Q1.Which institution has developed an AI-based diagnosis technique using X-Ray named ‘COMiT-Net’ to screen COVID-19?
[A] AIIMS[B] IIT- Jodhpur
[C] JIPMER
[D] John Hopkins University
B – Explanation:
- Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur have developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based chest X-ray diagnosis technique using X-Ray that can detect COVID-19.
The AI-based solution can be an alternative to the regular RT PCR tests conducted across the world. The Researchers from the institute proposed a deep learning-based algorithm, COMiT-Net, which can differentiate between a COVID-19 affected lung and a non-COVID affected lung.
Q2.The Government of India has done ‘Conversion or Switch operations’ with which institution?
[A] INTERPOL[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] International Court of Justice
[D] World Bank
B – Explanation:
- The Government of India has done ‘Conversion or Switch operations’ with the Reserve Bank of India, for an amount of ₹1,19,701 crore.
The transaction involved buying back securities maturing in FY 2022-23, FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 from the Reserve Bank and issuing fresh securities for equivalent market value. This conversion will help to reduce the redemption pressure on the Government.
Q3.Which Union Ministry released a Draft Report on InDEA 2.0?
[A] Ministry of Electronics and Information and Technology[B] Ministry of Science and Technology
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
A – Explanation:
- Ministry of Electronics and Information and Technology (MeitY) has released a draft report on India Digital Ecosystem Architecture 2.0 or the InDEA 2.0.
InDEA 2.0 proposes a model of ‘Federated Digital Identities’, which seeks to optimise the number of digital identities that a citizen needs to have. The draft report is headed by former MeitY secretary J Satyanaraya as Chairman and current secretary Ajay P Sawhney as Co-Chairman.
Q4.Which country has developed an artificial intelligence Nanny (AI Nanny), to monitor embryos?
[A] Japan[B] China
[C] USA
[D] Germany
B – Explanation:
- Chinese researchers have claimed to develop an artificial intelligence nanny (AI Nanny), which can monitor and take care of embryos as they grow into foetuses in an Artificial womb.
The artificial womb, or “long-term embryo culture device”, is a container where the researchers grow mouse embryos in cubes filled with nutritious fluids. The AI technology helps to detect the smallest signs of change in the embryos and make changes. This may help in solving birth defects.
Q5.As per the Economic Survey 2021-22, what is the estimated GDP Growth of India in 2022-23?
[A] 9.2-9.7 %[B] 8.2-8.7 %
[C] 8.0-8.5 %
[D] 10.0 – 10.5 %
C – Explanation:
- The Economic Survey 2021-22 has projected the Indian economy to grow at 8.0-8.5 per cent in 2022-23.
A 9.2 per cent expansion for 2021-22 has been outlined by the National Statistical Office (NSO) in its first advance estimates of GDP. This year’s growth comes on a low base year economic output and the expansion of next year would be seen from the recovery levels in economic output.
Q6.Antonio Costa, has been re-elected as the Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Italy[B] Portugal
[C] Germany
[D] Israel
B – Explanation:
- Antonio Costa is serving as the current Prime Minister of Portugal since 2015. The 60-year old leader of Socialist Party has been re-elected for the second term in the snap general election.
The vote was called in November last year after former Communist and Left Bloc allies joined the right to strike down his minority government budget.
Q7.Which institution released the report on ‘Global analysis of health care waste in the context of COVID-19’?
[A] NITI Aayog[B] WHO
[C] John Hopkins University
[D] FDA
B – Explanation:
- The World Health Organisation released the report on ‘Global analysis of health care waste in the context of COVID-19’.
As per the report, eight billion vaccine doses administered globally were estimated to have produced an additional 144,000 tonnes of waste in the form of glass vials, syringes, needles and safety boxes. The amount of medical waste puts a huge strain on healthcare waste management systems.
Q8.Which country recently provided recognition to the ‘Ghost Army’ deployed in the World War II?
[A] USA[B] China
[C] Germany
[D] Russia
A – Explanation:
- US President Joe Biden signed into law a bill titled, “Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act”, to provide recognition to the ‘Ghost Army’.
It is a tactical deception unit deployed by the US during World War II. There are just nine surviving veterans of the Ghost Army across the US. The Congressional Gold Medal is the Congress’s highest award of national appreciation for distinguished contributions.
Q9.Article 275 of the Constitution is associated with which issue?
[A] Grants from the Union to certain States[B] Obligation of States and the Union
[C] Residuary powers of legislation
[D] Administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas
A – Explanation:
- Article 275 of the Constitution deals with the ‘Grants from the Union to certain States’. Recently, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, released monthly Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) Grant of Rs. 9,871 crore to 17 States.
This was the 10th instalment of the PDRD grant released to the States. The Grant is provided to the states under the Article 275 of the Constitution. The Commission has recommended PDRD grants to 17 States.
Q10.Which country leads the ‘Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT)’ project?
[A] USA[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] Australia
A – Explanation:
- The U.S. Extremely Large Telescope Program, which includes the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), is led by the US and in partnership with Australia, Brazil, and South Korea, with Chile as the host country.
The USD 1 billion project was ranked ‘Mission Critical’ by the 2020 Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics. The report ranked the US-ELTP as the top frontier project for ground-based observatories. It recommended federal support for final construction stages of GMT.
