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Q 1. Recently, nearly 3,000 cattle have died in Rajasthan and Gujarat due to Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) disease. With reference to the LSD, consider the following statements:
- Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) disease is caused by a virus called the Capripoxvirus.
- Animals infected by LSD immediately start losing weight and may have fever and lesions in the mouth.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C)
Over the last few weeks, nearly 3,000 cattle have died in Rajasthan and Gujarat due to a viral infection called the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) that has spread across the states.
Statement 1 is correct: The Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) disease is caused by a virus called the Capripoxvirus and is “an emerging threat to livestock worldwide”. It is genetically related to the goat pox and sheeppox virus family.
Statement 2 is correct: LSD infects cattle and water buffalo mainly through vectors such as blood-feeding insects. Signs of infection include the appearance of circular, firm nodes on the animal’s hide or skin that look similar to lumps. Infected animals immediately start losing weight and may have fever and lesions in the mouth, along with a reduced milk yield. Other symptoms include excessive nasal and salivary secretion. Pregnant cows and buffaloes often suffer miscarriage and, in some cases, diseased animals can die due to it as well. While the virus does not spread to humans.
Q 2. With reference to the African swine fever (ASF) consider the following statements:
- African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs.
- ASF has severe impact on human health.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A)
Recently, The African Swine Fever (ASF) has spread to wild animals in Mizoram and it appears that inoculation is the only option left to contain the outbreak of the killer pig disease.
Statement 1 is correct: African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, whose mortality rate can reach 100%. The virus is highly resistant in the environment, meaning that it can survive on clothes, boots, wheels, and other materials. It can also survive in various pork products, such as ham, sausages or bacon. Therefore, human behaviours can play an important role in spreading this pig disease across borders if adequate measures are not taken.
Statement 2 is not correct: It is not a danger to human health, but it has devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economy. There is currently no effective vaccine against ASF. Pigs are a primary source of household income in many countries. The spread of ASF across the world has devastated family-run pig farms, often the mainstay of people’s livelihoods and a driver of upward mobility. It has also reduced opportunities to access healthcare and education. Moreover, pork meat is one of the primary sources of animal proteins, accounting for more than 35% of the global meat intake. Hence, this disease poses a serious problem for food security worldwide. This disease is also a concern for biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems, as it affects not only domestic farmed pigs, but also wild boars, including native breeds.
Q 3. With reference to the Central Universities (Amendment), Bill 2022, consider the following statements:
- It seeks to convert the National Rail and Transportation Institute, Vadodara (a deemed university) to the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, which will be a central university.
- The Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will be sponsored and funded by the central government through the Ministry of Railways.
- It provides that Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will take measures to provide quality teaching, research, and skill development in disciplines related to transportation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D)
The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 1, 2022. The Bill amends the Central Universities Act, 2009, which provides for establishing central universities in various states.
Statement 1 is correct: The Bill seeks to convert the National Rail and Transportation Institute, Vadodara (a deemed university) to the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, which will be a central university. The National Rail and Transportation Institute was declared a deemed university under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.
Statement 2 is correct: The Vishwavidyalaya will be sponsored and funded by the central government through the Ministry of Railways. The existing VC of the National Rail and Transportation Institute will hold office for: (i) six months from when the Act is notified, or (ii) until a new VC for the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya is appointed, whichever is earlier.
Statement 3 is correct: The Bill provides that Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will take measures to provide quality teaching, research, and skill development in disciplines related to transportation, technology, and management. If required, the University may also establish centres in India and abroad. According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, establishment of the Vishwavidyalaya will address the need of trained talent in the transportation sector.
Q 4. With reference to the President’s Colour Award, consider the following statements:
- It is the highest honour that can be given to any Indian military unit.
- Tamil Nadu Police is the only police force in India which bestowed with President’s Colour Award.
- This award cannot be bestowed upon the India Army.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (A)
Recently, the Vice President (VP) of India presented the President’s Colour Award to the Tamil Nadu police.
Statement 1 is correct: The President’s Colour Award is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any military unit of India. It is also known as ′Nishaan′ which is an emblem that is worn by all unit officers on the left-hand sleeve of their uniform. The President’s Colours/Standard/Guidon is one of the greatest honours bestowed upon in recognition of exceptional service rendered by it to the nation, both during war and peace.
Statement 2 is not correct: Only ten police forces in India have won the prestigious President’s Colour Award — Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Tripura, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, and Tamil Nadu.
Statement 3 is not correct: It can be bestowed upon any military unit in India including Indian Army.
Q 5. Recently, the first-ever all-women independent maritime reconnaissance and surveillance mission in the North Arabian Sea is carried out by:
A. Indian Navy Air Squadron (INAS) 314
B. Indian Navy Air Squadron (INAS) 342
C. Indian Navy Air Squadron (INAS) 341
D. Indian Navy Air Squadron (INAS) 324
Answer: (A)
Option (A) is correct: Indian Navy’s women officers have created history after they completed the first-ever all-women independent maritime reconnaissance and surveillance mission in the North Arabian Sea onboard a Dornier 228 aircraft. The mission was carried out by five officers of the Indian Navy Air Squadron (INAS) 314 based at Naval Air Enclave at Gujarat’s Porbandar. The aircraft was captained by the Mission Commander, Lt Cdr Aanchal Sharma, who had pilots, Lt Shivangi and Lt Apurva Gite, and Tactical and Sensor Officers, Lt Pooja Panda and SLt Pooja Shekhawat in her team.
The INAS 314 is a frontline Naval Air Squadron based at Porbandar, Gujarat. This “first-of-its-kind military flying mission” is expected to pave the way for women officers in the aviation cadre to assume greater responsibility and aspire for more challenging roles.
