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. “Sea snot” which is in the news, has been reported to accumulate in the coast of which country?
[A] China
[B] Turkey
[C] Canada
[D] Spain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Turkey]
Notes:
Marine mucilage or “sea snot” is reported to have accumulated along the coast of Turkey. The sea snot is a thick jelly-like layer of slime which is formed by the population explosion of microscopic plants called phytoplankton.
Some Researchers believe that the increase in sea surface temperature due to climate change, has led to this effect while few others see over-fishing as the root cause.
3. Which state has launched the portal named “Akanksha”?
[A] Kerala
[B] Odisha
[C] Karnataka
[D] Manipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Chief Minister of Karnataka B S Yediyurappa has launched a portal named Akanksha, which would provide details on all the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Karnataka.
This comprehensive portal would help the state Government officials, corporates and donors. It seeks to improve transparency in utilisation of CSR funds by the Government.
4. Which sector accounted for around 43 per cent in the total foreign inflows of India in 2020-21?
[A] Pharmaceutical sector
[B] Computer software and hardware
[C] Precious stones
[D] Petroleum Products
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Computer software and hardware]
Notes:
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in computer software and hardware rose over threefold to $26.14 billion during 2020-21. It accounted for about 43 per cent in the total $59.63 billion foreign inflows that India attracted in 2020-21.
As per the data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the sector received $7.67 billion FDI in 2019-20 and $6.41 billion in 2018-19.
5. The recently reported H10N3 is a strain of __:
[A] Bird Flu
[B] Corona virus
[C] Anthrax
[D] Swine Fever
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bird Flu]
Notes:
China has reported the first human infection of a rare strain of bird flu known as H10N3. The case has been confirmed in a 41-year-old man, by China’s National Health Commission.
This bird flu variant is supposed to be low pathogenic, which means it causes relatively less severe disease in poultry. No other case of this infection has been reported in the world.
6. In context with recent news of Goa, what does the abbreviation GIFT stand for?
[A] Goa Institution For Future Transformation
[B] Goa Institution For Financial Transformation
[C] Goa Institution For Fin Tech
[D] Goa Institute of Foreign Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Goa Institution For Future Transformation]
Notes:
The State Government of Goa has constituted a Think Tank named Goa Institution For Future Transformation (GIFT).
This institution would assist, advise and guide the state government on various policy matters and welfare decisions. The functions of GIFT would be very similar to that of NITI Aayog.
7. Fengyun-4B, the New-Gen Meteorological Satellite, has been recently launched by which country?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] Israel
[D] UAE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
China recently launched into orbit a new-generation weather satellite named Fengyun-4B (FY- 4B) successfully.
The Fengyun-4B satellite was launched aboard a Long March 3B rocket into the geostationary orbit, to join the network of Fengyun satellites. The first of the Fengyun series, a low-Earth orbit satellite testing machine – FY-1A, was launched in 1988.
8. What is the main objective of the ‘Chip-off technique’, that has been developed recently?
[A] Data Retrieval
[B] Gold Mining
[C] Cryptocurrency Mining
[D] Bio Gas production
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Data Retrieval]
Notes:
The Scientists at Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Hyderabad have developed an indigenous Chip-off technique.
The main objective of the technique is to retrieve encrypted data from locked and severely damaged smart cell phones. This would benefit investigative agencies to produce credible evidences against criminals.
9. ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) has received a patent for the micronutrient foliar formulation?
[A] Black Pepper
[B] Clove
[C] Cardamom
[D] Cumin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Black Pepper]
Notes:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) has received a patent for black pepper micronutrient foliar formulation.
ICAR-IISR has developed crop-specific micronutrient foliar formulations for major spices (black pepper, ginger, turmeric, and cardamom) to overcome micronutrient deficiencies.
10. To which field, the Padma Shri awardee Lakshmi Nandan Bora, who died recently, belonged to?
[A] Sports
[B] Literature
[C] Music
[D] Dance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Literature]
Notes:
Lakshmi Nandan Bora, a noted Assamese litterateur and Padma Shri awardee belonging to Assam, passed away recently, due to COVID. He was 89 years old.
Lakshmi Nandan Bora has authored more than 60 books in Assamese language. Patal Bhairavi and Kayakalpa are his famous writings. He received the Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 2015.