Current Affairs 20 February 2023

👉 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on the latest Current Affairs for Preparation of UPSC, SSC-CGL, NDA, CDS, Railways, and State Level Public Services Examinations.

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Current Affairs on 20 February 2022

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Current Affairs Quiz: 20 February 2023

February 20, 2023 Current Affairs MCQs

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1Q) Agasthyarkoodam peak is located in which of the following state?

(A) Tamilnadu

(B) Kerala

(C) Andhra Pradesh

(D) Andhra Pradesh

Show/Hide The Explanation of Answer

⇨ Agasthyakoodam is the second-highest peak in Kerala.

⇨ Agasthyarkoodam is situated in the Western Ghats, which housed an observatory once(in the Nineteenth-century), to continuously record magnetic and meteorological observations of the earth.

⇨ It was established by Scottish meteorologist John Allan Broun.

⇨ The observatory started recording observations in July 1855. However, it was closed in 1881.

⇨ Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is part of the Agasthyarkoodam range.

⇨ Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is one site in 20 sites added by UNESCO to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves in March 2016.

2Q) Which of the following is correct regarding the "Nirman se Shakti" initiative?

(A) Modernize hospital Infrastructure

(B) Modernize School Infrastructure

(C) Modernize Play ground Infrastructure

(D) Modernize School urban housing

Show/Hide The Explanation of Answer

⇨ The initiative includes the upgradation/modernization of ESI Scheme (ESIS) hospitals and dispensaries in a phased manner, formulation of standard design for 100/200/500 bedded hospitals with better modern facilities, and online real-time dashboard for project monitoring/supervision.

⇨ Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is modernizing the infrastructure.

3Q) Which of the following statements are correct regarding the International Solar Alliance?

(1) The initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the India Africa Summit and a meeting of member countries ahead of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in November 2015.

(2) The ISA is headquartered in Petersburg, South Africa.

(3) ISA’s mission is to unlock US$ 1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost of the technology and its financing.

(4) ISA is partnering with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organizations, civil society, and other international institutions to deploy cost-effective and transformational solutions through solar energy, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

(A) Only 1 and 2

(B) Only 2 and 4

(C) Only 1, 3, and 4

(D) Only 1, 2, 3 and 4

Show/Hide The Explanation of Answer

⇨ The initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the India Africa Summit and a meeting of member countries ahead of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in November 2015.

⇨ The framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance opened for signatures in Marrakesh, Morocco, in November 2016, and 102 countries have joined.

⇨ The ISA is headquartered in Haryana, India.

⇨ ISA’s mission is to unlock US$ 1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost of the technology and its financing.

⇨ It promotes the use of solar energy in the Agriculture, Health, Transport, and Power Generation sectors.

⇨ It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable transition to a carbon-neutral future.

⇨ ISA is partnering with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organizations, civil society, and other international institutions to deploy cost-effective and transformational solutions through solar energy, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

4Q) The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP), this scheme is related to which of the following?

(A) Drinking Water facilities in Rural Remote Villages

(B) Comprehensive development northern border villages

(C) To provide marketing opportunities for forest products in tribal villages

(D) Development programs for coastal villages

Show/Hide The Explanation of Answer

⇨ The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP) for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26 with a financial allocation of Rs.4800Crore.

⇨ Comprehensive development of villages of blocks on the northern border thus improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages.

⇨ This will help in encouraging people to stay in their native locations in border areas and reversing the outmigration from these villages adding to improved security of the border.

⇨ The scheme will provide funds for the development of essential infrastructure and the creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 Districts and 46 Border blocks 4 states and 1 UT along the northern land border of the country which will help in achieving inclusive growth and retaining the population in the border areas.

⇨ In the first phase, 663 Villages will be taken up in the program.

⇨ Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the district administration with the help of Gram Panchayats. 100 % saturation of Central and state schemes will be ensured.

5Q) Tripartite MoU is signed between the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and which of the following organization. It deal with the problem of doping in sports?

(1) Food Safety & Standards Authority of India

(2) Food Safety & Quality Assurance Infrastructure

(3) National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research

(4) Food Corporation of India

(A) Only 1

(B) Only 2

(C) Only 1 and 3

(D) Only 1, 2 and 3

Show/Hide The Explanation of Answer

⇨ In the continuous fight against doping in sports, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Hyderabad (NIPER-Hyderabad) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding.

⇨ It provides information & builds awareness about the risks associated with the use of nutritional supplements, increases research opportunities in the clean sport & anti-doping domain, and provides options for safe and dope-free nutritional supplements for sportspersons.

⇨ This (MoU) is a form of mutual commitment in compliance with the mandate towards strengthening the field of “Food for Special Dietary Use for Sportspersons”.

⇨ Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, and the National Anti-Doping Agency, India (NADA) are committed to safeguarding athletes against inadvertent cases of doping.

⇨ Previously in 2022, a tripartite MoU was signed amongst the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and National Forensic.

⇨ Sciences University (NFSU) to create nutritional supplements testing capacity and research in the country.

⇨ NADA is also working towards sensitizing athletes and the sports ecosystem about risks associated with nutritional supplements through awareness campaigns, IEC material, social media information outreach and audio-visual content.

6Q) The 3rd ASEAN Digital Ministers (ADGMIN) meeting with India was held recently on a virtual platform. In this context, which of the following statement is correct?

(1) The theme of the meeting is “Synergy Towards a Sustainable Digital Future”.

(2) ASEAN grouping was established with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.

(3) ASEAN Secretariat is located in Jakarta, Indonesia.

(4) The "Look East Policy" in 1991 and the "Act-East Policy" in 2014 were launched by India to engage with nations of Southeast Asia.

