Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2021

Notes:
The Delhi government launched the “Dilli Ki Yogshala” programme, under which it will offer free yoga classes to people within their housing societies, colony parks or community centres.
Under the scheme, 400 certified yoga instructors from Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU) and Delhi TTE Team will teach yoga lessons to people at their doorsteps in the city.

Notes:
Parker Solar Probe of NASA has successfully flown through the Sun’s upper atmosphere, the corona. It is an extreme environment that’s roughly 2 million degrees Fahrenheit.
The probe has sampled particles and magnetic fields from the corona. A key instrument on board the probe, the Solar Probe Cup, collects particles from the Sun’s atmosphere. the outer boundary, which scientists call the Alfven point.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced a prompt corrective action (PCA) framework for large non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
The PCA framework for NBFCs comes into effect on October 1 next year on the basis of their financial position on or after March 31. NBFCs not taking deposits and with an asset size of less than Rs 1,000 crore, primary dealers, government-owned NBFCs, and housing finance companies are exempt from this framework.

Notes:
As per a new study published, Bubbler is a breathalyzer, which performs viral RNA detection to diagnose SARS-CoV-2, just by making the patient exhale into the device.
Its name is derived from the bubbling sound that occurs when the patient exhales. The Bubbler reverse transcribes RNA from airborne virus particles into DNA to be tested via PCR. It can also barcode that DNA, allowing samples to be linked directly to the patient they have come from and be used for sequencing.

Notes:
Researchers at IIT Delhi’s Kusuma School of Biological Sciences have developed an RT-PCR based kit for detection of the Omicron (B.1.1.529.1) variant of SARS-CoV-2.
The assay is based on detecting specific mutations, which are present in the Omicron variant and absent in other currently present variants of SARS-CoV-2. Globally, the detection of the Omicron variant requires over 3 days.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2021-26 with an outlay of Rs.93,068 crore. PMKSY was launched in 2015-16.
The three components: Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet ko Paani (HKKP) and Watershed Development components have been approved for continuation during 2021-26.  AIBP is implemented by Ministry of Jal Shakti; Per Drop-More Crop and Micro Irrigation scheme of Agriculture Ministry and Watershed Development by Rural Development Ministry.

Notes:
The World Bank has announced a $93 billion package of the International Development Association (IDA) to help the poor countries tackle Covid crisis and boost economic growth.
The latest pledge includes $23.5 billion of contributions from 48 high- and middle-income countries, raised in the capital markets, repayments, and the World Bank’s own contributions.

Notes:
Russia has proposed a draft agreement to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on measures to ensure the security of both sides.
It suggested that Russia and NATO reaffirm that they do not consider each other as adversaries. Russia asked NATO to stop further enlargement, the accession of Ukraine, and to cease any military activity in Ukraine and other countries in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the 594-km Ganga Expressway in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
After completion of work, it will be the longest expressway of Uttar Pradesh, connecting the western and eastern regions of the state. The six-lane expressway, which is expandable to eight lanes, will be built at a cost of over Rs 36000 crore.

Notes:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched Rashtriya Ekta Geet composed by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in 22 languages.
Rashtriya Ekta Geet is based on the theme of national integration. ‘Sanskritiyon ka Maha Sangam’ event was also conducted, where NCC cadets from across the country congregated in Delhi and showcased their shared cultural heritage.