Daily GK and Current Affairs Quiz – 27th January 2021

Correct Answer: B. IIT Bombay

Explanation: IIT Bombay has come up with ‘Shaft with Multiple Outlets’ as an intervention for improving the performance of existing piped water distribution networks. IIT Bombay and IIT Madras implemented the solution in the towns of Saphale, and Umerpada, in Palghar district, Maharashtra, which is currently provided with water from a multi village water supply system. These solutions will minimize the need for costly infrastructure components and improve the operation of the system.

Correct Answer – B. Shristi Goswami

Explanation: Haridwar-based Shristi Goswami became the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand for one day on 24 January 2021, which is the National Girl Child Day. She has been the CM of Bal Vidhan Sabha (Children’s State Assembly) since 2018. Some of the schemes she will review include Atal Ayushman Scheme, Smart City project, Homestay Scheme by the tourism department, and other development projects.

Correct Answer – B. Ladakh

Explanation: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma has inaugurated India’s longest road arch bridge “Wahrew Bridge” at Sohbar in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya on 22 January 2021. The project was sanctioned in 2013 and, the work started in 2014. The construction of the bridge was completed in December 2018. The arch bridge has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 49.395 crore under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) of the Ministry of Development of North East Region (DoNER). The iconic structure is expected to boost the tourism sector in the State.

Correct Answer – C. ShramShakti

Explanation:  The Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda has launched a National Migration Support Portal “ShramShakti”, during a virtual programme organised at Panjim, Goa. The portal will help the government in smooth formulation of state and national level programs for migrant workers. Shram Shakti portal will address the data gap and empower migrant workers who generally migrate in search of employment and income generation. The government would also be able to link the migrant population with existing Welfare Scheme- under Atam Nirbhar Bharat.

The minister also launched “ShramSaathi”, a training manual for migrant workers, to ensure that the process of livelihood migration is safe and productive. Apart from this, a dedicated Migration cell was also launched in Goa to facilitate and support migrants who come from different States to Goa. This makes Goa first destination state of India to set up a dedicated migration cell to address diverse issues of migrant workers.

Correct Answer – C. Nikhil Srivastava

Explanation: Nikhil Srivastava, a young Indian mathematician, has been named winner of the prestigious 2021 Michael and Sheila Held Prize along with two others for solving long-standing questions on the Kadison-Singer problem and on Ramanujan graphs. Srivastava is currently Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of California. Srivastava from the University of California, Berkeley, Adam Marcus, the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Daniel Alan Spielman from Yale University will receive the 2021 Michael and Sheila Held Prize.

About the Michael and Sheila Held Prize: The Michael and Sheila Held Prize is presented annually and honours outstanding, innovative, creative, and influential research in the areas of combinatorial and discrete optimisation, or related parts of computer science, such as the design and analysis of algorithms and complexity theory. The prize was established in 2017 by the bequest of Michael And Sheila Held. The prize consists of a medal and USD 100,000.

Correct Answer – A. Odisha

Explanation: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated the annual Toshali National Crafts Mela in Bhubaneswar. The Crafts Mela was inaugurated virtually. The Toshali Crafts Mela has become one of the most popular handlooms and handicrafts fairs in Eastern India. Three artisans were also presented with the State Handicrafts Award-2019 in the event. Three winners are- Dilip Kumar Swain (palm leaf engraving), Divyajyoti Behera (stone sculpting), and Priyanka Patra (terracotta). A total number of 250 stalls have been set up at the Janata Maidan venue displaying the best handloom and handicrafts from across the country. Out of the total, 170 stalls represent Odisha textiles and crafts and 80 stalls are of other states.

Correct Answer – C. Rajasthan

Explanation: A new scheme has been initiated in Sirohi, Rajasthan to make people aware of the importance of nourishment of pregnant women and children. The scheme is called ‘Ek Paudha Suposhit Beti Ke Naam’. It has been started under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme of the union government. Under this, on the birth of a girl child, a drumstick plant will be distributed by district administration.

Correct Answer – C. Uttar Pradesh

Explanation: Uttar Pradesh government will provide free coaching to students preparing for various competitive exams like JEE, NEET, NDA, CDS, and UPSC. chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced the launch of an ambitious, state-wide, free coaching facility – ABHYUDAYA from February 2021. In the first phase, it will start in 18 divisional headquarters of the state, where coaching will be imparted physically and virtually.

Correct Answer – C. Dr Rajendra Kumar Bhandari

Explanation:  Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society and Dr. Rajendra Kumar Bhandari have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar. They have been selected for their excellent work in Disaster Management. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 51 lakh rupees and a certificate in case of an institution and Rs 5 lakh and a certificate in case of an individual.

Correct Answer – D. 32

Explanation: 32 children have been awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for 2021. The Government has been conferring the awards to the children with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievement in the fields of innovation, sports, arts and culture, social service, and bravery. Seven children have won the award in the sports category and three children have been felicitated for bravery. Seven awards have been given in the field of Art and Culture, nine awards have been given for Innovation and five for scholastic achievements and one child has been honored for her efforts in the field of Social Service.

Correct Answer – D. Andaman & Nicobar

Explanation: A large-scale tri-service joint amphibious exercise AMPHEX – 21 was conducted in Andaman & Nicobar group of islands from 21 – 25 Jan 2021. The exercise involved participation of Naval ships, amphibious troops of the Army and different types of aircraft from the Air force. The exercise was aimed at validating India’s capabilities to safeguard the territorial integrity of it’s island territories. It also sought to enhance operational synergy and joint warfighting capabilities amongst the three Services.

Correct Answer – D. Netherlands

Explanation: The Netherlands government hosted an online international Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS Online) on 25 January 2021. CAS Online build on the advances of the UN Climate Action Summit by showcasing pioneering solutions to the climate emergency, and sustaining momentum through to UNFCCC’s COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the CAS will deliver action and inspire change to help societies build back better.

It was aimed to help realize the transitions required for a climate-resilient world. The summit had a significant focus on securing new investments to ensure that millions of smallholder farmers can adapt to the stresses of climate on food production. The summit organizers have called for major new funding for agricultural research, expanded access to farmer advisory services, as well as expanded access to risk management and financial services. Join UNFSS at this event.

Correct Answer – D. Singer

Explanation:  The iconic Indian Bhajan singer Narendra Chanchal, who specialized in religious songs and hymns, has passed away. He sang a Bollywood song Beshak Mandir Masjid for the 1973 film Bobby and won Filmfare Best Male Playback Award. Some of his ever-popular bhajans include Chalo Bulawa Aaya Hai, Tune Mujhe Bulaya Sherawaliye, Ambe Tu Hai Jagadambe Kali, Hanuman Chalisa, Sankat Mochan Naam Tiharo, Ram Se Bada Ram Ka Naam among others. Besides several bhajans, Chanchal had also given voice in several Hindi films as well.

Correct Answer – B. USA

Explanation: The American television and radio host Larry King passed away in January 2021. Larry King started his career as a local journalist in Florida in the 1950s and 1960s. He, however, gained prominence with the show ‘The Larry King Show’.