Current Affairs Questions & Answers - Nov 15, 2015

ANSWER: 778

Explanation:
Zoological Survey of India has found 778 new species of fauna in the past 5 years. This estimate is based on annual surveys conducted by ZSI in the protected areas such as deserts, forests, wetlands and coral reefs in the nation. ZSI has identified greater than 5,000 new fauna species in the scientific world to date. Some of the most important discoveries were in 2014 whereby 24 frog species, 23 fish species and 2 reptile species were identified. Scientists also found some rare lizard species that year. Western Ghats is one of the 34 biodiversity hotspots where scientists found 248 new species in 2013; this includes 43 species of vertebrate and 162 species of invertebrates

ANSWER: Rohit Sharma

Explanation:
Tyre maker CEAT has inked a three year bat endorsement deal with cricketer Rohit Sharma. Rohit is the first player to score consecutive centuries in history ODIs. His bat will now display the CEAT insignia. CEAT has also announced a partnership with Suresh Raina for the bat association. It has also partnered with the IPL for a strategic time out segment.

ANSWER: Strengthen

Explanation:
A series of tests conducted on various kinds of concrete by the civil engineering department, IIT-M has found that proportion of byproducts such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag added to concrete mix can reinforce structures and make them more durable. The researchers have recommended that cement used for durable construction should be replaced with or contain 15% fly ash/30% slag along with low water content use in the concrete. Thermal power plants in the nation generate 200 million tonnes of fly ash within a year, yet only 30 million tonnes have been utilised.

ANSWER: 2000

Explanation:
Chinese archaeologists have unearthed a portrait of ancient philosopher Confucius from a 2000 year old tomb. After the broken lacquer screen found in the tomb’s main chamber, one of two portraits believed to be of Confucius was also discovered. The restored screen is 50-60 cm wide and 70-80 cm tall. Confucius has been regarded as China’s cultural symbol and venerated as a great sage in ancient China.

ANSWER: Both a and c

Explanation:
Dalit writer Devanooru Mahadeva has joined writers and activists in returning awards to register protest against rising intolerance in India. The decision has been made to return Padma Shri and Sahitya Akademi award. The writer was honoured with the former award in 2011 and the Sahitya Akademi award for the novella “Kusumabale” in the 1990s. The Mysuru based writer has hit out against rising intolerance in India.

ANSWER: 14th November

Explanation:
Children’s Day was observed on 14th November 2015 across the nation. For marking this occasion, Ministry of WCD has conducted programmes for child development. President of India Pranab Mukherjee has also presented National Child Awards for recognising the achievements of children and the services of persons and institutions working for child welfare. 19th edition of the biennial International Children’s film festival of India known as The Golden Elephant has also been inaugurated in Hyderabad.

ANSWER: 12th November

Explanation:
World Pneumonia Day was observed on 12th November 2015 across the globe. The theme for this year was Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia Now. For marking this occasion, special programmes were held to raise awareness of pneumonia and promote prevention as well as treatment for combating this disease. A special Pneumonia Innovations Summit was organised by WHO in NY as well. Pneumonia is currently the biggest killer of children under 5 accounting for 16% of the deaths. Internationally, around 9 lakh children will die from this disease in 2015.

ANSWER: Seakeeping and Manoeuvring Basin

Explanation:
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar dedicated the Seakeeping and Manoeuvring Basin as well as Advanced Torpedo Defence System Mareech developed by the DRDO for the Indian Navy. SMB facility is a one of its kind initiative set up as a collaboration between DRDO and Indian Navy. SMB will also help in constructing and designing state of the art naval combatants while the latter project is a state of the art indigenous system for torpedo detection and countermeasures. Two production grade Mareech systems have been developed so far.

ANSWER: Smt VM Chougala

Explanation:
President of India, Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Child Awards for Exceptional Achievement 2015 to children with exceptional abilities and outstanding attainments in numerous fields on the occasion of Children’s Day. Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva award for outstanding contributions to service for children were also announced by the GoI. National Awards for Child Welfare 2014 were also conferred on this day.

ANSWER: Both of the above

Explanation:
The NMD awards were presented at the 53rd National Metallurgists Day celebration in TN under the aegis of GoI, Ministry of steel. Lifetime achievement award was conferred on Shri RN Parbat, former director and COO, INDAL. IIM Sustainability Awards to industries under different categories and the IIM-JRD Tata Award for Excellence in Corporate Leadership in Metallurgical Industries, were given to Shri M Narayana Rao, former CMD, MIDHANI respectively.

ANSWER: 14th November

Explanation:
IITF 2015 presents an ideal platform for the global fraternity. India’s attempt for inclusive economic growth and social advancement have shown the way forward to many developing countries. IITF endeavours to preserve, protect and promote India’s cultural heritage through collaboration amongst GoI, industry, artisans, craft persons as well as weavers. ITPO has adopted several initiatives this year to improve facilities offered to visitors. SAARC nations were given special participation roles as Afghanistan was the Partner Country and Bangladesh was the Focus Country in IITF 2015.

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has nominated Shri Satish Shah and Ms. Bhawana Somaaya as members of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Society in the category of “persons of eminence connected with Films and Television Education, Journalism, Literature, Fine Arts, Dramatics, Performing Arts, etc”. Shri Brijendra Pal Singh has also been nominated as member of FTII Society in the category of “alumni of FTII”.

ANSWER: 6

Explanation:
Britain has signed 6 deals with India on 14th November 2015. This includes the 1.3 billion pound investment by Vodafone. Deals have also been signed by solar voltaic energy generator Lightsource and Intelligent Energy on clean energy as well as King’s College Hospital.