(5) ASEAN Chairmanship 2023 – India

(A) Only 1 and 2

(B) Only 1 and 3

(C) Only 1, 2, 3, and 4

(D) Only 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Show/Hide The Explanation of Answer

⇨ The theme of the meeting is “Synergy Towards a Sustainable Digital Future”.

About ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations):

⇨ It was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

⇨ ASEAN Motto: “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.

⇨ ASEAN observed day: 8th August.

⇨ ASEAN Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia.

⇨ Member countries: Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; Indonesia; Myanmar; Lao PDR; Malaysia; Philippines; Singapore; Thailand; VietNam.

⇨ East Timor applied for ASEAN membership in 2011 and recently The ASEAN decided to admit the island nation as its 11th member. official work in progress.

⇨ Timor-Leste or East Timor, is a Southeast Asian nation occupying half the island of Timor and the island of Timor is the largest of the Lesser Sunda Islands, which lie within the Malay archipelago.

The ASEAN Community Councils comprise three pillars :

⇨ (i) ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC).

⇨ (ii) ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

⇨ (iii) ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).

⇨ The Chairmanship of ASEAN shall rotate annually based on the alphabetical order of the English names of Member States.

⇨ ASEAN Chairmanship 2023 – Indonesia

⇨ The ASEAN Charter instituted the ASEAN Coordinating Council, the three ASEAN Community Councils.

⇨ ASEAN’s free trade agreement (FTA) partners viz. Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, the USA, and New Zealand.

India's relations with ASEAN :

⇨ The "Look East Policy" in 1991 and the "Act-East Policy" in 2014 were launched by India to engage with nations of Southeast Asia.

⇨ The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement is a trade deal between the ten member states of ASEAN and India.

⇨ ASEAN and India signed the Agreement at the 7th ASEAN Economic Ministers-India Consultations in Bangkok, Thailand in 2009. The Agreement, which came into effect in 2010, is sometimes referred to as the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement.

⇨ AIBC(ASEAN India-Business Council) is an organization formed by the Governments of ASEAN and India with the aim to foster closer business linkages and provide an industry perspective to the broadening and deepening of economic linkages between ASEAN and India.

⇨ India and ASEAN Financial Assistance: ASEAN- India Green Funds (AIGF); ASEAN- India Cooperation Fund (AIF); ASEAN- India S&T Development Fund (AISTDF).

7Q) The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide safe piped drinking water to all rural households across the country by which of the following year?

(A) 2024

(B) 2027

(C) 2030

(D) 2035

Show/Hide The Explanation of Answer

⇨ The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide safe piped drinking water to all rural households across the country by 2024.

⇨ The Centre’s marquee Jal Jeevan Mission has been allocated ₹69,684 crores, up from the ₹54,808 crores the department is expected to spend in the current financial year. This works out to a roughly 27% hike.

⇨ In October 2022, a Ministry-commissioned survey of a cross-section of rural households reported that Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, and Puducherry had more than 80% of households with fully functional connections. and less than half the households in Rajasthan, Kerala, Manipur, Tripura, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, and Sikkim.

⇨ A fully functional tap water connection is defined as a household getting at least 55 liters of potable water per capita per day all through the year.

8Q) The governors of any state will be appointed by the president under which of the following article in the Indian constitution?

(A) Article 156(1)

(B) Article 164(1)

(C) Article 146(1)

(D) Article 176(1)

Show/Hide The Explanation of Answer

⇨ Article 156(1):- The Governor shall hold office at the pleasure of the President.

9Q) Chairman of the "Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)" inaugurated the first edition of UPNEXT INDIA 2023 in presence of international buyers and exhibitors, at Apparel House, Gurugram. In this context, UPNEXT INDIA is organized by AEPC and supported by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under which of the following scheme?

(A) Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme

(B) Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) Scheme

(C) Service Exports from India (SEIS) Scheme

(D) Rebate of Duties & Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme

Show/Hide The Explanation of Answer

⇨ UPNEXT INDIA is organized by AEPC and supported by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme.

⇨ Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme is an Export Promotion Scheme envisaged to act as a catalyst to promote India’s exports on a sustained basis.

⇨ The scheme is formulated on a "focus product-focus country" approach to evolve specific markets and specific products through market studies/surveys.

⇨ AEPC is incorporated in 1978 and is the official body of apparel exporters in India that provides invaluable assistance to Indian exporters as well as importers/international buyers who choose India as their preferred sourcing destination for garments.

⇨ AEPC is a powerful body for the promotion and facilitation of garment manufacturing and exports.

⇨ For Indian exporters, AEPC is a one-stop shop for information advice technical guidance workforce, and market intelligence.

⇨ If a firm wants to export goods, then it must first obtain an export license. In order to obtain an export license, the firm is required to register itself with the appropriate export promotion council, such as the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) and the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).

⇨ There are more than 18 Latest Export Promotion Schemes present in India, try to search on google and read it.

10Q) D-H-A-R-A - Annual Meeting Of Members Of The River Cities Alliance To Be Held In which of the following city On 13th - 14th February 2023?

(A) Prayagraj

(B) Kanpur

(C) Pune

(D) Nagpur

Show/Hide The Explanation of Answer

⇨ DHARA stands for Driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers.

⇨ The annual meeting of the members of the River Cities Alliance (RCA), is being organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in association with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) from 13th to 14th February in Pune.

⇨ DHARA 2023 is being organized for Municipal Commissioners of member cities to come up with possible learning solutions for urban river management.

⇨ The event has strong synergies with the Urban20 (U20) initiative under the ambit of India’s G20 Presidency.

⇨ River Cities Alliance started with 30 cities in 2021 and currently has 95 cities as members across India.

⇨ PM laid the foundation stone for a pollution abatement project for the Mula Mutha River in Pune in March 2022.

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