Consider the following statements regarding Covishield
- It has been developed by the Oxford University scientists in collaboration with the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
- It has been developed by using the adenovirus that causes common cold infections among chimpanzees.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Covishield vaccine transport to start in less than 24 hours
- The first 2-3 consignments of Serum Institute of India’s Covid-19 vaccine – Covishield – will roll out of its facility in Pune in less than 24 hours and be ferried to one of the 50 state-run cold storage facilities in the country, the founder of the company whose trucks will carry the crucial cargo
About Covishield
- Covishield has been developed by the Oxford University scientists in collaboration with the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. Hence statement 1 is correct
- In India, its trial was undertaken by the Serum Institute of India (SII), which is also manufacturing the Covishield vaccine for the mass vaccination drive.
- Covishield vaccine has been developed by using the virus — adenovirus — that causes common cold infections among chimpanzees. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Its genetic material is same as that of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Spike protein is the part of SARS-CoV-2 using which the virus enters a human body cell.
- Covishield vaccine has been developed by using a weakened version of the adenovirus.
- The body’s immune system is supposed to recognize this protein as a threat, and work on building antibodies against it.
- It had triggered an immune response in humans against the novel coronavirus in early trials and is considered to be one of the global frontrunners for the Covid-19 vaccine.
Consider the following statements regarding Covaxin
- It has been developed by the indigenous vaccine developer Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council for Medical Research
- It is an inactivated vaccine which is developed by inactivating the live microorganisms that cause the disease.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Covid vaccine: Govt orders 55 lakh Covaxin doses, to cost Rs.295 per dose, says report
- Dispatch of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin is likely to start tomorrow morning from Hyderabad
- The Central Government has asked Bharat Biotech to supply around 5.5 million doses at 12 centres before 14 Jan, the report said
About Covaxin
- Covaxin has been developed by the indigenous vaccine developer Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council for Medical Research. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Covaxin vaccine has been developed using dead coronavirus — called “inactivated” vaccine in medical language. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Under inactivated state, the virus is not capable of infecting people or replicating on its own inside the body of a person after being injected. But a shot of the vaccine prepares the immunity system to recognize the actual virus and fight it if and when infection happens.
- It is expected to target more than just the spike protein.
- It also aims to develop an immune response to the nucleocapsid protein (the shell of the virus that encloses its genetic material).
- COVAXIN is more likely to work against newer variants of the virus, including the UK variant, as it contains immunogens (epitopes) from other genes in addition to those from Spike protein.
Source: https://www.livemint.com/
Consider the following statements regarding National Nutrition Mission
- It is government’s flagship programme to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
- Inter-sectoral convergence for better service delivery and Jan Andolan are strategy/pillars for implementation of this mission
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Acute malnutrition worsened among children: NFHS-5
- Chronic malnutrition or stunting among children below five years did not improve at all while acute undernourishment or wasting worsened in the last half-a-decade in a majority of the surveyed states and Union territories
- Supplementary nutrition / meal under ICDS and mid-day meal programmes aim to reduce the food gap. The National Nutrition Mission, or POSHAN Abhiyaan, launched in 2018 by the Prime Minister, also directs the country’s attention towards malnutrition and addresses it in a mission-mode.
- The United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2) aims to eliminate hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030.
About National Nutrition Mission or the Poshan Abhiyaan:
- It is also known as Holistic Nutrition or POSHAN (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) Abhiyaan.
- It is government’s flagship programme to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Hence statement 1 is correct
- It was launched on the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8 March, 2018 from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan.
- Being world’s largest nutrition programme, the mission has specific targets to be achieved by 2022.
- NITI Aayog has been entrusted with the task of closely monitoring the POSHAN Abhiyaan and undertaking periodic evaluations through Technical Support Unit (TSU).
- Aim: To reduce stunting and wasting by 2% per year (total 6% until 2022) among children and To reduce anemia by 3% per year (total 9% until 2022) among children, adolescent girls and pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Four-point strategy/pillars for implementation of the mission are: Hence statement 2 is correct
- Inter-sectoral convergence for better service delivery
- Use of technology (ICT) for real time growth monitoring and tracking of women and children
- Intensified health and nutrition services for the first 1000 days
- Jan Andolan
Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/health/acute-malnutrition-worsened-among-children-nfhs-5-74987
Consider the following statements regarding Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
- People in the BPL category with the age of 60 years and above are eligible to get the pension
- It is implemented as part of the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP) of the Ministry of Rural Development
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Less than a third BPL senior citizens benefit from old age pension scheme: Health ministry survey
- About 30 per cent of India’s senior citizens from below-poverty-line households received benefits from the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), estimated a recent government survey on the country’s ageing population.
- In fact, only 55 per cent of those aged 60 and above were aware of the scheme, according to the survey of over 72,000 people above the age of 45. The scheme, launched in 1995, provides Rs 600-Rs 1,000 to the elderly who live below the poverty line.
About Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
- Ministry of Rural Development of India has introduced Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) in the year 2007. Hence statement 2 is correct
- IGNOAPS also called as National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS). The old age pension scheme aims to provide social protection to the eligible beneficiaries. In this article, we look at the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme in detail.
Key features of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme are discussed below.
- Under IGNOAP scheme, senior citizens of India will receive monthly pension.
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme is a non-contribution pension. It means that the beneficiary does not have to contribute any amount to receive the pension.
The following criteria should be met to obtain Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension.
- The age of the applicant should be 60 years or higher. (It is applicable for both male & female).
