1. As per the World Health Assembly, when is the ‘World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day’ to be observed?
[A] January 30
[B] February 28
[C] March 31
[D] April 30
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [January 30]
Notes:
The ongoing 74th World Health Assembly declared January 30 as ‘World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day’.
The proposal to recognise the day was initiated by the United Arab Emirates and it was adopted unanimously by the member countries. NTDs are a group of infections caused by a variety of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and parasitic worms.
2. Little Bloodtail, which is considered as a harbinger of monsoon, belong to which type of species?
[A] Humming Bird
[B] Dragonfly
[C] Frog
[D] Turtle
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dragonfly]
Notes:
Little Bloodtail is a small dragonfly, which has wide presence in the state of Kerala. This species of dragonfly can be spotted from the beginning of June till September.
Since the life cycle of little bloodtail is very closely linked with monsoon, they are considered as a harbinger of monsoon (which announces the arrival of an event).
3. Aspergillosis, which was making news recently, is a ………….. disease.
[A] Viral
[B] Bacteria
[C] Fungal
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fungal]
Notes:
Aspergillosis is an infection, allergic reaction, or fungal growth caused by the Aspergillus fungus. Recently, after a sharp rise in black and white fungus cases in India, cases of aspergillosis infections have been reported.
Those with weakened immune systems or lung diseases, which is common in COVID-19 patients, are said to be at high risk of infection.
4. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended which country from their bloc, in response to the Coup?
[A] Zimbabwe
[B] Mali
[C] South Africa
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mali]
Notes:
West African leaders have suspended Mali from their regional association- the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The 15-member bloc held an emergency summit in Ghana’s capital, Accra, in response to last week’s coup. Mali’s military has toppled the President and Prime Minister for the second time in nine months.
5. The ‘Race to Zero’ campaign, which was making news recently, is associated with which field?
[A] Climate Change
[B] Covid Vaccination
[C] Artificial Intelligence
[D] Agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Climate Change]
Notes:
Race To Zero is a global campaign to mobilise support from across the world for a healthy zero carbon recovery.
Recently, World leaders convened at the Climate Breakthroughs Summit, which is a collaboration between the World Economic Forum, UN Climate Champions, the UK COP26 Presidency and partners. During the summit, several companies joined the Race to Zero campaign.
6. Japanese player Naomi Osaka plays which sports?
[A] Badminton
[B] Tennis
[C] Archery
[D] Weight Lifting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tennis]
Notes:
Leading Tennis champion and world number two Naomi Osaka has announced that she would withdraw from the French Open and would spend some time away from the court.
She had posted that she would boycott the mandatory post-match press conferences on the grounds of mental health reasons. In turn, the organisers imposed a penalty on the player.
7. With reference to Covid, what are ‘Kappa’ and ‘Delta’?
[A] New Measure of Covid spread rate
[B] New Labels for Covid variants
[C] New category in Covid positivity rate
[D] New Global vaccine initiatives
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Labels for Covid variants]
Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced new labels, using Greek alphabets, for various variants of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
As per the WHO, Covid variant first found in India (B1.617.2) will be referred to as Delta, while earlier found variant in the country (B.1.617.1) will be known as Kappa.
8. ‘Red Tourism’, which was seen in the news, is associated with which country?
[A] Indonesia
[B] India
[C] China
[D] Sri Lanka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
China launched ‘Red Tourism’ in the year 2004 to promote locations with historical and cultural significance to the history of the Communist Party.
It also aimed at promoting tourism and local businesses in the country. Recently, there has been a record high footfall in the historic places under the Red Tourism. Some of them include Nanhu Lake, where the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party was held in 1921, and Mao Zedong’s birthplace Shaoshan.
9. As per the new system in PMGKP, the Insurance companies will approve and settle the claims based on the certificate of …………..
[A] Home Ministry
[B] District Collector
[C] Registrar General
[D] District Court
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [District Collector]
Notes:
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19’ was launched to provide personal accident cover of Rs. 50 lakh to all healthcare providers.
Recently, a new system for approval of claims has been introduced. The District Collector will certify that the claim is in accordance with SoP of the Scheme and on the basis of this certificate, Insurance Company will approve and settle the claims within a period of 48 hours.
10. SATAT Scheme, which was making news recently, is associated with which sector?
[A] Rural Electrification
[B] Affordable Transportation
[C] LPG Subsidy
[D] Investment in MSME
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Affordable Transportation]
Notes:
Oil sector PSUs in India namely Indian Oil, HPCL, BPCL, GAIL and IGL have come together into a Cooperation Agreement for promotion and development of SATAT Scheme.
SATAT stands for Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation, which was launched on 01.10.2018 to set up Compressed Biogas production plants and make CBG available in the market.