Current Affairs Quiz: 13 July, 2024

Current Affairs

1. What is the ‘Squalus Hima’ that has made headlines recently?

[A] Discovery of a new species of dogfish shark off the southwest coast of India

[B] A new type of coral reef found in the Arabian Sea

[C] An endangered frog species found in the Eastern Ghats

[D] A newly discovered species of spider found in the Northeast

Correct Answer: A [A new species of dogfish shark has been discovered off the southwest coast of India].

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India have discovered a new species of deep-water dogfish shark, Squalus Hima, off the southwest coast of Kerala. Known as spurdogs, they have smooth dorsal fins, small mouths and no spots on their bodies. Squalus Hima differs from other species in the number of spines, number of teeth, and wing structure. Used for liver oil, containing squalene, it is important for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

2. Which state won the ‘Best State Award for Horticulture 2024’ in the Agriculture Leadership Awards 2024?

[A] Assam

[B] Arunachal Pradesh

[C] Nagaland

[D] Sikkim

Correct Answer: C [Nagaland]

Nagaland received the ‘Best State Award for Horticulture 2024’ for its innovative horticulture program benefiting many farmers and rural people. Women Resource Development and Horticulture Minister Salhotuonuo Cruz received the award in New Delhi. The horticulture sector in the state enhanced livelihoods, created employment, ensured nutritional security and received GI registration of three crops. Nagaland formed 13 agro-producer companies and certified 6,800 hectares of land as organic, thus gaining national recognition.

3. What is the latest ‘bacteriophage’ in the news?

[A] It is a type of virus that infects bacteria.

[B] It is a type of fungus that affects cattle.

[C] It is a type of bacteria that transmits viruses.

[D] It is a parasitic disease

Correct Answer: A [a type of virus that infects bacteria]

Researchers have developed a new method for storing, identifying and sharing bacteriophages, making them more accessible to patients. Bacteriophages or phages are viruses that infect and destroy bacteria, making them the most common biological entities in nature. Phages found in different environments consist of nucleic acid molecules surrounded by protein structures. There are thousands of varieties, each targeting a specific bacteria or archaea.

4. Which type of mosquito spreads dengue (break-bone fever) that has been in the news lately?

[A] Anopheles mosquito

[B] Aedes mosquito

[C] Culex mosquito

[D] Culicetta mosquitoes

Correct answer: B [Aedes mosquito]

The Karnataka High Court took suo motu awareness of the increasing number of dengue cases across the state. Dengue, a common mosquito-borne viral infection in tropical and subtropical regions, is spread by the Aedes mosquito. While many infections are mild, severe cases can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can cause rapid breathing, vomiting, and gum bleeding. With 400 million infections a year, treatment focuses on supportive care, as no specific drug exists.

5. The Technology Development Fund Scheme, which has been in the news lately, is a program of which ministry?

[A] Ministry of Science and Technology

[B] Ministry of Home Affairs

[C] Ministry of Urban Development

[D] Ministry of Defence

Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Defense]

The Defense Research and Development Agency (DRDA) approved seven new private sector projects under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. Established to promote self-reliance in defense technology under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, TDF is a program of the Ministry of Defense implemented by DRDO. It supports MSMEs and startups, providing up to 90% funding for projects with a cost of up to Rs 50 crore, with a maximum development period of four years.

Source

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