What is the aim of Mission Indradhanush?
It is a joint air force exercise
It is a 7-pronged plan to address the challenges faced by telecom sector
It aims to provides affordable and accessible healthcare to all citizens of the country
It aims to promote policy research in social science.
Answer: (d) It aims to provides affordable and accessible healthcare to all citizens of the country
Explanation:
In NEWS: Harsh Vardhan launches Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0
- Mission Indradhanushhas covered 690 districts and vaccinated 37.64 million children and 9.46 million pregnant women.
- Mission Indradhanush was launched in 2014 vision of the Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all citizens of the country. Hence option (d) is correct
About Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0
- The IMI 3.0 will build on the gains of previous phases of the campaign and make lasting gains towards Universal Immunization.
- The government of India is indeed a successful strategy to reach out to every dropped out and left out child and pregnant woman.
- The implementation of large campaigns like Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0 is a clear indication of India’s health system getting stronger day by day.
- It aimed to reach the unreached population with all the available vaccines under Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
- The programme will have two rounds starting from February 22 and March 22, 2021. It will be conducted in pre-identified 250 districts/urban areas across 29 States/UTs in the country.
- The focus of the IMI 3.0 will be the children and pregnant women who have missed their vaccine doses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The present eighth campaign will target achieving 90% Full Immunization Coverage (FIC) in all districts of the country.
- It would sustain the coverage through immunization system strengthening and foster India’s march towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Consider the following Statements
- H5N8 is a sub-type of the Influenza A virus that causes flu-like symptoms which affects birds only.
- H5N1 and H7N9 is an avian influenza virus that can be infected people.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Russia says detected first case of H5N8 avian flu in humans, alerts WHO
- Russia said its scientists had detected the first case of transmission of the H5N8 strain of avian flu to humans and had alerted the World Health Organization. Seven workers of a poultry farm in southern Russia, were found to be infected where an outbreak was recorded among the birds in December.
- Reuters reported that in recent months outbreaks of the H5N8 strain have been reported in Russia, Europe, China, the Middle East and North Africa but only ever in poultry till Saturday.
- There are different subtypes of avian influenza viruses.
- People can get infected with avian and swine influenza viruses, such as bird flu subtypes A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) and swine flu subtypes such as A(H1N1). Hence statement 2 is correct
- According to the WHO, people usually get infected through direct contact with animals or contaminated environments, and there is no sustained transmission among humans.
- H5N1 in people can cause severe disease and has a 60 per cent mortality rate.
- During the budget season of the Parliament, minister of state for health Ashwini Choubey, told Lok Sabha that strains of H5N1, H5N8, and H5 have been detected in India so far. However, no laboratory-confirmed human cases of avian influenza have been reported in the country
- What is H5N8?
- The H5N8 is a sub-type of the Influenza A virus that causes flu-like symptoms in birds and mammals. Before Russia reported its first case of human transmission H5N8 was largely believed to be restricted to birds and poultry. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- The more widely known strain of avian influenza is the H1N1, which is responsible for all the major flu outbreaks, like 1918 Spanish flu, the 2009 Swine flu outbreak et al.
- Is it lethal for humans?
- The H5N8 strain of avian influenza is not lethal for humans
- Properly cooked meat or poultry and boiled eggs are considered to be safe for human consumption by the ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying
The SVAMITVA Scheme sometimes seen in the news is related to:
- Empowerment of Youth
- Solid Waste Management
- Urban Employment
- Land records management
Answer: (d) Land records management
Explanation:
In NEWS: Punjab approves mission to grant property rights to villagers in lal dora
- The Punjab government paved way for villagers living within the ‘Lal Lakir’ — part of the village ‘abaadi’ (habitation) mostly used for non-agriculture purposes only — to get their property registered with the revenue department to monetise it or for availing benefits provided by the banks.
- The mission is aimed at facilitating villagers to monetize property rights and availing benefits provided by government departments, institutions and banks in all villages across the state.
- As no record of rights is available for such properties within the ‘Lal Lakir’, the same cannot currently be monetized as per the real value of the property and no mortgages can be created on such properties.
- Under the mission, the right of record of properties within ‘Lal Lakir’ in the villages of the state will be prepared with the cooperation of the government of India under the SVAMITVA scheme.
- This will enable mapping the land, households, habitation and all other areas falling within ‘Lal Lakir’.
About SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas)
- Under the scheme, the latest surveying technology such as drones will be used for measuring the inhabited land in villages and rural areas. . Hence option (d) is correct
- The mapping and survey will be conducted in collaboration with the Survey of India, State Revenue Department and State Panchayati Raj Department under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
- The drones will draw the digital map of every property falling in the geographical limit of each Indian village.
