Daily GK and Current Affairs Quiz – 2nd April 2021

Correct Answer: D. Lewis Hamilton

Explanation: Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton got his bid for an eighth world title off to a thrilling start with victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix 2021. Hamilton after his 96th career win. Max Verstappen (Red bull) and V Bottas (Mercedes ) stand 2nd and 3rd Position Respectively.

Correct Answer – C. Rs 7.24 lakh crore

Explanation: The government has decided to borrow Rs 7.24 lakh crore in the first half of 2021-22 fiscal (FY22) to meet resources to revive the economy hit by coronavirus pandemic. This borrowing is 60.06 per cent of the estimated gross issuances for fiscal 2021-22. According to Budget 2021-22, the estimated gross borrowing is pegged at Rs 12.05 lakh crore in the financial year beginning April 01, 2021. The government raises money from the market to fund its fiscal deficit through dated securities and treasury bills.

Correct Answer – A. Odisha

Explanation: In a bid to promote Ayurveda as the mainstream treatment for the prevalent lifestyle-related diseases, Vinoba SevaPratisthan (VSP), in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, has successfully organized a 3-day “Ayurveda Paravin Bhubaneswar.This unique initiative aims to not only ensure greater acceptance of Ayurveda among the masses but also to popularize Ayurveda as the main line of treatment for the current lifestyle diseases. The Ministry of AYUSH provided full-fledged support to this programme. During this Parv, nearly 25 research papers were presented by experts and researchers. The initiative generated tremendous response as thousands of patients turned up and showed their trust towards Ayurveda medication. They did get their diagnosis and consequent medicine.

Important Points:

Minister of State (IC) of the Ministry of AYUSH: Shripad Yesso Naik.

Correct Answer – E. June 30

Explanation: The Central Government has extended the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS 3.0) by another three months till June 30, 2021, or till such time that an amount of Rs. 3 lakh crore is sanctioned under the Scheme. Additionally, the government has also introduced certain modifications in the ECLGS scheme to further contribute towards economic revival.

Modified rules:

The limit of credit has been enhanced to 40 per cent of outstanding loans as of February 29, 2020. This limit was 20 per cent earlier.The scheme would now also cover borrowers with total credit outstanding up to Rs 500 crore, with overdues for 60 days or less on February 29 2020, as compared to 30 days overdue earlier.The tenor of loans granted under ECLGS 3.0 is 6 years with a moratorium period of 2 years on repayment of principal. In ECLGS 2.0, the tenor was five years with a 12-month moratorium.Further, the scheme has also introduced providing an incentive to MLIs (member lending institutions) to enable the availability of additional funding facility to the eligible beneficiaries.The ECLGS was announced as part of the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package of Central Government to provide fully guaranteed and collateral-free additional credit to MSMEs, business enterprises, individual loans for business purposes and MUDRA borrowers.

Correct Answer – D. 113rd amendment

Explanation: Utkal Divas or Utakala Dibasha is celebrated on April 1 every year to remember the formation of the Odisha state after a struggle to be recognised as an independent state. Under British rule, Odisha was part of the Bengal presidency, which consisted of the present-day Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The state was originally called Orissa but the Lok Sabha passed the Orissa Bill, and Constitution Bill (113rd amendment), in March 2011 to rename it Odisha.

Why is Odisha Day important for the people of Odisha

The region became part of Kalinga after it was conquered by Magadha King Ashoka in 261 BC to expand his Mauryan rule. After Mauryan rule, King Kharavela’s rule began in Odisha. Kharavela managed to avenge the Mauryan invasion by defeating Magadh. Historians credit Kharavela for laying the foundation for Odisha’s fame as a land of art, architecture and sculpture. He also managed to establish a powerful political state.Gajapati Mukunda Deva was the last Hindu king of Odisha. He was defeated by the Mughals in 1576. A few hundred years later, the British took over and divided the state into different parts. The northern and western districts of the state became part of what was then called the Bengal presidency.

State’s struggle for independence

The new province of Odisha was formed after people’s continued struggle, which finally paid off on April 1, 1936. Sir John Hubbak was the first governor of the state. Notable leaders from that movement are Utkala Gouraba, Madhusudan Das, Utkala Mani, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Pandita Nilakantha Das, and many others.

