Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2021

Notes:
The researchers at the Indian Institute of Science have found out that hydrogen sulphide gas can suppress the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV.
The team have ascertained that increased hydrogen sulphide in the body reduces the rate at which the HIV virus multiplies in the immune cells. This finding will pave the way for developing a more comprehensive therapy against HIV.

Notes:
Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the ‘Air Suvidha’ portal in August 2020 for seamless air travel during Covid pandemic.
Recently, in the wake of the Omicron threat, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare mandated contactless self-declaration at Air Suvidha portal. It aims to provide hassle-free air travel to all international passengers arriving in India.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Rural) for another three years till March 2024.
The extension of the scheme will help in the construction of the remaining 155.75 lakh houses. It will help achieve the target of 2.95 crore ‘pucca’ houses.

Notes:
West Bengal government has launched a bridge course of 100 days for the students named ‘Setu Pathakram’
The course to be introduced in the new academic session starting January, will be made available for students of all classes. It is being introduced to help the students understand the subjects to fill the gaps that may have raised during online classes.

Notes:
Parliament recently passed the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Amendment) Bill.
It aims to accord the status of ‘institute of national importance’ to six more institutes of pharmaceutical education and research situated in Ahmedabad, Hajipur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati and Raebareli. It also aims to set up an advisory council for them.

Notes:
NITI Aayog released a report titled ‘Report on country level-secondary and tertiary level and district level emergency and injury care in India’.
These reports highlight the prevailing gaps in ambulance services, health infrastructure, human resources, and equipment in the provision of optimal care. NITI Aayog aims to set up an efficient, professional, and integrated emergency-care system.

Notes:
‘Swarnim Vijay Parv’,  being celebrated to commemorate 50 years of India’s historic victory in the 1971 war and the Indo-Bangladesh friendship.
Union Minister Rajnath Singh attended an event on the occasion of ‘Swarnim Vijay Parv’. A pre-recorded message of Late CDS General Bipin Rawat was broadcast at the event. At the event, major weapons used during the 1971 war were displayed along with snippets of major battles.

Notes:
A Royal Bengal Tiger has been spotted in Buxa tiger reserve in West Bengal, after at least 23 years, as per the West Bengal government.
A picture of a tiger was captured on a trap camera in the forest of East Damanpur of Buxa tiger reserve.  It was in 1998 that images of a Royal Bengal Tiger were captured at the reserve earlier. The reserve had lost its identity as a tiger reserve from the National Wild Life Board.

Notes:
UN recognised the 38 degrees Celsius measured in Siberian region of Russia, as the new record high for the Arctic
The heat equivalent to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit was seen on June 20, 2020 in the Russian town of Verkhoyansk. It marked the highest temperature ever recorded above the Arctic Circle, as per the World Meteorological Organization.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone of Maa Umiya Dham Development Project involving Umiya Mata Dham temple and temple premises in Gujarat.
The Community-led project involves the Temple of Goddess Umiya, clan-deity of Kadava Patidars. The complex will also comprise of medical facilities, senior citizen care facilities, students hostel, recreation & sports facilities, career development facilities among others.