July 4th Week 2021 Current Affairs Online Test English

Explanation

• China has officially begun the construction of the world’s first commercial modular small reactor ‘Linglong One’ at its Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant. Once completed, the generation capacity of the small modular reactor can reach 1 billion kilowatt hours.
• This is expected to cater to more than 5 lakh households in China. This multipurpose small modular reactor was the first to be approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2016.

Explanation

• The United Nations declared July 12, Malala’s birthday, as World Malala Day in honour of the young education activist from Pakistan. In 2012, Malala was shot at by Taliban insurgents while she was on her way to school. This day is observed to make an appeal to world leaders, to ensure compulsory and free education for every child in their country.

Explanation

• Enceladus is the sixth–largest moon of Saturn. NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has recently detected an unusually high concentration of methane, along with carbon dioxide and dihydrogen, in the moons of Saturn. The spacecraft has found that Titan, another moon of Saturn has methane in its atmosphere and Enceladus has a liquid ocean with gas and water. Researchers assume that there may be methane–producing processes on Enceladus.

Explanation

• Coconut Development Board is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Agriculture, for the integrated development of coconut and coconut–related products. The Union Cabinet has approved the amendment in the Coconut Development Board Act, 1979, to make the post of chairman non–executive. Centre will nominate six members in the board from the current practice of four members from four states.

Explanation

• The count of persons infected with the Zika virus in the state of Kerala has been on the rise. The infection is a viral disease spread through mosquito bites from one person to another. It is said that in most cases, it is asymptomatic, but sometimes it can lead to paralysis.
• The neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have intensified their checks at inter–state borders to prevent the infection from spreading.

Explanation

• India had proposed the Science, Technology Innovation– led BRICS Innovation Cooperation Action Plan (2021–24). Recently, during the 12th meeting of the BRICS S&T Steering Committee, hosted by the Department of Science and Technology, all BRICS countries agreed to the STI–led Action Plan.
• It enables sharing of experiences of each other’s innovation ecosystem and networking of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Explanation

• The United Kingdom has exported apples to India for the first time in over 50 years. This is seen as a sign of the UK–India Enhanced Trade Partnership. The Enhanced Trade Partnership was agreed by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their virtual summit in May.
• After that, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal signed the agreement, setting a target to double UK–India bilateral trade by 2030.

Explanation

• As per the recent study conducted by USA’s NASA, a ‘wobble’ in Moon’s orbit combined with rising sea levels due to climate change will lead to devastating floods on Earth. Called ‘Nuisance floods’, these usually occur in coastal areas when the tide reaches about 2 feet above the daily average high tide. As per the study, these nuisance floods will become more frequent and irregular by mid–2030s.

Explanation

• The ‘World Population Day’ is observed across the world, on July 11 every year. The day was first celebrated in the year 1990. Inspired by the awareness created by ‘Five Billion Day’ on the same day in 1987 when the world’s population reached 5 billion, UNDP recommended the observance of Population Day on July 11. The 2021 theme for the day is “The impact of the Covid–19 pandemic on fertility”.

Explanation

• The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body under the Union Ministry of MSME, formed in April 1957 under the act of Parliament – ‘Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956’. Recently, KVIC has secured the trademark registration for its brand “Khadi” in Bhutan, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Mexico.

Explanation

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Steel of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation on cooperation regarding Coking Coal.
• Coking Coal is used for Steel making. The MoU shall benefit the steel sector in India by reducing their input cost and cost of steel in domestic market. The Cabinet also approves MoU between India and Denmark for cooperation in health and medicine.

Explanation

• The Union Cabinet has given its approval for changing the name and mandate of North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine (NEIFM) as North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Folk Medicine Research (NEIAFMR). The NEIFM is located in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh. It was established for systemic research, documentation of traditional folk medicine and medicinal practices of the region.

Explanation

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal was appointed as the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, filling the vacancy created by Thaawarchand Gehlot, who is now the Governor of Karnataka.
• Piyush Goyal, who is a Rajya Sabha member from Maharashtra, is in charge of several Ministries including Commerce and industry, Consumer affairs, food and public distribution, and Textiles. The Leader will play a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the House and better coordination with all parties.

