Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 21st Dec. 2020

ANS: (A) 1 Only

Explanation:

• LOFAR (Low-Frequency Array) is currently the largest radio telescope operating at the lowest frequencies that can be observed from Earth. Unlike single-dish telescope, LOFAR is a multipurpose sensor network, with an innovative computer and network infrastructure that can handle extremely large data volumes.
• After a decade, the International LOFAR Telescope has grown to encompass nine countries. Next to the Netherlands (38 stations), these are Germany (six stations), Poland (three stations), France, Ireland, Latvia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom (one station each); a station in Italy is funded to be built soon

ANS: (C) 3 only

Explanation:

• Thang-Ta is a popular term for the ancient Manipuri Martial Art known as Huyen langlon.
• Kalaripayattu is a traditional martial art form originating from Kerala.
• Gatka originates from the state of Punjab. It is a traditional fighting style of the Nihang Sikh Warriors and is used in self-defence as well as sport.

ANS: (D) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

• The Mahanadi River system is the third largest of peninsular India after Godavari and Krishna, and the largest river of Odisha state.
  • Mahanadi river rises from a place near Sihawa in Bastar hills in the state of Chhattisgarhto the south of Amarkantak. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The catchment area of the basin extends over major parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha and comparatively smaller portions of Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

ANS: (B) 2 only

Explanation

• As per Section 62 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, states can send a list of wild animals to the Centre requesting it to declare them verminfor selective slaughter.
• Wildlife laws divide species into ‘schedules’ ranked from I to V. Schedule I members are the best protected, in theory, with severe punishments meted out to those who hunt them.Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• Wild boars, nilgai and rhesus monkeys are Schedule II and III members, it is also protected, but can be hunted under specific conditions.
• Rhesus Macaque monkeys are protected species under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The law allows for it to be hunted by declaring it ‘vermin’ for a specific period if it poses a danger to human life or property. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

ANS: (D) None of the Above

The Human Freedom Index 2020, a worldwide ranking of civil, economic and personal freedom, was released recently.

The index was published by American think tank Cato Institute and Fraser Institute in Canada