Current Affair 19 Oct 2020-ORSP

The correct answer is Greece. In News

• Greece legalized same-sex marriage.

Key Points

• Greece became the first majority Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights.
• The bill passed with 176 out of 300 lawmakers in the Hellenic Parliament voting in favor.
• The legalization allows same-sex couples to marry and adopt children, although it does not permit surrogacy for gay couples.
• Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the move as a reflection of Greece's commitment to human rights and European values.
• Despite opposition from the Greek Orthodox Church, the bill signifies progress towards equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community in Greece.
• This historic decision is celebrated as a victory for LGBTQ+ rights advocates, who emphasize the importance of validation and acceptance.

The correct answer is Suhani Bhatnagar. In News

• Dangal actor Suhani Bhatnagar died at 19.

Key Points

• The actor known for portraying young Babita Phogat in the movie 'Dangal' is Suhani Bhatnagar.
• Suhani passed away at the age of 19 due to complications arising from Dermatomyositis, a rare inflammatory disease.
• She was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on February 7 and succumbed to the disease on February 16.
• Despite treatment, her condition worsened due to lung damage from an infection and accumulation of excess fluid.
• Suhani's family shared that the symptoms of the disease began appearing two months before her diagnosis.
• Her cremation took place at the Ajronda cremation ground in Faridabad, and condolences were expressed by Aamir Khan's production house, praising her talent and contribution to 'Dangal'.

The correct answer is Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi

In News

•  Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar.

Key Points

• Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi assumed the position of Vice Chief of the Army Staff on February 19, 2024.
• Upon assuming the role, he paid homage at the National War Memorial and received a Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns.
• Before his current appointment, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024, operating in challenging operational environments.
• He is an alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), and was commissioned into the 18 JAMMU & KASHMIR RIFLES in 1984, later commanding the unit.
• Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has extensive experience in both the Northern and Western Theatres of operation.

The correct answer is ​Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL)

In News

•  Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL)  in India has built the first spy satellite set to be launched by a SpaceX rocket

Key Points

• India's first spy satellite built by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) is set to be launched by a SpaceX rocket in April.
• The satellite will provide discreet information to the armed forces, eliminating the need to rely on foreign vendors for exact coordinates and timings.
• A ground control center is being set up in Bengaluru in partnership with Satellogic, a Latin-American company, to manage and process the imagery sent by the satellite.
• The imagery from the TASL satellite will also be shared with friendly nations, enhancing India's strategic capabilities.
• While India currently uses US companies for spy data, the TASL satellite will provide a domestic solution, especially significant after skirmishes with China at the Line of Actual Control.

The correct answer is 2 only. In News

• Renowned Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj passed away.

Key Points

• Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj was a prominent Jain seer who passed away in Chhattisgarh's Dongargarh.
• He was highly respected in the Digambar Jain community for his spiritual leadership and scholarly pursuits.
  • Hence, option no. 1 is incorrect.
• Born on October 10, 1946, in Sadalga, Karnataka, he embraced spirituality at a young age.
• Initiated as a Digambara monk at 22 by Acharya Gyansagar Ji Maharaj, he attained Acharya status in 1972.
• Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to studying and applying Jain scriptures and philosophy.
• Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj was proficient in languages like Sanskrit and Prakrit and authored numerous insightful commentaries and spiritual treatises.
• His notable works include Niranjana Shataka, Bhavana Shataka, Parishah Jaya Shataka, Suniti Shataka, and Shramana Shataka.
• He also advocated for the promotion of Hindi and the use of the state's official language in the justice delivery system.
• He chose his death after undertaking 'Sallekhna.'
  • Hence, option no. 2 is correct.

The correct answer is LignoSat. In News

• NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are set to launch the world's first wooden satellite into orbit.

Key Points

• The mission aiming to launch the world's first wooden satellite into orbit is called the LignoSat Mission.
• It is a collaborative project between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
• The satellite, named after the Latin word for wood, will be constructed primarily from treated Japanese magnolia wood.
• The LignoSat Mission aims to address the growing issue of space debris by utilizing a renewable and biodegradable material for spacecraft construction.
• The satellite will carry out experiments to test wood's performance in space and gather data on its potential applications in future spacecraft.
• This innovative approach highlights the significance of sustainability and environmental consciousness in space exploration.

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2​.

In News

• France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain remain tied for the title of the World's Strongest Passport, as per the Henley Passport Index 2024 for Q2

Key Points

• Other countries alongside France on the top include Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain.
• India slipped one rank down to 85th place, despite an increase in the number of countries granting visa-free access to Indian citizens (from 60 to 62).
• Maldives was ranked 58th, with its citizens having visa-free access to 96 countries.
• China witnessed a marginal improvement in its ranking from 66th to 64th place, attributed to granting visa-free access to many European nations to boost its post-pandemic tourism sector.
• The United States' ranking jumped from 7th to 6th position, despite ongoing debates around its anti-immigration stance leading up to the Presidential elections.
• The Henley Passport Index methodology is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), spanning 19 years and covering 199 different passports and 227 travel destinations.​
• France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Japan, and Spain share the 1st rank in the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free access to 194 destinations.
• Finland, South Korea, Sweden, and The Netherlands hold the 2nd rank, with visa-free access to 193 destinations.
• Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom share the 3rd rank, with visa-free access to 192 destinations.

