Correct Answer: B [Kenya]

Notes:
Recently, scientists conducted a comprehensive survey of Lake Turkana in Kenya’s remote northern region. Lake Turkana is in northern Kenya, extending into Ethiopia. It lies in the Eastern Rift Valley and is fed by three rivers, with the Omo River contributing 90% of its water. It is Africa’s fourth-largest lake and the world’s largest permanent desert lake, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The surrounding region supports about 1 million people, relying on pastoralism, fishing, and some farming. The lake’s semi-saline waters, high evaporation rates, and fluctuating levels have hindered sustainable development, with past fishery commercialization attempts failing due to unpredictable conditions.

Correct Answer: B [The process of stopping the physical movement of a cheque and using its electronic image instead]

Notes:
The RBI recently introduced Continuous Clearing of Cheques under the Cheque Truncation System (CTS) for faster cheque clearance. CTS is an online system that captures and transmits cheque images and Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) data electronically, eliminating the need for physical cheque movement. CTS uses a PKI-based security system with dual access control, user ID, passwords, cryptobox, and smart card interfaces. Only CTS-2010 compliant cheques, with standard security features like watermarks and invisible ink logos, are accepted for clearing. Standardization helps banks in processing and recognizing cheques efficiently.

Correct Answer: A [Virus]

Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently held an emergency meeting to address a surge in monkeypox (Mpox) cases, particularly in Congo. Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease related to smallpox, was first identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. t spreads through direct contact with infected animals or people, and symptoms include skin rashes, fever, and muscle aches. There is no specific treatment; supportive care is crucial.