to 2017.He is a distinguished Physician and former Vice Admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

Correct Answer – C. 41

Explanation: Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2021 on 23 March 2021.It gives effect to the financial proposals of the central government for the year 2021-22.Referring to existing taxes levied on petrol and diesel, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed that the center is sharing 41 percent with the states from devolvable taxes.

Correct Answer – D. ICICI Bank

Explanation: ICICI Bank has announced the launch of an instant EMI (Equated Monthly Instalments) facility on its internet banking platform.It is the first in the industry to do so.Called ‘EMI @ Internet Banking’, the facility aims to offer increased affordability to pre-approved customers, as it enables them to convert their high-value transactions up to ₹5 lakh into easy monthly installments.

Correct Answer – B. TCS

Explanation: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Ltd has launched the TCS Connected Consumer Home solution based on the open-source software platform RDK.It has been launched to help media and communication service providers offer intuitive and connected consumer experiences.The communication and media vertical contributes nearly 7% to the company’s total revenues and grew 5.5% during the Dec’20 quarter.

Correct Answer – D. 50

Explanation:  Private equity firm ChrysCapital is investing $50 million in Safex Chemicals India Ltd, an agrochemical company, for a significant minority stake.The transaction involves a combination of secondary sales by an existing PE investor, BanyanTree Growth Capital, along with a primary raise by the company for growth initiatives.Founded in 1991, Safex manufactures and sells branded agrochemicals.

Correct Answer – B. 23 March

Explanation: March 23 marks the birth anniversary of freedom fighter and socialist leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia.Lohia was born on 23 March 1910.He was an activist in the Indian independence movement and a socialist political leader.During the last phase of British rule in India, he worked with Congress Radio which was broadcast secretly from various places in Bombay until 1942.