Current Affairs Quiz - March 2022

Notes:
Some white-tailed deer living in the US are infected with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, according to a study.
The study also found neutralising antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in one of the Omicron-infected deer, suggesting that, like humans, these animals can be re-infected with the virus. 80 per cent of white-tailed deer sampled in the US tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Notes:
The Centre has approved an allocation of Rs 3,274.87 crore for the continuation of the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana (SSSY), till 2025-26.
The Ministry of Home Affairs implements the scheme, under which freedom fighters and their eligible dependents are given pension and other financial benefits.

Notes:
As per the reports of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, Odisha topped the list at the national level in full immunization coverage with 90.5% of full immunization.
Full immunisation includes preventive doses against 12 different kinds of diseases including polio, tuberculosis, jaundice among others. Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 4.0 was rolled out in the state from March 7 to boost full immunization coverage of the targeted women and children.

Notes:
Karnataka Government recently launched Women@Work (W@W) programme with an aim to provide five lakh jobs to women within 2026, with necessary employable skills.
At present women constituted 35 per cent of the workforce of the state and the programme aims to raise its workforce strength to 50 per cent.

Notes:
Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers implements the “Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI)” scheme.
The Department has released guidelines for the scheme “Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI)”, with a total financial outlay of Rs.500 Cr for the period from FY 21-22 to FY 25-26. The objectives of the scheme are to strengthen the existing infrastructure facilities in Pharma Sector.

Notes:
The 15th Finance Commission recommended grants to be released to the states including grants to rural local bodies (RLBs).
Recently, the government has released ₹1,112.7 crore to Bihar, ₹473.9 crore to Karnataka, and ₹634.6 crore to West Bengal, as per the data released by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.

Notes:
‘Bayraktar TB2’, which was seen in the news recently, is a combat drone manufactured by Turkey. During Russia’s war on Ukraine, video footage has circulated showing the Turkish combat drone Bayraktar TB2 striking the Russian army.
Since 2019, Ukraine has bought dozens of drones from Turkey. Both countries signed an agreement for the production of the TB2 within Ukrainian borders.

Notes:
Former Financial Services Secretary Debasish Panda has been appointed as Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment as chairperson of the insurance regulator initially for a period of three years. Subhash Chandra Khuntia completed his term before 9 months.

Notes:
‘Halari’ is a breed of Donkeys native to the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The population of the breed is fast declining in the country.
Union Minister Parsottam Rupala will preside over a meeting of Maldharis (or traditional herdsmen) for the conservation of Halari donkeys. An animal fair with the best of Halari donkeys, goats of Kahmi and Bhagri breeds, will also be organised.

Notes:
Tripura government has announced a new scheme named “Mukhyamantri Chaa Srami Kalyan Prakalpa”.
It aims to ensure social security of over 7,000 tea garden workers of Tripura. The scheme assures housing, rations and financial support to the tea garden workers. It also provides them with facilities of state and central government schemes in a consolidated format.