23rd July 2024 Daily Current Affairs
1. Adam’s Bridge, recently seen in the news, is separated by which two water bodies?
[B] Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait
[C] Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
[D] Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea
Correct Answer: B [Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait]
Notes:
Scientists from ISRO successfully mapped the submerged structure of Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu), a 48 km limestone chain connecting Rameswaram Island (India) to Mannar Island (Sri Lanka). The bridge separates the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait, with shallow waters of 1-10 meters. Geological evidence indicates it was a former land connection, referenced in the Ramayana and Islamic legend, but submerged since 1480 due to natural calamities.
2. Which country recently declared animal health emergency after Newcastle disease case?
[A] Peru[B] Brazil
[C] Chile
[D] Guyana
Correct Answer: B [Brazil]
Notes:
Brazil’s agriculture ministry declared an animal health emergency in Rio Grande do Sul due to a Newcastle disease case on a poultry farm. Newcastle disease, caused by paramyxovirus, affects birds’ respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems. Highly contagious, it spreads through direct contact with infected birds and contaminated materials. Symptoms include loss of appetite, coughing, and discolored wattles. There is no treatment; prevention relies on vaccination and biosecurity.
3. Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), recently seen in the news, is implemented by which two organizations?
[B] RBI and SEBI
[C] NABARD and SEBI
[D] SEBI and NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: A [NABARD and RBI]
Notes:
The Union Government plans to raise the upper limit of short-term crop loans under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Implemented from Kharif 2006-07, MISS offers subsidized short-term credit to farmers and is active from 2022-23 to 2024-25. Interest subvention is available to various banks, and the scheme is managed by NABARD and RBI. Eligible recipients include owner cultivators, tenant farmers, and SHGs.
4. Pralay Missile, recently seen in the news, was developed by which organization?
[A] DRDO[B] ISRO
[C] JAXA
[D] CNSA
Correct Answer: A [DRDO]
Notes:
Armenia’s interest in India’s Pralay missile presents a significant opportunity for India. The Pralay missile is a 350-500 km short-range, quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile with a 500-1,000 kg payload, developed by DRDO for defense needs. It features solid-fuel propulsion, inertial guidance, and a DSMAC seeker for terminal guidance. Capable of evasive maneuvers, it has various warhead options and a reduced radar signature.
5. Recently, Union Minister of Coal and Mines inaugurated National Landslide Forecasting Centre in which city?
[A] Jaipur[B] Bhopal
[C] Kolkata
[D] Varanasi
Correct Answer: C [Kolkata]
Notes:
The Union Minister of Coal and Mines inaugurated the National Landslide Forecasting Centre at the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in Kolkata. The Bhusanket Web Portal and Bhooskhalan Mobile App were launched to facilitate landslide hazard data dissemination and forecasting. The GSI, established in 1851, focuses on geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment through surveys and research. The GSI headquarters is in Kolkata, with six regional offices across India.
