QUIZ – 2017: Insights Current Affairs Quiz, 04 September 2019

Solution: c)

GI is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.

Once the GI protection is granted, no other producer can misuse the name to market similar products

Tawlhlohpuan, a medium to heavy, compactly woven, good quality fabric from Mizoram is known for warp yarns, warping, weaving and intricate designs that are made by hand. Tawlhloh, in Mizo language, means ‘to stand firm or not to move backward’. Tawlhlohpuan, which holds high significance in the Mizo society, is produced throughout the state of Mizoram. Aizawl and Thenzawl town are the main centre of production.

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Solution: d)

Information Sharing Platform Gateway for South-East Asia Regulatory Network (SEARN) developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing has been launched. It will promote regulatory and health collaboration among the countries of the South-East Asia Region.

The South East Asia Research Network (SEARN), based at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, is a platform to facilitate research collaboration.

It provides a forum to support the communication and dissemination of research findings, highlight research areas and a network connecting people and collaborators outside with an interest in South East Asia.

Vision: Healthy populations with timely access to affordable medical products of assured quality, safety and efficacy in all countries of the South-East Asia region and beyond.

SEARN includes all ASEAN countries.

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Solution: d)

A sovereign bond is a specific debt instrument issued by the government. They can be denominated in both foreign and domestic currency. Just like other bonds, these also promise to pay the buyer a certain amount of interest for a stipulated number of years and repay the face value on maturity. They also have a rating associated with them which essentially speaks of their credit worthiness.

The Yield of the sovereign bond is the interest rate that the government pays on issuing bonds. Countries with volatile economies and high inflation rates have to issue higher interest returns on their bonds compared to more stable ones.

The Yield of the bonds are dependent on primarily 3 factors:
• Creditworthiness – The issuing countries’ perceived ability to repay their debts. This can be obtained from rating agencies.
• Country Risk – External/Internal factors like unrest and wars tend to jeopardize a country’s ability to pay off their debts.
• Exchange Rates- In cases where bonds are issued in foreign currency, fluctuations in exchange rate may lead to increased pay out pressure on the issuing government.

The central banks also control the supply of money within the economy by the use of these bonds. When the government is in expansionist mode, the central bank will back debt in exchange for cash to raise capital for the expenditure. In case it is in the contracting mode, the banks hope to slow growth by selling more securities to take out liquidity from the system.

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Solution: c)

Lightning is a very rapid — and massive — discharge of electricity in the atmosphere, some of which is directed towards the Earth’s surface.

These discharges are generated in giant moisture-bearing clouds that are 10-12 km tall.

There is a greater probability of lightning striking tall objects such as trees, towers or buildings.

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Solution: d)

The Okjokull glacier became the first Icelandic glacier lost due to climate change.

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