Explanation

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Eleventh Extension of the term of the Commission constituted under Article 340 of the Constitution to examine the issue of Sub–categorization within Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the Central List by 6 months, up to 31st January 2022. 
• The commission, which took charge on October 11, 2017, is headed by retired Delhi High Court Chief Justice G Rohini.

Explanation

• The Indian Navy has received the 10th anti–submarine warfare aircraft P–8I from the US–based aerospace company Boeing. The Defence Ministry had first signed a contract for eight P–8I aircraft in 2009.
• Later, in 2016, it signed a contract for four additional P–8I aircraft. P–8I isdeployed during disaster relief and humanitarian missions.

Explanation

• Coal India Ltd (CIL) has formally engaged Accenture as consultant, for digitalization of mine process in seven select opencast mines of the company. The seven identified mines are Kusmunda, Gevra, Dipka of South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) and Nigahi, Jayant, Dudhichua, Khadia of Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL).
• SECL and NCL are subsidiaries of Coal India. This tie–up aims to use data analytic techniques to raise mine productivity and efficiency.

Explanation

• Pune–based Serum Institute of India will produce the Russian Covid–19 vaccine Sputnik V in India from September. The Russian RDIF (Russian Direct Investment Fund) announced that SII has already received cell and vector samples. As their import approved by the Drug Controller General of India, the cultivation process has started.

Explanation

• The 1st ever Draft “Global Biodiversity Framework” has been released by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity Secretariat. This framework contains guidelines to be converted into world wide actions to be performed by 2030, for conservation and protection of nature. The framework includes 21 targets to be achieved by the year 2030.

Explanation

• The state–run PSU – NTPC’s renewable energy arm NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL) has proposed to set up India’s single–largest solar photovoltaic project at Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, with a capacity of 4750 MW. The company has received approval from the Union Energy Ministry. The company has been given a target of building 60 GW renewable energy capacity by 2032.

Explanation

• India’s state–owned PSU Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam has signed an MoU with the Government of Nepal, to establish 679–Megawatt Lower Arun Hydropower project in eastern Nepal.
• The cost of the project is approximately $1.3 billion and is the single biggest foreign investment project of Nepal. This is the second mega project being undertaken by India in Nepal.

Explanation

• ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ is an annual flagship report jointly prepared by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. It aims to inform on progress towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition. As per the report, nearly one–tenth of the world population, up to 811 million people went hungry in 2020.
• World Hunger increased last year, after remaining virtually unchanged for five years. It also projected that around 660 million people may still face hunger in 2030.

Explanation

• The Organisation for Economic Co–operation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental economic organization, founded in the year 1961 with it headquarter in Paris, France.
• As per the OECD FAO Agricultural Outlook 2021–2030 released recently, the global pulse market would increase by 22 million tons by 2030 from the present level of 92 million tons. The report further states that the projected increase would come mostly from Asian countries, especially India.

Explanation

• The Centre has taken complete control of the district mineral foundation (DMF) funds. It has rejected the states’ right to sanction or approve any expenditure out of the funds accrued from mandatory contribution from mining lease holders.
• Under Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana, The DMFs are required to use these funds for the welfare of persons and areas affected by mining–related operations. The tribal population are the main targeted beneficiaries.

Explanation

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the third long–duration hot test of the Vikas Engine – the liquid propellant engine to be used for India’s human mission to space, the Gaganyaan. The engine would be used at the core L110 liquid stage of GSLV Mk III rocket for the Gaganyaan mission.

Explanation

• Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana launched a new scheme called ‘FASTER’ or ‘Fast and Secure Transmission of Electronic Records’.
• Under the scheme, the Supreme Court will instantly transmit bail and other orders to the jail authorities, district courts and the High Courts. This will be done in a secure way electronically. As per the present practice, hard copy of the bail order received by hand mandated.

Explanation

• The Labour Ministers of five BRICS nations –Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa took part in the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration. India’s Union Minister for Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav chaired the 7th BRICS meeting.
• The five countries resolved to recover with stronger national economies, inclusive labour markets and social protection systems. Russia organized the 6th meeting of Labour and Employment Ministers in Moscow on October 9, 2020.

