31. ‘Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative’ has been launched under which scheme?
[A] Ayushman Bharat Health Mission
[B] National One Health Mission
[C] Swachh Bharat Mission
[D] PM Awas Mission
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National One Health Mission]
Notes:
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala has launched the Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative under the National One Health Mission.
He also launched the World Bank-funded Animal Health System Support for One Health to enhance India’s preparedness and response to potential animal pandemics, in line with the One Health approach.
32. ‘GN-z11’, which was seen in the news, is the farthest object of which category?
[A] Exo-planet
[B] Galaxy
[C] Asteroid
[D] Comet
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Galaxy]
Notes:
GN-z11, found in the constellation Ursa Major, is among the farthest and earliest galaxies ever discovered.
The latest spectroscopic results from this galaxy revealed the complete absence of dust particles from its surroundings for an interim time period despite the presence of a very high star formation rate.
33. The ‘World Chagas Disease Day’ observed across the world during which month?
[A] January
[B] February
[C] March
[D] April
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [April]
Notes:
World Chagas Disease Day is observed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on April 14. It raises awareness about the Chagas disease.
Chagas is a communicable parasitic disease that infected over 6 to 7 million people. The theme for 2023 is Time to integrate Chagas disease into primary health care.
34. Which Union Ministry is associated with the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions
[C] Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the conduct of constable (general duty) examination for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in 13 regional languages.
This is in addition to Hindi and English. This aims to promote the participation of local youths in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and encourage regional languages.
35. Siachen Day is observed by the Indian Army every year to commemorate which of its operations?
[A] Operation Meghdoot
[B] Operation Black Thunder
[C] Operation Jammu
[D] Operation Black Tornado
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Operation Meghdoot]
Notes:
The Indian Army observes the 13th of April every year as Siachen Day to commemorate the anniversary of Operation Meghdoot. It was launched by the Indian Army on April 13, 1984 to secure the Siachen Glacier which is of strategic importance.
This year marks the 39th Siachen Day in which the Commander of Siachen Brigade laid a wreath on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and paid respect to war heroes at the Siachen War Memorial, Base Camp.
36. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has signed a MOU with which organisation for comprehensive rural mental health programme in 2 districts?
[A] Ashraya Hastha Trust
[B] Bill and Melinda Foundation
[C] World Vision foundation
[D] National Health Mission
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashraya Hastha Trust]
Notes:
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ashraya Hastha Trust (a charitable trust in Karnataka) to implement a model comprehensive rural mental health programme in Munisiyari taluk – Pithorgarh district of Uttarakhand and in Belur taluk – Hassan district in Karnataka.
The programme would be subsequently expanded to the entire country, if proved successful.
37. When is World Hemophilia Day observed every year?
[A] April 10
[B] April 17
[C] April 21
[D] May 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [April 17]
Notes:
April 17 is observed as the World Hemophilia Day and the theme for this year is “Access for All: Prevention of bleeds as the global standard of care”.
Hemophilia is a rare genetic blood disorder that inhibits the clotting of blood, leading to significant bleeding during injuries and surgeries. Every year, the World Hemophilia Day is observed to raise awareness about this disorder.
38. Where is the Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC) 2023 held?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Port Blair
[C] Kolkata
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC) is a 5 day apex-level defence event, which is organised from 17 to 21 April 2023. The event is organised in in Hybrid format wherein Army Commanders and other senior functionaries will meet virtually on the first day and then travel to Delhi for the rest of the physical meetings.
The event provides a platform for conceptual level deliberations to make important defence policy decisions.
39. 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.
40. Which institution launched the ‘Coalition of Coastal Cities to Combat Marine Litter’?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Centre for Science and Environment
[C] UNESCO
[D] UNICEF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Centre for Science and Environment]
Notes:
The Coalition of Coastal Cities to Combat Marine Litter was launched recently by Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
It is a coalition of coastal cities that will combat marine litter pollution across India. Of the 460 million tonnes (MT) of global plastic production, nearly 353 MT comes back as plastic waste; 8 MT (2.26 per cent) of which is leaked into the marine ecosystem.