1. Aspergillosis, which was making news recently, is a ………….. disease.
[A] Viral
[B] Bacteria
[C] Fungal
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fungal]
Notes:
Aspergillosis is an infection, allergic reaction, or fungal growth caused by the Aspergillus fungus. Recently, after a sharp rise in black and white fungus cases in India, cases of aspergillosis infections have been reported.
Those with weakened immune systems or lung diseases, which is common in COVID-19 patients, are said to be at high risk of infection.
2. Which state has launched the portal named “Akanksha”?
[A] Kerala
[B] Odisha
[C] Karnataka
[D] Manipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Chief Minister of Karnataka B S Yediyurappa has launched a portal named Akanksha, which would provide details on all the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Karnataka.
This comprehensive portal would help the state Government officials, corporates and donors. It seeks to improve transparency in utilisation of CSR funds by the Government.
3. What is the name for the undersea power cable project between Germany and Norway?
[A] Sea Link
[B] NordLink
[C] Power Line
[D] New Cable
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [NordLink]
Notes:
Germany and Norway have opened the operations of a 623-kilometer undersea power cable between the two countries. This project is called the NordLink and is aimed to exchange green energy between the two countries.
The project has cost more than $2.2 billion and is seen as a major initiative to shift to green energy.
4. Which Indian organisation has developed near-isothermal forging technology for producing jet engine components?
[A] ISRO
[B] DRDO
[C] BARC
[D] HAL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [DRDO]
Notes:
India’s premier research institution – the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced that it has developed near-isothermal forging technology, for production of high-pressure compressor (HPC) discs, used in jet engines.
These discs are made of titanium alloy, using a unique 2000 MT (metric tonne) isothermal forge press, which even technology rich countries like China are struggling to achieve.
5. Which state has recently launched a solar-based electrification programme for its rural households?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Assam
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Goa]
Notes:
The State Government of Goa headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has launched a solar-based electrification programme to provide power connectivity to rural households of the state.
This project aims to deliver renewable power to the households, where grid connectivity is not possible. In this regard, the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has entered into an agreement with Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL).
6. Under which scheme, the central government would support children who have lost both parents due to COVID 19?
[A] PM JDY
[B] PM JJBY
[C] PM CARES for Children
[D] PM Sishu Suraksha Yojana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [PM CARES for Children]
Notes:
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that, children who have lost both parents due to COVID-19 would be taken care and supported by the Government of India, under the PM CARES for Children scheme.
Such children would be entitled to receive a monthly stipend once they attain 18 years of age and would receive a corpus of Rs.10 lakh on attainment of 23 years, out of the funds available in PM CARES.
7. What is the name of the disinfection system launched in Telangana, to reuse the PPEs and other materials of healthcare workers?
[A] Vajra Kavach
[B] RRR Kavach
[C] Reuse Health
[D] Suraksha Kavach
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vajra Kavach]
Notes:
Mumbai-based startup Indra Water has developed a disinfection system named Vajra Kavach, which helps in reusing the PPEs and other materials used by healthcare workers.
It removes any possible traces of the disease-causing SARS-Cov-2 virus from Personal Protective Equipment, N95 masks, coats, gloves and gowns. It is also an environment-friendly system and will reduce load wastage.
8. ‘Positive Indigenisation List’, which was making news recently, is associated with which Ministry?
[A] Agriculture Ministry
[B] Defence Ministry
[C] External Affairs Ministry
[D] Commerce and Industry Ministry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Defence Ministry]
Notes:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a proposal to notify the Second Positive Indigenisation List of 108 items.
With this, all the 108 items will be procured from indigenous sources, as per provisions given in Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. The Second list, which comprises of complex systems and weapons, is to be implemented progressively with effect from December this year to December 2025.
9. ‘Red Tourism’, which was seen in the news, is associated with which country?
[A] Indonesia
[B] India
[C] China
[D] Sri Lanka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
China launched ‘Red Tourism’ in the year 2004 to promote locations with historical and cultural significance to the history of the Communist Party.
It also aimed at promoting tourism and local businesses in the country. Recently, there has been a record high footfall in the historic places under the Red Tourism. Some of them include Nanhu Lake, where the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party was held in 1921, and Mao Zedong’s birthplace Shaoshan.
10. CSIR-NCL developed a technology called ‘SWASTIIK’, to disinfect water using which medicinal system?
[A] Siddha
[B] Ayurveda
[C] Homeopathy
[D] Sowa-Rigpa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ayurveda]
Notes:
CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) Pune has developed a hybrid technology called “SWASTIIK”, for disinfecting water by using natural oils.
With support from the Water Technology Initiative of the department of science and technology (DST), the team has developed the technology. It involves boiling of a liquid as a result of pressure reduction (cavitation) and also uses natural oils having antimicrobial properties, to disinfect.