Daily Current Affairs Quiz: January 30, 2024

ANSWER: A

ANSWER: D

ANSWER: D

ANSWER: C

• Dr Nitya Anand, who discovered India’s first oral contraceptive pill ‘Saheli’, passed away recently.
• Anand was also the former director of the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) from 1974 to 1984.
  • He was with CDRI since its inception in 1951.
• He published over 400 research papers and over 130 patents.
• He was also awarded with Padma Shri.
• He was the brain behind the discovery of Centchroman’, popularly known as ‘Saheli.’
  • It was the world’s first and only non-steroidal, non-hormonal, once-a-week oral contraceptive pill.
  • It was launched by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986.
  • In 2016, Saheli was incorporated in the National Family Programme of India.
  • Even today, it is the only non-steroidal non-hormonal contraceptive in the world.

ANSWER: A

• The International Health Regulations National Focal Point (IHR NFP) in Argentina has alerted the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) of a human case of Western Equine Encephalitis Virus (WEEV) infection.

ABOUT WESTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS

• Western Equine Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne infection caused by the Western Equine Encephalitis Virus (WEEV), which belongs to the Togaviridae family of viruses.
• The virus has an approximately 11.5 kilobases long single-stranded RNA genome and is a recombinant of the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and a Sindbis-like virus.
• Passerine birds are thought to be the reservoir and equine species as intermediate hosts.
• The primary mode of transmission of the infection to humans is through mosquitoes which act as vectors for the virus.
• While most of the infections are asymptomatic, the infection may lead to severe consequences in rare cases.
• An estimated 4-5% of cases may manifest as infection/inflammation of the brain, resulting in neurological symptoms.
• With no specific antiviral treatment, symptomatic care is crucial, especially for neurologic symptoms.

ANSWER: B

• The Odisha government announced the launch of LABHA (‘Laghu Bana Jatya Drabya Kraya’) Yojana, a 100% State-funded minimum support price (MSP) scheme for minor forest produce (MFP).
• The decision is likely to impact the State’s large tribal population, which numbers close to one crore or 23% of Odisha’s total population.
• From now on, the MSP of MFP will be determined every year by the State government.
• Under the scheme, a primary collector (a tribal person) will be able to sell the MFP, collected at the procurement centres by the Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation Limited of Odisha (TDCCOL), at the MSP.

 FACTS

• Odisha is home to 62 distinct tribes, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG), showcasing one of the most diverse tribal landscapes in the country.
• It ranks as the third largest concentration of a tribal population, trailing behind Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

ANSWER: C

• India’s Newspaper Day is celebrated every year on 28^th January to commemorate the launch of the country’s first newspaper in 1780.
• Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, also known as the Calcutta General Advertiser, was the name of the first weekly publication.
• James Augustus Hicky is known as the “father of the Indian press”.
• The newspaper carried articles criticising General Hastings for all his transgressions.
  • It made a lot of noise about freedom of speech in India and was relentless in its criticism.
  • In 1782, however, the British decided to stop printing it.

ANSWER: D

• In a major boost of ties the militaries of India and Saudi Arabia are conducting their first Joint Military Exercise named as Sada Tanseeq.
• The inaugural edition of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘Sada Tanseeq’ commenced at Mahajan, Rajasthan.
• The Saudi Arabian contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented by Royal Saudi Land Forces.
• The Indian Army contingent also comprising 45 personnel is being represented by a Battalion from the Brigade of the Guards (Mechanised Infantry).

ANSWER: B

• Ajit Mishra, a prominent India-born lawyer in the UK, has been conferred the prestigious “Freedom of the City of London Award” for his outstanding contribution to legal and public life.
• The award, given by the City of London Corporation, dates back to the 13th century and is bestowed upon individuals who make outstanding contributions to London and public life.
• Mishra is the Founder and Chair of UK India Legal Partnership (UKILP).
  • UKILP, founded by Mishra, is a dynamic networking platform which is rapidly gaining prominence as a leading hub for senior lawyers fostering connections between the legal communities of India and the UK.
  • Established with the primary goal of enhancing understanding and collaboration within the common law system, this platform stands out for its inclusive ethos, actively dedicated to promoting the rights of women and young lawyers in the legal sector.

ANSWER: A

• The fourth edition of the annual Orange Festival began at Local ground Rusoma village in Kohima, Nagaland.
• Theme of the two-day festival is “Organic Orange”.