31. Which fungus is associated with a recent outbreak of “atypical” pneumonia at a Paper Mill in Michigan, USA?
[A] Yeast
[B] Blastomyces
[C] Mushrooms
[D] Molds
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Blastomyces]
Notes:
The blastomyces fungus is linked to the recent outbreak of “atypical” pneumonia among the employees of the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill in the US.
The fungus is endemic to Michigan and is generally found in moist soil and decomposing wood. If disturbed, microscopic spores from the fungus can get dispersed in air and travel freely. Human beings can contract blastomycosis by inhaling the spores.
32. Which regulator has come out with a dispute resolution mechanism for Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC)?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] IBBI
[D] IRDAI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SEBI]
Notes:
The Capital markets regulator SEBI has come out with a dispute resolution mechanism for Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC), in order to settle disputes and claims arising out of transactions cleared by it. The framework is implemented with immediate effect.
The Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation is an entity that is set up for clearing and settling repo transactions.
33. What is ‘RAMBAAN’, which was recently seen in the news?
[A] Elephant Species
[B] Mobile Clinic
[C] COVID vaccine
[D] Launch Vehicle
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mobile Clinic]
Notes:
RAMBAAN (Rapid Action Mobile BSL3+ Advanced Augmented Network) is India’s first mobile BSL-3 laboratory.
It was showcased at the second G20 Health Working Group Meeting, which was organized in Goa. This fully equipped, Made-in-India mobile clinic can reach remote regions to conduct testing.
34. Which country has launched the ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ Campaign?
[A] Israel
[B] Ukraine
[C] UAE
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [UAE]
Notes:
The ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ Campaign was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Its purpose is to establish the Ramzan sustainable food aid endowment fund and provide a food safety net for marginalized populations in countries struggling with food insecurity.
35. What is the name of the device developed by scientists of Houston Methodist Academic Institute, which delivers drugs directly to pancreatic tumors?
[A] Nanofluidic drug-eluting seed
[B] Micro Drug
[C] Robotic drug delivery device
[D] Cancer drug delivery system
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nanofluidic drug-eluting seed]
Notes:
Scientists from the Houston Methodist Academic Institute have recently developed a tiny nanofluidic device named Nanofluidic Drug-Eluting Seed (NDES) that delivers cancer drugs directly to pancreatic tumors.
The Nanofluidic drug-eluting seed (NDES) delivers low-dose immunotherapy via CD40 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) — which encourage the immune system to fight tumor cells — directly to pancreatic tumors to treat the aggressive form of pancreatic cancer.
36. Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is associated with which space agency?
[A] NASA
[B] ISRO
[C] JAXA
[D] ESA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [NASA]
Notes:
‘Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite’ (TESS) is a space telescope for NASA’s Explorer program, designed to search for exoplanets.
Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) recently marked five years in space. Since it was launched in 2018, the satellite has mapped more than 93 percent of the entire sky, discovered 329 new alien worlds and thousands more exoplanet candidates.
37. Andrey Rublev, who has won the Monte Carlo title, is from which country?
[A] Serbia
[B] Russia
[C] Spain
[D] Switzerland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Russia]
Notes:
Russia’s Andrey Rublev wins Monte Carlo title after winning the final against Denmark’s Holger Rune.
The player was deprived of his national flag after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 19-year-old Rune had defeated five Top 10 players to win the title in Paris last year.
38. The ‘Vote from Home’ Initiative has been introduced for the first time in the Assembly Elections of which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
‘Vote from Home’ Initiative was introduced for the first time in the Karnataka Assembly Elections by the Election Commission of India.
This procedure was chosen by around 8,900 persons who are above 80 years old or people with disabilities in Bengaluru.
39. ‘Yerevan’ is the capital city of which country?
[A] Armenia
[B] Argentina
[C] Azerbaijan
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Armenia]
Notes:
A new India-Iran-Armenia trilateral grouping was announced recently. The first trilateral political consultation between the foreign affairs ministries of the three countries was held recently in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital.
For India, Armenia has emerged as a key geopolitical partner in recent years. This trilateral grouping is expected to open opportunities for cooperation in areas like energy, transportation, trade, among others.
40. Which international association has approved the ‘Markets in Crypto Act’?
[A] European Union
[B] G-20
[C] G-7
[D] ASEAN
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [European Union]
Notes:
The European Union parliament has recently approved the ‘Markets in Crypto Act’. The new legislation seeks to minimize risks for consumers buying crypto assets and ensure the regulation of the cryptocurrency.
The rules will impose requirements on crypto platforms, token issuers and traders around transparency, disclosure, authorization, and supervision of transactions.