1. Which Union Ministry unveiled the ‘National Medical Devices Policy, 2023’?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[C] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[D] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]
Notes:
National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 was unveiled recently by India’s Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
He also launched the Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices along with Assistance for Medical Devices clusters for Common Facilities (AMD-CF).
2. Which institution released the Environmental Guidelines for Stone Crushing units?
[A] NGT
[B] CPCB
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] NAEB
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [CPCB]
Notes:
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently released the Environmental Guidelines for Stone Crushing units.
The guidelines are based on the recommendations of the New Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment. CPCB is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
3. Which Asian country released its ‘National Climate Research agenda’?
[A] India
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Nepal
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India’s National Climate Research agenda was released during the inauguration of the 2-day International Climate Research Conclave. It was organised at Department of Science and Technology’s Centre of Excellence in Climate Studies at IIT Bombay.
Its aim is to coordinate national efforts focusing on the understanding and addressing climate change by 2030 and beyond.
4. Daam, which was seen in the news, is a?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Malware
[C] Super computer
[D] Cryptocurrency
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Malware]
Notes:
The Indian government has recently issued an advisory against the malware called Daam. This virus is capable of hacking call records, contacts, history and camera.
The national cyber security agency advisory has warned that the ‘Daam’ virus is capable of bypassing anti-virus programs and deploying ransomware on the targeted devices.
5. Which institution released the ‘Forever Toxic: The science on health threats from plastic recycling’?
[A] WMO
[B] UNEP
[C] WHO
[D] Greenpeace Philippines
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Greenpeace Philippines]
Notes:
The report titled “Forever Toxic: The science on health threats from plastic recycling” was released recently by Greenpeace Philippines. According to this report, recycling can increase the toxicity of plastics.
The report was released ahead of the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop a Global Plastics Treaty, being held at Paris, France.
6. Which country has introduced a robot called ‘Kachaka’ with capacity to deliver items through voice commands?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] North Korea
[D] South Korea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Japan]
Notes:
A Tokyo-based startup Preferred Robotics has introduced a robot called Kachaka for home use. It has the capacity to deliver items through voice commands.
The robot’s AI technology enables it to analyse camera images, allowing it to detect and avoid obstacles. Kachaka has a maximum carrying capacity of 20 kg, including the attached table.
7. Which country has launched USD 17 billion project known as the ‘Route of Development’?
[A] Iraq
[B] Iran
[C] UAE
[D] Israel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Iraq]
Notes:
Iraq presented an ambitious plan to turn itself into a regional transportation hub by developing its road and rail infrastructure, linking Europe with the Middle East.
Once completed, the $17 billion project known as the ‘Route of Development’ would span the length of the country, stretching 1,200 km from the northern border with Turkiye to the Gulf in the south.
8. Which country is the host of the ‘22nd SCO Summit’?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
The 22nd Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will be held in a virtual mode on 4 July, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced.
India is set to host the 22nd SCO summit for the first time under its chairmanship. Invitations were sent to heads of state of all SCO member countries — China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
9. Which country recently approved RSV vaccine for older adults?
[A] India
[B] USA
[C] Russia
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [USA]
Notes:
The US Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer’s RSV vaccine for older adults, the second such shot approved for the common virus.
Earlier in May, the agency approved the world’s first RSV vaccine for older adults, made by GSK. The vaccines could be available for seniors by fall, pending recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its vaccine advisers.
10. Which Indian chess player defeated Magnus Carlsen in the Norway Chess blitz tournament?
[A] R Praggnananda
[B] D Gukesh
[C] Nihal Sarin
[D] Arjun Erigaisi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [D Gukesh]
Notes:
Indian chess player Gukesh defeats Magnus Carlsen in 97 moves in the Norway Chess blitz tournament.
Gukesh was mentioned by Carlsen last year as the one to watch out for. Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov (6 points) won the title by beating Gukesh (2.5) in the final round while Magnus Carlsen (4.5) finished seventh.