Correct Answer : Option (C) - Nigeria

---

Nigeria has become the inaugural nation to introduce the innovative Men5CV vaccine, recommended by the WHO, targeting five strains of meningococcal bacteria. This historic milestone holds immense promise in combating meningitis, a severe threat in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. The vaccine rollout, funded by Gavi, is a crucial step towards achieving the WHO’s goal of eliminating meningitis by 2030.

Tackling Meningitis in Africa :

Nigeria’s initiative is particularly significant as it resides within the African Meningitis Belt, where meningitis outbreaks are prevalent. The region experienced a 50% surge in cases last year, underscoring the urgency of effective intervention strategies.

A Promising Solution :

The Men5CV vaccine offers a comprehensive defense against the five major meningococcal strains, presenting a substantial improvement over existing vaccines, which typically target only one strain. This advancement has the potential to drastically reduce meningitis cases and propel progress towards its eradication.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Madhya Pradesh

---

Madhya Pradesh emerges as a frontrunner in the effective execution of the Green Credit Programme (GCP) initiated by the central government. Over the past two months, the GCP has greenlit tree plantation initiatives spanning across 500 land parcels, encompassing 4,980 hectares spread over 10 states.

Key Achievements and State Rankings :

Madhya Pradesh takes the lead in securing approvals for rehabilitating degraded forest lands, followed closely by Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Assam. Additional states partaking in this initiative include Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Odisha, collectively earmarking over 10,000 hectares for GCP interventions.

Participation and Scope :

Under the GCP, participation is not restricted to governmental bodies; rather, it welcomes involvement from individuals, industries, philanthropic organizations, and local governing bodies. The programme incentivizes non-carbon environmental actions that foster local ecosystems’ health, emphasizing the selection of indigenous tree species conducive to assisted natural regeneration.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Saurabh Garg

---

The Central Government has entrusted IAS officer Saurabh Garg with the additional charge of Secretary of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). This decision, communicated through an order issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), underscores Garg’s extensive experience and expertise in the realm of public administration.

* Garg, a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Odisha cadre, will serve in this capacity until a regular incumbent is appointed or further directives are issued. This latest appointment highlights the government’s confidence in Garg’s abilities to navigate the complexities and responsibilities associated with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Strengthening the Statistical Foundation :

* The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation plays a pivotal role in the Indian government’s efforts to gather, analyze, and disseminate statistical data, which serves as the foundation for informed policymaking and decision-making processes. As the new Secretary of this crucial ministry, Saurabh Garg will be tasked with ensuring the continued efficiency and effectiveness of the ministry’s operations.

* Garg’s expertise and experience in the field of public administration will be invaluable in guiding the ministry’s efforts to collect, collate, and disseminate comprehensive statistical data on various aspects of the Indian economy and society. This data, in turn, will assist policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders in formulating and implementing evidence-based policies and strategies that cater to the diverse needs of the nation.