Daily Current Affairs Quiz: January 18, 2024

Notes:
Scientists recently discovered a 22-million-year-old lost forest in the Panama Canal, a crucial artificial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Stretching 80 kilometers, the canal features locks to adjust water levels for ship passage through the isthmus. Initiated by France in 1881, the United States took over in 1904, completing and managing the canal until 1999. Panama assumed full control in 2000, following the Torrijos-Carter Treaties with the U.S. in 1977.

Notes:
Scientists discovered a new phytopathogenic fungus species in Kerala, named ‘Paramyrothecium indicum.’ Most Paramyrothecium are phytopathogens, causing serious plant diseases that impact crop productivity. Paramyrothecium leaf spots are a type of fungal disease affecting various plants. Some produce bio-herbicidal metabolites, potentially used for weed control. Fungi, one of the six biological kingdoms, are eukaryotic organisms with diverse roles, including decomposition, plant diseases, and human skin ailments. They are crucial in industrial processes like bread and beer making.

Notes:
The World Economic Forum (WEF) and Telangana government are establishing the 19th Center of the WEF’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Network (4IR) in Hyderabad, slated for launch in February 2024. It will be the world’s first thematic center dedicated to health tech and life sciences, solidifying a strategic partnership between Telangana and WEF. The center aims to enhance healthcare technology, aligning with the broader vision of both entities. The launch during BioAsia 2024 positions Hyderabad as a global healthcare hub, emphasizing collaboration for improved living standards and global recognition for Telangana in the 4IR network.

Notes:
REC Limited, a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power, achieved a milestone with its inaugural JPY 61.1 billion green bonds issuance. It marks REC’s eleventh entry into the international bond market and the first Yen Green Bonds issuance by an Indian PSU. The bonds, with maturities of 5, 5.25, and 10 years, were issued at yields of 1.76%, 1.79%, and 2.20%, respectively. This Euro-Yen issuance is the largest in South and Southeast Asia, making it India’s largest Yen-denominated issuance. The bonds received significant interest globally, with a high international allocation. They will be listed exclusively on India INX and NSE IFSC in GIFT City, Gujarat.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu secured the title of the ‘best performer’ state in the 2022 Startup India State Startup Rankings. The state’s strategic efforts included the revamping of its nodal startup agency, StartupTN, in 2021, and budget allocations for the launch of new funds like Tamil Nadu Startup Seed Fund (TANSEED), Emerging Sector Seed Fund, and Tamil Nadu SC/ ST Fund. The rankings also recognized Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh as best performers, while Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Telangana were categorized as ‘leaders.’ Currently, Tamil Nadu boasts over 7,600 startups registered under the Startup India scheme, with more than 2,250 startups registering in 2022 alone.