- Property Cards will be prepared and given to the respective owners.
Consider the following Statements regarding INS Pralaya
It is the second ship of the indigenously built Prabal Class Missile Vessels
It is fitted with an impressive array of weapons and long-range surface to surface missiles.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Indian Naval ship INS Pralaya arrives in UAE to take part in NAVDEX, IDEX 2021
- Indian Naval Ship Pralaya reached Abu Dhabi in UAE to participate in the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX 21) and International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 21) from February 20 to 25, 2021.
- NAVDEX 21 and IDEX 21 is one of the leading international naval and defence exhibitions of the region. Participation of INS Pralaya will showcase the strengths of India’s indigenous shipbuilding, in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’.
About INS Pralaya:
- It is the second ship of the indigenously built Prabal Class Missile Vessels, built indigenously at Goa Shipyard Limited. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The ship was commissioned in the Indian Navy on 18 December 2002 to perform a wide variety of surface warfare missions.
- The 56 m longship, displacing about 560 T is capable of speeds in excess of 35 knots.
- It is fitted with an impressive array of weapons and sensors, like 76.2 mm medium range gun, 30 mm close-range guns, chaff launchers and long-range surface to surface missiles. Hence statement 2 is correct
Consider the following Statements regarding Suheli Par
- It is a coral atoll in Andaman and Nicobar Island
- The Nine Degree Channel runs between these islands
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Prakash Javadekar inaugurates Atal Paryavaran Bhavan in Lakshadweep
- He inaugurated Lakshadweep forest department’s headquarters, Atal Paryavaran Bhavan and added that while maintaining the natural beauty and security of Lakshadweep, environmental permits have been issued for different tourism projects as part of NITI AYOG’S scheme in the three islands.
- He expressed confidence that this will ensure more growth and create more employment opportunities in the island.
- He will also attend programmes at Suheli, Kadmat and Bangaram islands and evaluate major innovative initiatives of the Forest and Environment Department of the Union Territory.
About Suheli Par
- It is a coral atoll in Lakshadweep. This atoll is an oval-shaped and 17 km long. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- It is surrounded by a zone of rich marine fauna. It is located South-West of Kavaratti and 76 km to south of Agatti. It is located 139 km to west of Kalpeni and 205 km to NNW of Minicoy island.
- The Nine Degree Channel runs between these islands. Hence statement 2 is correct
About Kadmat Island
- Kadmat Island, also known as Cardamom Island, is a coral island belonging to the Amindivi subgroup of islands of the Lakshadweep archipelago in India.
- Bangaram is a tiny teardrop shaped island, which lies very close to Agatti and Kavaratti.
Source: http://newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=410240
Consider the following Statements regarding Quadrilateral Security Dialogue
It is an informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia with a shared objective to ensure and support a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The idea of Quad was first mooted by former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Quad meet stresses on rules-based world order, respect for territorial integrity
- This was the third such meeting since the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad was upgraded to the ministerial level in September 2019.
- Against the backdrop of continuing concerns over China’s actions across the region, the first ministerial meeting of the Quad since the Biden administration assumed office reiterated the group’s commitment to a rules-based world order underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
- Discussed countering disinformation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, and the “priority of strengthening democratic resilience in the broader region”.
About QUAD
- The QUAD Group is an informal strategic dialogue with four members, namely, India, Japan, Australia and the US. The shared objective is to ensure and sustain an open, free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The QUAD Group is maintained by semi-regular summits, meetings, information exchanges and military drills of all the members.
- It is seen as a coalition of maritime democracies.
- The idea for the QUAD Group is attributed to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who mooted it in 2007. However, its origins can be traced back to the 2004 Tsunami when India conducted relief and rescue operations for itself and neighbouring countries and was joined by Japan, the US and Australia. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- The move was paralleled by the joint military exercise ‘Malabar’ which was held at an unprecedented scale involving India, Japan, Australia, Singapore and the US.
- China issued formal diplomatic protests to the members of the QUAD. Chinese officials have likened the Quad to a “mini NATO” and said its activities are aimed at targeting third parties, a charge rejected by the four members of the group.
- The idea behind the QUAD Group is to keep the strategic and significant sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence
- It is seen as a strategic grouping to preempt and reduce Chinese influences.
- The core objectives of the QUAD is to secure a rules-based global order, liberal trading system and freedom of navigation.
Consider the following Statements regarding NITI Aayog
It is the premier policy ‘Think Tank’ of the Government of India, providing both directional and policy inputs.
