Current Affairs Quiz Today – 07th Jan 2021

ANS: (C) 1 and 3 only

Explanation

• Basaveshwara (1134-1168) was an Indian philosopher, social reformer and statesman who attempted to create a casteless society and fought against caste and religious discrimination.
  • He was born in Bagevadi (of undivided Bijapur district in Karnataka).
  • Basava Jayanthi is an annual event celebrated in the honour of the birth of Vishwaguru Basaveshwara.
  • The tradition of Lingayatism is known to have been founded by him. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• He gave two more very important socio-economic principles. They are:
  • Kayak (Divine work): According to this, every individual of the society should take up the job of his choice and perform it with all sincerity.
  • Dasoha (Equal distribution): hence, statement 3 is correct.
    • There must be an equal income for equal work.
    • The worker (Kayakajeevi) may lead his day-today life by his hard earned income. But he should not preserve the money or property for tomorrow. He must utilise the
    • surplus money for society and the poors.
• Recently, the Chief Minister of Karnataka has laid the foundation stone for the ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ in Basavakalyan, the place where 12th century poet-philosopher Basaveshwara lived for most of his life.
  • It will showcase the 12th Century Anubhava Mantapa (often referred to as the “first Parliament of the world”) established by Basaveshwara in Basavakalyan where philosophers and social reformers held debates. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

ANS: (C) Both 1 and 2

Explanation

• Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the operationalisation of the Payment Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) scheme.
• Its objective is to develop payment acceptance infrastructure in tier-3 to tier-6 cities (centres), with a special focus on the north-eastern states of the country.
• An Advisory Council (AC) under the chairmanship of RBI deputy governor BP Kanungo has been constituted for managing the PIDF.
• This fund will be used to subsidize banks and non-banks for deploying payment infrastructure, which will be contingent upon specific targets being achieved. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The Advisory Council will devise a transparent mechanism for allocation of targets to acquiring banks and non-banks in different segments and locations.
• The implementation of targets shall be monitored by the RBI with assistance from card networks, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Payments Council of India (PCI). Hence, statement 2 is correct.

ANS: (C) Both 1 and 2

Explanation

• Recently, the Rastriya Kamdhenu Aayog has announced ‘Kamdhenu Gau-Vigyan Prachar-Prasar Exam’ with an aim to “infuse curiosity” among people about the importance of cows, and to “sensitise and educate” them about the bovine species.
• It has been constituted to organize animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and to take steps for preserving and improving breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• It is a high-powered permanent body to formulate policies and to provide directions for the implementation of schemes related to cattle so as to lay more emphasis on livelihood generation for small & marginal farmers, women and youth entrepreneurs.
• Its functions are an integral part of Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
  • Rashtriya Gokul Mission was initiated by Government of India in December 2014 with the aim of development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines thereby making milk production more remunerative to the farmers. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

ANS: (C) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

What is avian influenza or bird flu?

It is a highly contagious viral disease caused by Influenza Type A viruses which generally affects poultry birds such as chickens and turkeys. There are many strains of the virus – some of them are mild and may merely cause a low egg production or other mild symptoms among chickens, while others are severe and lethal.

How does the bird flu spread?

Wild aquatic birds such as ducks and geese are the natural reservoir of Influenza A viruses and the central players in the ecology of these viruses.

Many birds carry the flu without developing sickness, and shed it in their droppings. Since birds excrete even while flying, they provide “a nice aerosol of influenza virus, shedding it all over the world”

ANS: (D) Blue Nile