- Applicant must belong to household living below poverty line according to the criteria prescribed by the Government. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Applicant must be destitute and having no regular source of financial support form family members or any other sources is eligible for old age pension.
- BPL widows and BPL persons with severe and multiple disabilities in the age group of 60 -79 years are not eligible for this scheme.
Consider the following statements
- The eco-friendly, non-toxic paint, called “Khadi Prakritik Paint” is a first-of-its-kind product, with antifungal, antibacterial properties.
- Union Minister for MSME will be launching an innovative new paint developed by Khadi and Village Industries Commission
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
In News: Gobar se Dhan! This ‘prakritik’ paint will help farmers earn extra Rs 30,000 per animal per year
- Union Minister for MSME will be launching an innovative new paint developed by Khadi and Village Industries Commission hence statement 2 is correct.
- The eco-friendly, non-toxic paint, called “Khadi Prakritik Paint” is a first-of-its-kind product, with anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The paint has been certified by Bureau of Indian Standards. Khadi Prakritik Emulsion paint meets BIS 15489:2013 standards; whereas Khadi Prakritik Distemper paint meets BIS 428:2013 standards.
- Khadi Prakritik Paint is available in two forms – distemper paint and plastic emulsion paint.
- The project was conceptualized by Chairman KVIC in March 2020, and later developed by Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute, Jaipur (a KVIC unit).
Which of the following state is likely to become India’s prime producer of vanadium?
- Kerala
- TamilNadu
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Gujarat
Answer: c) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
In NEWS: Arunachal puts India on vanadium map
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) found promising concentrations of vanadium in the palaeo-proterozoic carbonaceous phyllite rocks in the Depo and Tamang areas of Papum Pare district in Arunachal Pradesh.
- This was the first report of a primary deposit of vanadium in India, with an average grade of 0.76% V2O5 [vanadium pentoxide].
- Vanadium mineralisation in Arunachal Pradesh is geologically similar to the “stone coal” vanadium deposits of China hosted in carbonaceous shale. This high vanadium content is associated with graphite, with a fixed carbon content of up to 16%.
- Arunachal Pradesh is likely to become India’s prime producer of vanadium.hence option (c) is the correct answer
Consider the following Statements regarding management effectiveness evaluation of Indian zoos framework
- The framework proposes guidelines, criteria and indicators for evaluation of zoos of the country in a manner which is discrete, holistic and independent.
- The assessment criteria and indicators look beyond the traditional concepts, include issues of animal welfare, husbandry and sustainability of resources and finance.
- The Union Environment Minister launched the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Indian Zoos (MEE-ZOO) framework.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: Best managed protected areas in the country to be ranked and awarded every year: Shri Prakash Javadekar
- The framework proposes guidelines, criteria and indicators for evaluation of zoos of the country in a manner which is discrete, holistic and independent. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The assessment criteria and indicators look beyond the traditional concepts, include issues of animal welfare, husbandry and sustainability of resources and finance. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The MEE-ZOO exercise is moving towards developing highest standards in Zoos across India and adhering to core values of accountability, transparency, innovation, use of technology, collaboration and integrity to achieve the mandate of conservation of endangered species.
- The Union Environment Minister launched the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Indian Zoos (MEE-ZOO) framework. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1687688
With reference to Northeast Venture Fund (NEVF), consider the following statements
- It the first and the only Venture Fund for Northeast with an initial corpus of Rs. 100 crores.
- The fund targets to invest in Start-Ups and unique business opportunities to provide resources for new entrepreneurships.
- The investment size with the Venture Fund Scheme ranges between Rs.25 lakhs and Rs. 10 crores with a long term horizon of five to ten years
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: The North East Venture Fund (NEVF)is gaining popularity among Start-Ups and young entrepreneurs: Dr Jitendra Singh
- The North East Venture Fund (NEVF) is gaining popularity among Start-Ups and young entrepreneurs.
- It was introduced by the NDA government. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) had joined with North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) to set up the North East Venture Fund.
- It the first and the only Venture Fund for Northeast with an initial corpus of Rs. 100 crores. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The fund targets to invest in Start-Ups and unique business opportunities to provide resources for new entrepreneurships. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The main focus of NEVF is for mostly the enterprises involved in Food Processing, Healthcare, Tourism, segregation of services, IT, etc.
- The investment size with the Venture Fund Scheme ranges between Rs.25 lakhs and Rs. 10 crores with a long term horizon of five to ten years. hence statement 3 is correct
Source https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687668
Consider the following statements regarding Sea vigil 21 exercise
- It will involve all the 13 coastal States and Union Territories along with other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities.
- The exercise is being coordinated by the Indian Navy.
- The exercise is a build up towards the major Theatre level exercise TROPEX which Indian Navy conducts every two years
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In News: Maritime security, coastal defence exercise begins
- The exercise, inaugural edition of which was conducted in January 2019; will be undertaken along the entire 7516 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India.
- It will involve all the 13 coastal States and Union Territories along with other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities.hence statement 1 is correct.
- The exercise is being coordinated by the Indian Navy. hence statement 2 is correct
- The exercise is a build up towards the major Theatre level exercise TROPEX [Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise] which Indian Navy conducts every two years. Hence statement 3 is correct
- SEA VIGIL and TROPEX together will cover the entire spectrum of maritime security challenges, including transition from peace to conflict.
- The second edition of the biennial pan-India coastal defence exercise ‘Sea Vigil-21’ will be conducted on 12-13 January 2021.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maritime-security-coastal-defence-exercise-begins-7142537/
With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’?
- It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India.
- It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area.
- It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar.
- It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India.
Answer: (d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India.
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