The correct answer is Shashikant Kumar

In News

•  Shashikant Kumar was conferred the prestigious 'Jeevan Raksha Padak' by the Hon'ble President of India for the year 2023

Key Points

•  On June 8, 2023, at Prayagraj Chheoki Railway Station, Sh. Shashikant Kumar witnessed a female passenger in grave danger.
• The passenger was attempting to deboard from a moving train when she slipped and fell into the gap between the train and the platform.
• She was about to come under the wheels of the running train.
• Without hesitation, Kumar sprang into action to save her life.
• He risked his own safety to rescue the distressed passenger.
• Kumar's swift intervention prevented a potentially fatal accident

The Correct Answer is Oppenheimer.

In News

• 77th British Academy Film Awards: BAFTA 2024 held in London.

Key Points

• Hosted by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts to honour the best British and international contributions to film, the first ceremony was held in 1949, marking the 77th edition of the awards.
• Scottish actor David Tennant has been roped in to host the show.
• The top films:
  • 7 wins - Oppenheimer
  • 5 - Poor Things
  • 3 - The Zone of Interest
  • 2 - The Holdovers
• List of the awards won by Oppenheimer in BAFTA 2024:
  • Best film
  • Leading actor
  • Supporting actor
  • Director
  • Original score
  • Cinematography
  • Editing

The Correct Answer is Samantha Morton.

In News

•  77th British Academy Film Awards: BAFTA 2024 held in London.

Key Points

• Hosted by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts to honour the best British and international contributions to film, the first ceremony was held in 1949, marking the 77th edition of the awards.
• Scottish actor David Tennant has been roped in to host the show.
• Bafta Fellowship Winner: Samantha Morton.
• Outstanding British contribution to cinema: June Givanni.
• British short film: Jellyfish and Lobster.
• British short animation: Crab Day.
• Special visual effects: Poor Things.

The correct answer is Thailand. In News

• The Indian women's team clinched the Badminton Asia Team Championships title.

Key Points

• India clinched the Badminton Asia Team Championships title by defeating Thailand in the final.
• The Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024 took place in Malaysia this time.
• Despite facing tough competition from Thailand, India emerged victorious with a score of 3-2.
• The victory was a significant achievement for India, marking their first-ever win in the championship since its inception in 2016.
• Anmol Kharb, a 17-year-old player, played a pivotal role by winning the decider match against Thailand.
• India's triumph showcased the team's resilience and determination, especially considering the absence of top players from other participating countries.
• The win underscores India's growing prowess in badminton on the international stage and sets a promising trajectory for future competitions.

The correct answer is ​Jyothi Yarraji. In News

• Jyothi Yarraji, the rising Indian sprinter, won the gold medal in the women's 60m hurdles at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships.

Key Points

• She achieved this feat by marginally bettering her own national record with a timing of 8.12s.
• Yarraji's previous best timing was 8:13s, which she set at the same event last year, earning her a runner-up finish.
• In the final, she finished ahead of Japan's Asuka Tereda, who clocked 8.21s, securing the top position on the podium.
• Lui Lai Yiu of Hong Kong took the third place with a timing of 8:26s.
• Jyothi Yarraji is also the reigning Asian Outdoor Champion in the 100m hurdles, winning the title in Bangkok last year.
• She had previously won a silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the Hangzhou Asian Games, despite initially facing disqualification.

The correct answer is MS Dhoni.In News

• MS Dhoni named as the leader of IPL's all-time greatest team.

Key Points

• MS Dhoni was selected as the leader of the IPL's all-time greatest team by a panel of former cricketers and journalists.
• The selection panel included cricketing legends like Wasim Akram, Matthew Hayden, Tom Moody, and Dale Steyn.
• Dhoni's exceptional leadership skills and achievements, including winning the IPL title with various squads, were highlighted as reasons for his selection.
• Former cricketers like Dale Steyn, Tom Moody, and Matthew Hayden praised Dhoni's leadership both on and off the field, emphasizing his ability to manage talent and lead teams to success.
• Dhoni's influence extended beyond captaincy, with Matthew Hayden suggesting he has the potential to be a coach as well.
• The unanimous decision among the panel and the Indian community underscores Dhoni's iconic status in IPL history.

The correct answer is Judge Nawaf Salam. In News

• Judge Nawaf Salam has been elected as ICJ’s new president.

Key Points

• Lebanese Judge Nawaf Salam has been elected as the new president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a three-year term.
• Judge Salam assumed office on Feb. 6, 2018, after serving as Lebanon's ambassador and permanent representative to the UN.
• His election reflects the confidence of the UN General Assembly and the Security Council in his capability to lead the ICJ.
• Judge Julia Sebutinde, from Uganda, was elected as the vice president of the ICJ for the same term.
• Vice President Sebutinde's tenure began on Feb. 6, 2012, and she previously served as a judge on the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
• Notably, Sebutinde garnered attention for voting against all measures sought by South Africa in its genocide case against Israel, showcasing her independence and judicial stance.

The correct answer is ​Guwahati

In News

•  ​Guwahati city is hosting the Khelo India University Games 2024.

Key Points

• The Khelo India University Games (KIUG) were hosted by northeastern states that year.
• The games commenced with kabaddi matches at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium.
• Various other sports events like basketball, mallakhamb, women’s football, and yogasana were also held in different venues in Guwahati and Agartala.
• The formal inaugural ceremony was scheduled for Monday.
• Union Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare Anurag Thakur and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the ceremony.
• Besides Guwahati and Agartala, five other northeastern cities hosted the fourth edition of the games.
• Around 4,500 athletes from 200 universities participated in the event, which concluded on February 29.
• KIUG was part of the Centre’s Khelo India initiative aimed at promoting grassroots sports and identifying young talents nationwide.