10 PM Current Affairs Quiz #17 November 20, 2019

Explanation: The Blue Flag certification is given to environmental- friendly, clean beaches, marinas which are equipped with amenities of international standards for tourist. There are 33 environment and tourism-related conditions for Blue Flag Certification. Few of them include, having proper waste disposal system, availability of clean water for tourists, disabled friendly etc. The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education) – a Copenhagen based international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation. The programme was first started in France in 1985.

Explanation: Union Human Resource Development Minister has launched the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) 2020. It aims to systematically rank all major educational institutions and universities on indicators related to promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development amongst their students and faculties.

Explanation: Pangong Tso is a long narrow landlocked lake situated at a height of more than 14,000 ft in the Ladakh Himalayas. The brackish water lake freezes over in winter and becomes ideal for ice skating and polo. One-third of the lake which is around 45km is in Indian control while the rest of the 90 km is under Chinese control. The lake does not have major tactical significance.But it lies in the path of the Chushul approach, one of the main approaches that China can use for an offensive into Indian-held territory.

Explanation: Indian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy will be participating in the bilateral exercise ‘Samudra Laksamana’. The exercise would include a harbour phase wherein professional interactions, official calls, social engagements, visits by the local populace and various sports events would be conducted. The Sea Phase of the exercise would enable the two navies to further hone their skills in order to enhance interoperability between the navies to ensure peaceful and secure seas for all.

Explanation: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has constituted a working group on Social Stock Exchanges (SSE). The working group has been constituted under the chairmanship of Ishaat Hussain, Director, SBI Foundation. The group shall examine and make recommendations with respect to possible structures and mechanisms, within the securities market domain to facilitate the raising of funds by social enterprises and voluntary organizations.