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. Which state has introduced India’s first city sewage surveillance system?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
The state government of Karnataka has introduced a city sewage surveillance system in Bangalore. This is aimed to track coronavirus at an early stage.
This effort of Karnataka is supported by USAID (United States Agency for International Development) and COVIDactionCollab (CAC). CAC is supporting the state by providing training to sanitation workers in collecting samples and analysing them in labs.
3. Which state has recently launched a solar-based electrification programme for its rural households?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Assam
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Goa]
Notes:
The State Government of Goa headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has launched a solar-based electrification programme to provide power connectivity to rural households of the state.
This project aims to deliver renewable power to the households, where grid connectivity is not possible. In this regard, the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has entered into an agreement with Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL).
4. Pooja Rani Bohra is associated with which sport?
[A] Table Tennis
[B] Boxing
[C] Athletics
[D] Archery
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Boxing]
Notes:
Indian woman boxer Pooja Rani Bohra has clinched her second continental title at the Asian boxing championships, being held in Dubai.
The Olympic bound boxing champion registered this victory against Mavluda Movlonova of Uzbekistan in the 75kg category with a score of 5-0.
5. ESIC and EPFO schemes are implemented by which ministry?
[A] Finance Ministry
[B] Labour Ministry
[C] MSME Ministry
[D] Ministry of Social Justice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Labour Ministry]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has announced additional benefits for workers enrolled under ESIC and EPFO schemes, to remove fear and anxiety about the well-being of their family.
As per the new benefit, in case of an employee’s death due to COVID, all dependent family members of the insured person would be entitled to receive the same benefits as in the case of death resulting from employment injury.
6. 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.
7. Which company has introduced the world’s first ‘Nano Urea’?
[A] IFFCO
[B] National Fertilizers Limited
[C] Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers
[D] Chambal Fertilisers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IFFCO]
Notes:
Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) said that it has introduced the world’s first Nano Urea Liquid for farmers across the world.
The technology was developed at Nano Biotechnology Research Centre, Kalol. This is expected to reduce the input cost of farmers and will significantly bring down the cost of logistics and warehousing.
8. Pandit Deendayal Energy University, that was in news recently, is in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Gujarat government has decided to grant Centre of Excellence (CoE) status to seven private universities in the state.
The Chief Minister Vijay Rupani gave in-principle approval to grant CoE status to seven universities including Nirma University, CEPT University, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, DAIICT, Ahmedabad University, Charotar University of Science and Technology and Marwadi University.
9. APEDA identified Mathura and Banaskantha as clusters for export development in which sector?
[A] Textile
[B] Dairy
[C] Cotton
[D] Fruits
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dairy]
Notes:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has set up an Export Promotion Forum (EPF) to promote exports of dairy products.
It also aims to address various issues in the sector. The authority has recognized two clusters: Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and Banaskantha in Gujarat, to develop dairy merchandise. Farmers and small dairy owners in these clusters shall be given coaching and aid in capability building in exports.
10. CSIR-NCL developed a technology called ‘SWASTIIK’, to disinfect water using which medicinal system?
[A] Siddha
[B] Ayurveda
[C] Homeopathy
[D] Sowa-Rigpa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ayurveda]
Notes:
CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) Pune has developed a hybrid technology called “SWASTIIK”, for disinfecting water by using natural oils.
With support from the Water Technology Initiative of the department of science and technology (DST), the team has developed the technology. It involves boiling of a liquid as a result of pressure reduction (cavitation) and also uses natural oils having antimicrobial properties, to disinfect.