Explanation

• In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day, to celebrate the importance of providing young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. This year, the theme of the World Youth Skills Day is ‘Reimagining Youth Skills Post–Pandemic’.
• As per UNESCO, COVID–19 pandemic resulted in the widespread disruption of the technical and vocational education and training sector. 6th anniversary of Skill India Mission was also observed in India.

Explanation

• Plastic surgery is said to have originated in India. Association of Plastic Surgeons in India (APSI) introduced the concept of National Plastic Surgery Day in 2011. Since then, on July 15, the day has been observed in India, when Plastic surgeons across the country perform free operations and conduct awareness programmes.
• At the World Council of Leaders organised recently, July 15 is accepted as World Plastic Surgery Day.

Explanation

• The long and cumbersome nomenclature ‘Common High Court of UT of Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh’ has been changed to ‘High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh’. The order was notified by the Department of Justice in the Law Ministry. President Ram Nath Kovind has signed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2021, which spelled out the original name.

Explanation

• A rare case of monkeypox was detected in Texas, in the United States, as per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Monkeypox belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. It induces flu–like symptoms, swelling of the lymph nodes and rashes.
• Scientists have discovered two distinct genetic groups of monkeypox virus—Central African and West African. The first case of monkeypox in humans was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Explanation

• New Zealand is the revolving host of the Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. It is headquartered in Singapore. Recently, New Zealand chaired an extraordinary meeting ahead of a formal meeting in November.
• US President Joe Biden, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping and other world leaders met virtually. They discussed on collective actions to tackle the Covid–19 pandemic and its economic impacts.

Explanation

• Arjun Munda, Minister of Tribal Affairs, virtually launched the nationwide campaign “COVID Teeka Sang Surakshit Van, Dhan aur Uddyam”. It aims to fast–track the pace of COVID vaccination among tribals, in India.
• The campaign will focus on the 45,000 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVK) of the Tribal Co–operative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED). It will be implemented with the help of traditional village headsmen, SHGs and ground level workers in villages.

Explanation

• Every year ‘Passport Seva Divas’ is celebrated on 24 June in India, to commemorate the enactment of the Passports Act on 24 June, 1967. Passport Seva Puraskars were announced for the best performing Passport Offices and their personnel.

Explanation

• Every year, 25 June is celebrated as the “Day of the Seafarer”, to recognise the contribution of seafarers in international trade and the global economy. The Day of the Seafarer was first celebrated in 2011 after it was designated by a resolution in the Conference of Parties to the International Convention, held in Philippines, in 2010.
• The theme of the Day of the Seafarer is “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future”.

Explanation

• The birth anniversary of 11th President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, October 15 has been recognised by the United Nations to be celebrated as World Students’ Day.
• Recently, the country remembered the Missile Man of India on his 6th death anniversary, on July 27. While addressing students at IIM –Shillong, the former President died of cardiac arrest.

Explanation

• Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari announced that the Government had signed loan agreement with the World Bank to develop Green National Highway Corridors (GNHCP).
• The project includes upgradation of about 781 km length of various National Highways passing through the states of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Out of total length of 781 km, work on 287.96 km with an outlay of Rs. 1664.44 cr. has been awarded. The project is estimated to be completed by December, 2025.

Explanation

• July 18 is celebrated as Nelson Mandela International Day marking his birth date. He is known and remembered all over the world for his efforts to promote peace and reconciliation. He became the first Black President of South Africa and was awarded the Noble Prize for Peace in the year 1993. The South African anti–apartheid revolutionary served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

Explanation

• The Indian Navy has received two MH–60R multi–role helicopters from the US. The Indian Navy formally received the choppers from the US Navy in a ceremony held at a naval air station in San Diego. The helicopters were manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Explanation

• Aadhimalai Pazhangudiyinar Producer Company and Snehakunja Trust are the two Indian institution among the 10 awardees of the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) Equator Prize 2021.
• This is a biennial award to recognize community efforts for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Aadhimalai Pazhangudiyinar Producer Company Limited is a 1,700–member cooperative, run by indigenous people from the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu. Snehakunja Trust has protected wetland and coastal ecosystems in the Western Ghats and the Karnataka coast.

