Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 17, 2024
August 17, 2024 August 17, 2024
1. Prerana Programme, recently seen in the news, is launched by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Education
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of Urban Development
[D] Ministry of Defence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Education]
Notes:
The Union Education Minister recently interacted with students, teachers, and parents of PM SHRI Schools and Prerana Programme alumni. Prerana Programme, launched in January 2024, integrates Indian education principles and value-based learning from NEP 2020. It’s a week-long residential program for selected class IX to XII students, combining heritage and innovation.
2. What is the objective of ‘National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)’, recently launched by Union Government?
[A] To reduce farmers’ dependence on pesticide retailers
[B] To monitor soil quality
[C] To monitor weather patterns
[D] To improve irrigation techniques
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To reduce farmers’ dependence on pesticide retailers]
Notes:
The Indian Government launched the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) on August 15 to assist farmers with pest control. NPSS helps farmers connect with agricultural experts using their phones, reducing reliance on pesticide retailers. Farmers can send images of infested crops to experts for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The system uses AI tools to analyze pest data, providing timely information to around 14 crore farmers. This initiative aims to increase productivity, conserve soil health, and will be implemented at the state level through outreach programs without additional funding.
3. Gastrodia indica, a unique orchid species, was recently discovered in which sanctuary of Sikkim?
[A] Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
[B] Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary
[C] Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
[D] Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary]
Notes:
A unique orchid species, Gastrodia indica, was recently discovered in Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim. It is the first orchid from India that never opens its flower and the first cleistogamous species of the Gastrodia genus found in India. Gastrodia indica is holomycotrophic, relying entirely on fungi for sustenance as it lacks chlorophyll. Found at 1,950–2,100 meters, it thrives in dense, rotten leaf litter near specific trees like Magnolia and Acer. The discovery brings the total number of Gastrodia species in India to 10, but the species faces threats due to its limited population and specific habitat needs.
4. Which country has recently introduced the ‘AIM-174B’, an extremely long-range air-to-air missile, in the Indo-Pacific?
[A] UK
[B] United States
[C] Japan
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United States]
Notes:
The US Navy’s new AIM-174B missile aims to counter China’s aerial dominance. It’s an air-launched version of the SM-6 missile and was introduced in July 2024 by Raytheon. This long-range air-to-air missile can strike targets up to 400 km away, exceeding the range of China’s PL-15. Deployed in the Indo-Pacific, it supports US power projection amid rising regional tensions. The AIM-174B targets high-priority ground objects like air defense sites and warships, operating in a quasi-ballistic manner.
5. What is ‘Californium’, recently seen in news?
[A] A new technology to search dwarf planets
[B] Machine learning model
[C] A highly radioactive element
[D] It is a unique strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [A highly radioactive element]
Notes:
Bihar police recently seized 50 grams of californium, a highly radioactive element. Californium is a synthetic, silvery-white metal with atomic number 98, first synthesized in 1950 at the University of California, Berkeley. It is not naturally occurring and is produced by bombarding curium with helium ions. It is known for its intense radioactivity. Californium is valuable but hazardous. It is used in starting nuclear reactors, detecting metal fatigue in airplanes, and treating certain cancers. Californium’s isotopes include Cf-251, the most stable with a half-life of 898 years, and is used in various industrial and scientific applications.
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