10 PM Current Affairs Quiz #81 February 6, 2020

Explanation: Bhutan is introducing a “sustainable development fee” for regional tourists following a spike in Indian visitors that has sparked worries for the unique Himalayan kingdom’s cherished ecology. The majority of tourists already cough up $250 per day in high season – including meals, transport, and accommodation – to visit the country of 750,000 people famous for putting happiness before economic growth and being carbon negative. But this “high value, low impact” strategy has come under strain in recent years because of a sharp rise in visitors from its giant neighbor India – who are exempt from the levy. On Monday Bhutan’s lower house of parliament passed legislation meaning that visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives have to pay a fee of 1,200 ngultrums ($16.85) per day from July.

Explanation: The Global Go To Think Tank Index Report (GGTTI) has been released by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) at the University of Pennsylvania, US. The index evaluates public-policy research analysis and engagement organizations that generate policy-oriented research, analysis, and advice on domestic and international issues.

Explanation: Indian Space Research Organisation has launched a special programme for School Children called “Young Scientist Programme” “YUva VIgyani KAryakram” (युविका) from the year 2019. The second session of the programme is scheduled to be held during the month of May 2020. The Program is primarily aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications to the younger ones with the intent of arousing their interest in the emerging areas of Space activities. The program is thus aimed at creating awareness amongst the youngsters who are the future building blocks of our Nation. ISRO has chalked out this programme to “Catch them young”. The programme will be of two weeks duration during summer holidays (May 11-22, 2020) and the schedule will include invited talks, experience sharing by the eminent scientists, facility and lab visits, exclusive sessions for discussions with experts, practical and feedback sessions. 3 students each from each State/ Union Territory will be selected to participate in this programme covering CBSE, ICSE and State syllabus. 5 additional seats are reserved for OCI candidates across the country. Those who have finished 8th standard and currently studying in 9th standard (in the academic year 2019-20) will be eligible for the programme. Students who are studying in India including OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) are eligible for the programme. The selection is based on the 8th Standard academic performance and extracurricular activities.

Explanation: India is set to host an East Asia Summit (EAS) conference this week in Chennai with a focus on maritime security cooperation and tackling challenges in the maritime domain. The Conference is expected to serve as a platform for free and open dialogue among all the EAS partners on various issues of maritime security cooperation, and to come up with useful suggestions on tackling challenges in the maritime domain in a cooperative manner. This conference is the fourth in a series of EAS Maritime Security Conferences organised by the Indian government — the first conference was organised in New Delhi in November 2015, the second in Goa in November 2016 and the third in Bhubaneswar in June 2018.

Explanation: Blue Dot Network has been jointly launched by the US Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The aim of this initiative is to bring governments, the private sectors, and civil societies for promoting high-quality global infrastructure development in an open and inclusive framework. The Network will classify the market-driven nominated infrastructure projects which will be based on the transparency and financially sustainability in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world.