Important Points:

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

Correct Answer – A. Subhash Kumar

Explanation: Subhash Kumar has taken additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).He is presently serving as the Director (Finance) at ONGC.He succeeded Shashi Shanker, who superannuated on March 31, 2021.Subhash Kumar has over 36 years of experience in diverse activities across Exploration & Production (E&P) value chain.He joined ONGC in 1985 as Finance and Accounts Officer and served in different capacities.

Correct Answer – B. 2nd April

Explanation:  International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is organised every year on 2nd April to inspire love of reading and to call attention to children’s books.It was first observed in 1967 by International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY).Each year a different National Section of IBBY has the opportunity to be the international sponsor of ICBD and decide upon a theme.IBBY United States is the sponsor for International Children’s Book Day 2021.

Correct Answer – B. ‘Recognise the Genius in Me

Explanation: World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2.Aim: makes people understand and accept people with autism, foster worldwide support, and inspire people.It is a day that spread kindness and autism awareness.Theme: ‘Recognise the Genius in Me’.Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by deficits in social and language communication, as well as repetitive behaviours and restricted interests.

Correct Answer – D. Purvanchal

Explanation:   ‘Maati’ festival celebrated in Purvanchal.The first edition of the Purvanchal Festival ‘Maati’ took place in 2018 with the objective of promoting folk art and melody, traditional food, literature, ethnic culture and tourism of the culturally rich Purvanchal (Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Basti, Gonda, Azamgarh, Mirzapur and Prayag divisions and entire Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh).

Correct Answer – C. Abu Dhabi, UAE

Explanation: HOPE Consortium’s first ever World Immunisation & Logistics Summit 2021 held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare of India virtually participated in a final panel discussion on ‘Focus on Asia: Vaccine production and distribution across Asia’.Abu Dhabi launches The Hope Consortium launched by Department of Health ,Abu Dhabi for full global vaccine distribution.The two-day summit was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to focus and enhance the cooperation to tackle COVID-19 across the world.The first day panel was discussed on the theme ‘Demand planning, preparedness and overcoming challenges in vaccine administration’.

Correct Answer – A. Kargil

Explanation: In Kargil, Rural Development Department organised one-day Training and Awareness Programme for Self Help Groups under National Rural Livelihood Mission on 1 April 2021.The training was imparted by Mrs Razia Banoo from Agriculture Dept and Dr Rigzin Dolkar from KVK Kargil (SUKAST) on onion cultivation and other agricultural activities, and SHG formation and agriculture.

Jammu and Kashmir:

• Lieutenant Governor – Manoj Sinha.
• Dams – Baglihar Dam (Chenab River), Dulhasti Dam (Chenab River), Uri-II Dam (Jhelum River).
• National Parks – Dachigam National Park, Salim Ali National Park, Kazinag National Park, Kishtwar High Altitude National Park.

Correct Answer – D. Gujarat

Explanation: Gujarat Assembly has passed the Freedom of Religion Act 2003 Bill that penalizes forcible or fraudulent religious conversion by marriage.The new law has provision for three to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh if the accused is found guilty.It amends a 2003 Act and seeks to curb the emerging trend in which women are lured to marriage for the purpose of religious conversion.

 Gujarat:

• Chief Minister – Vijay Rupani.
• Governor – Acharya Devvrat.
• Number of Districts – 33.

Correct Answer – C. France

Explanation: In France, President Emmanuel Macron ordered a third lockdown across the country on 31 March 2021.Non-essential stores will be closed nationwide.A curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time, already in place in the worst-hit regions such as Paris, will now apply across the whole of mainland France.

France:

• Capital – Paris.
• Currency – Euro.
• President – Emmanuel Macron.
• Prime Minister – Jean Castex.
• National Sport – Football.

Correct Answer: D. 14 April

Explanation: The Centre has announced a public holiday on April 14, 2021, on account of the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar.The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has declared in a notification that April 14 will be a public holiday for all central government offices including industrial establishments.It will be Ambedkar’s 130th birth anniversary on April 14, 2021.