Explanation

• Federation Internationale des Echecs (FIDE) is the World Chess Federation, headquartered at Lausanne, Switzerland. It was founded on July 20, 1924 and has as many as 195 member countries.
• To commemorate the formation of FIDE, World Chess Day is celebrated on July 20, every year since 1966. The day encourages more people to play and enjoy the game of chess. Chess originated in India, moved to Persia and spread across the Southern Europe.

Explanation

• Russia has invited India for the first time to the Russia–US–China Troika Plus meet on Afghanistan.
• The meeting aims to discuss the role of Taliban and the future of the landlocked country, among other issues. As per media reports, Iran has also been invited for the meeting. Pakistan and representatives from Afghanistan are also expected to take part in the meeting.

Explanation

• The Ministry of Tourism has formulated a Draft National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in India – An initiative towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• The Ministry has also invited feedback from all the State Governments/UT Administrations regarding the policy. The strategy focusses on new ideas like Digital technologies, Developing clusters among others. It has also identified Rural Circuit as one of the thematic circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Explanation

• NASA and the Canadian space agency are building a telescope named the Superpressure Balloon–borne Imaging Telescope or SuperBIT. It is said to be the successor to the Hubble telescope.
• As per recent media reports, a stadium–sized helium balloon is going to be used to lift up the telescope, which is to be sent to the upper levels of the earth’s atmosphere. It has been designed by the University of Toronto, Princeton University and Durham University in England together, in conjunction with NASA and the Canadian Space Agency.

Explanation

• A pair of rare Chrysilla volupe spiders was recently spotted at Puttenahalli lake in Kerala. The Chrysilla volupe was believed to be extinct for 150 years, until it was discovered at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in 2018.
• The spider belongs to the family of jumping spiders (Salticidae). Male spiders are 5.44 mm long including stretched legs and 1.76 mm wide. Females measure 2.61 mm long and 0.88 mm wide.

Explanation

• On 20th July, 2021, “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” the Olympic motto was updated to “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”. This updating was done to show solidarity around the globe at the time of the Covid–19 pandemic. At its session ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, the International Olympic Committee has approved the change.
• Since 1894, the Olympic motto has been “Citius, Altius, Fortius” in Latin or “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” when it was adopted at the suggestion of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the International Olympic Committee. “Citius, Altius, Fortius, Communiter” is the latin version of the new motto.

Explanation

• UNESCO has removed the Liverpool city of the United Kingdom from its World Heritage status. This decision was taken after the UN Committee found some developments threatening the value of the city’s waterfront.
• UNESCO had announced that the developments, including the proposed Everton FC stadium, had resulted in serious deterioration of the historic site. Liverpool is only the third site to lose its World Heritage status since the list began in 1978, the others being Oman’s Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in 2007 and the Dresden Elbe Valley in Germany in 2009.

Explanation

• China has launched a high–speed train that works on magnetic levitation (maglev), which is designed to achieve a top speed of 600 kmph. This is stated to be the world’s fastest ground vehicle.
• This project was launched by China in the year 2016 and the prototype was made ready in the year 2019. The model was tested in 2020 and now it is made operational.

Explanation

• Union Government is implementing Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP) as a sub scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) since 2020–21. It aims to promote traditional indigenous practices.
• The scheme focusses on exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs and promotes on–farm biomass recycling. Under BPKP, financial assistance of Rs 12200 per hectare for 3 years is provided for cluster formation.

Explanation

• Essential Defence Services Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha recently. The Bill empowers the government to declare services mentioned in it as essential defence services.
• The Essential Defence Services Bill is aimed at preventing the staff of the government–owned ordnance factories from going on a strike. Around 70,000 people are working at 41 ordnance factories located around the country.

Explanation

Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan and has New Taiwan dollar as its official currency. The Government of Taiwan has proposed to establish its first office in Lithuania, a European Nation, using its own name “Taiwan”. All the other diplomatic outposts are operational under the name “Taipei”. This move is set to have angered China and has been welcomed by the USA.