19TH JANUARY CURRENT AFFAIRS
1. Panama Canal:
- The canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
- A 22-million-year-old lost forest was recently discovered in the Panama Canal region.
2. Phytopathogenic Fungus – ‘Paramyrothecium indicum’:
- A newly discovered fungus species in Kerala.
- Belongs to the category of phytopathogenic fungi causing plant diseases.
- Some Paramyrothecium species produce bio-herbicidal metabolites.
3. Telangana and World Economic Forum Collaboration:
- Telangana and the World Economic Forum are establishing the 19th Center of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network in Hyderabad.
- The center focuses on health tech and life sciences.
- Launch scheduled for February 2024 during BioAsia 2024.
4. REC Limited’s Japanese Yen Denominated Green Bonds:
- REC Limited, a Maharatna PSU, issued JPY 61.1 billion green bonds.
- The first Yen Green Bonds issuance by an Indian PSU.
- Listed exclusively on India INX and NSE IFSC in GIFT City, Gujarat.
5. Startup India State Startup Rankings:
- Tamil Nadu ranked as the ‘best performer’ state in the 2022 Startup India State Startup Rankings.
- Strategic efforts include revamping startup agencies and launching new funds.
- Other recognized states include Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh.
1. Panama Canal:
- Question: The Panama Canal connects which two oceans?
- [A] Atlantic Ocean & Pacific Ocean
- [B] Atlantic Ocean & Indian Ocean
- [C] Indian Ocean & Arctic Ocean
- [D] Pacific Ocean & Arctic Ocean
Answer: A [Atlantic Ocean & Pacific Ocean]
- Explanation: The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is a crucial artificial waterway with a recent discovery of a 22-million-year-old lost forest in its vicinity.
2. Phytopathogenic Fungus – ‘Paramyrothecium indicum’:
- Question: What is ‘Paramyrothecium indicum,’ recently in the news?
- [A] Flowering plant
- [B] Phytopathogenic fungus
- [C] Herbicide-resistant crop
- [D] Marine species
Answer: B [Phytopathogenic fungus]
- Explanation: ‘Paramyrothecium indicum’ is a newly discovered phytopathogenic fungus species in Kerala, known for causing plant diseases, particularly leaf spots.
3. Telangana and World Economic Forum Collaboration:
- Question: Telangana recently collaborated with which organization to establish the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR)?
- [A] World Bank
- [B] World Trade Organization
- [C] World Economic Forum
- [D] International Monetary Fund
Answer: C [World Economic Forum]
- Explanation: Telangana collaborated with the World Economic Forum to establish the 19th Center of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network (4IR) in Hyderabad.
4. REC Limited’s Japanese Yen Denominated Green Bonds:
- Question: Which organization recently issued Japanese Yen Denominated Green Bonds?
- [A] REC Limited
- [B] International Monetary Fund
- [C] World Bank
- [D] Japan Green Finance Organization
Answer: A [REC Limited]
- Explanation: REC Limited, a Maharatna PSU, issued Japanese Yen Denominated Green Bonds, marking a significant milestone and the first Yen Green Bonds issuance by an Indian PSU.
5. Startup India State Startup Rankings:
- Question: Which state was ranked as the Best Performer in the Indian startup ecosystem ranking for 2022?
- [A] Tamil Nadu
- [B] Bihar
- [C] Manipur
- [D] Rajasthan
Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
- Explanation: Tamil Nadu secured the title of the ‘best performer’ state in the 2022 Startup India State Startup Rankings, with strategic efforts and initiatives contributing to its success.