Notes: The government posthumously honored Chaman Arora with the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the Dogri language category. He received the award for his book Ik Hor Ashwthama. The Ministry of Culture confirmed the selection based on a unanimous jury recommendation. Sahitya Akademi President Madhav Kaushik approved the decision. The award includes a casket with an engraved copper plaque and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. Arora’s family will receive the award at a special event on March 8 in New Delhi.
2. What type of disease is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) that was recently seen in news?
[A] A bacterial infection [B] An autoimmune and inflammatory disease [C] A fungal disease [D] A viral disorder
Correct Answer: B [An autoimmune and inflammatory disease]
Notes: Researchers have developed a self-actuating drug delivery system for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It releases therapeutic agents only when needed by targeting inflammation in joints. RA is an autoimmune disease that attacks healthy cells, mainly affecting joints in hands, wrists, and knees. Symptoms include chronic pain, joint damage, unsteadiness, and deformity; it can also affect organs like the lungs, heart, and eyes. The system uses microspheres loaded with methotrexate, a common anti-rheumatic drug. It includes polymer-lipid hybrid micro-composites, ensuring high drug efficiency and responsiveness to inflammation-related enzymes.
3. Which ministry has launched the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.O?
[A] Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs [B] Ministry of Home Affairs [C] Ministry of Cooperation [D] Ministry of Defence
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs]
Notes: The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs launched the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.O. The scheme aims to strengthen democracy, promote discipline, tolerance, and awareness of parliamentary practices. The NYPS 2.0 web portal allows citizens to participate through three categories. Under Institution Participation, schools (Kishore Sabha) and colleges (Tarun Sabha) can organize Youth Parliament sessions. Group Participation allows groups to conduct sessions following portal guidelines, while Individual Participation enables citizens to take a quiz on ‘Bhartiya Democracy in Action.’
4. Which organization is the nodal agency for International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in India?
[A] National Biodiversity Authority [B] Wildlife Crime Control Bureau [C] National Tiger Conservation Authority [D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: C [National Tiger Conservation Authority]
Notes: The Framework Agreement on the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially come into force. India established IBCA through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC). It was launched on April 9, 2023, marking 50 years of Project Tiger. It aims to conserve seven big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. Member countries are Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia. The alliance aims to collaborate, share expertise, and secure financial support to conserve big cats globally.
5. Gambusia affinis, which was seen in news, belongs to which species?
Notes: The National Green Tribunal has sought a response from the Central government on using Gambusia affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia reticulata (Guppy) for mosquito control. Gambusia affinis is native to the southeastern United States and has been used globally for over a century. The IUCN lists it among the 100 worst invasive species due to its impact on ecosystems. Poecilia reticulata is a non-migratory fish from South America that threatens native species. These fish have been released in multiple Indian states for mosquito control, raising ecological concerns.
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