The Governing Council of NITI with The Prime Minister as its Chairman, comprises Chief Ministers of all States and Lt. Governors of Union Territories
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Ease path for businesses: Modi
- States should work towards reducing compliance burden for citizens to ensure ease of living and to promote ease of doing business, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said , stressing the importance of a better coordination between the Centre and the States for the development of the country.
- Stating that policy framework and better coordination between Centre and States is very important, the Prime Minister asked the States to take advantage of Central schemes like PLI to attract investments. He pointed out that States have a 40% share in the National Infrastructure Pipeline and therefore, it is imperative that States and the Centre synergise their budgets, make plans, and set priorities.
About NITI Aayog
- NITI Aayog is the premier policy ‘Think Tank’ of the Government of India, providing both directional and policy inputs. While designing strategic and long term policies and programmes for the Government of India, NITI Aayog also provides relevant technical advice to the Centre and States. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The Governing Council of NITI, with The Prime Minister as its Chairman, comprises Chief Ministers of all States and Lt. Governors of Union Territories (UTs). Hence statement 2 is correct
- The Government of India, in keeping with its reform agenda, constituted the NITI Aayog to replace the Planning Commission instituted in 1950.
Features
- NITI Aayog is developing itself as a State-of-the-art Resource Centre, with the necessary resources, knowledge and skills, that will enable it to act with speed, promote research and innovation, provide strategic policy vision for the government, and deal with contingent issues.
- NITI Aayog’s entire gamut of activities can be divided into four main heads:
- Design Policy & Programme Framework
- Foster Cooperative Federalism
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Think Tank and Knowledge & Innovation Hub
Consider the following Statements regarding Fridays For Future (FFF)
It is a dynamic global student movement pushing for immediate action on climate change through active campaigning and advocacy.
It was inspired by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Right to peaceful protest is a non-negotiable human right
- Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg has extended her support to Disha Ravi, the 22-year-old environmental activist who has been charged with sedition for allegedly editing an advocacy toolkit on the farmers’ protest, and sharing it with Ms. Thunberg.
- Freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest and assembly are non-negotiable human rights. These must be a fundamental part of any democracy
- Ms. Thunberg’s statement of support was posted as part of a tweet thread by Fridays For Future (FFF) India
About Fridays For Future (FFF) India
- FFF is a dynamic global student movement pushing for immediate action on climate change through active campaigning and advocacy. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The movement was inspired by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, who sat in protest in front of the Swedish parliament for three weeks in 2018 to draw attention to the climate emergency. Greta Thunberg was recently awarded the Right Livelihood Award-2019, also known as Sweden’s alternative Nobel Prize. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The FFF movement was chosen as Champion of the Earth award for inspiration and action because of its role in highlighting the devastating effects of climate change.
- The main goals of the movement is to put moral pressure on policy-makers, to make them listen to scientists and then to take action to limit global warming.
- The demand for Delhi includes saving the Aravallis, improved sewage management plants to prevent pollution of the Yamuna, public participation in policy-making and better environmental education in schools.
Demand:
- Keep the global temperature rise below 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels (Key outcome of Paris climate deal).
- Ensure climate justice and equity.
- Listen to the best science currently available to deal with the climate crisis.
Source: TH
Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge is related to which of the following mission?
- Smart Cities Mission
- Clean India Mission
- Indradhanush Mission
- Mission Fingerling
Answer: (a) Smart Cities Mission
Explanation:
In NEWS: 25 cities selected for Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge
- The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry announced the names of the 25 cities selected for the Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge under the Smart Cities Mission. Hence option (a) is correct
- The selected cities were Agartala, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Dharamshala, Erode, Hubballi-Dharwad, Hyderabad, Indore, Jabalpur, Kakinada, Kochi, Kohima, Kota, Nagpur, Rajkot, Ranchi, Rohtak, Rourkela, Salem, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruppur, Ujjain, Vadodara, and Warangal.
About Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge
- The Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge aims to incorporate a focus on early childhood development (0-5-year-old children) in the planning and management of Indian cities.
- The Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge is a 3-year initiative that aims to work with Indian cities and their partners to pilot and scale ways to improve public space, mobility, neighborhood planning, access to early childhood services and amenities, and data management across city agencies.
- It will also build a platform for peer-to-peer learning and sharing best practices between cities.
- Selected cities based on their proposal, readiness, and commitment – will receive technical support and capacity-building to develop, pilot and scale solutions that enhance the quality of life of young children.
For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by
- anyone residing in India
- a resident of the constituency from which the election is to be contested
- any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency
- any citizen of India.
Answer: (c) any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency
Explanation:
Qualifications for election to Lok Sabha: – must be a citizen of India – not less than 25 years of age – must be registered as an elector for a parliamentary constituenc
