UPSC GK Capsule: From the life imprisonment of Atiq Ahmed to the case of fungal disease in plants for the first time in humans, know the major events of this week

From UPSC Civil Services to SSC Recruitment Exams, from college admissions to group discussions, general knowledge questions form an important part of almost every exam. For the aspirants preparing to clear the exam or for those who just need to get the news in a concise form, News18 brings to you a weekly column – GK Capsule. While we bring you a weekly news wrap, reach out to @news18dotcom to know more about any specific topic or exam.

A lot has happened this week – from the first human case of infection with a deadly plant fungal disease to the life sentence of gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed. It is advisable for everyone to read the news daily and be aware of the major happenings. However, some people find it difficult to keep track of all the news happening around them. In this case, even a glance through the major headlines every week will help a person to have knowledge on the trending topics.

Also, in order to crack any government recruitment exam, it is essential to attempt the General Knowledge section. So, all the appearing candidates are advised to read about what is happening around the world. To prepare you for the upcoming recruitment exams, we have listed some important things to do this week.

Kolkata man becomes world’s first to contract deadly plant fungal disease

A 61-year-old man from Kolkata has become the first person to be diagnosed with the fungal disease of plants. The man, who is a plant mycologist, is said to be infected with Chondrosterium purpureum (a fungus that causes silver leaf disease in plants). A detailed report in the Journal of Medical Mycology Cases states that the patient visited the doctor after symptoms like hoarse voice, cough, fatigue and difficulty in swallowing persisted for three months, NDTV reported. On examining the pus sample, the patient showed fungal infection.

COVID-19 scare: read about XBB.1.16 version

Over the last few weeks, several states across India are witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases. Yesterday, the country reported 3,095 new cases in 24 hours, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Kerala, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu being the highest contributors. Also, this time, it appears to be XBB.1.16 – a new Omicron variant, which has become a cause of concern for the health authorities, especially in the national capital and Maharashtra.

IIT Bombay student’s death: Case filed for abetment to suicide

A special investigation team (SIT) of police is probing Indian institutions technology (IIT) Bombay student Darshan Solanki’s death on March 30 led to the filing of a case against an unidentified person for allegedly abetment to suicide. According to a police official, the case has been registered 47 days after Solanki allegedly ended his life by jumping from a building on the IIT Bombay campus.

Indian-origin Ajay Banga set to become unopposed President of World Bank

Ajay Banga, the United States’ nominee to lead the World Bank, is set to become the lender’s next president after nominations close on March 29, with no other country suggesting an alternative candidate. In February, US President Joe Biden nominated Banga to replace David Malpass. Malpass announced his resignation after months of controversy over his initial failure to affirm that he supported the scientific consensus on climate change.

Atiq Ahmed returns to Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail from UP after life sentence

Gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed was sent back to Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad on March 29 after a court in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj sentenced him to life imprisonment in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case. Ahmed, who is a former UP MLA and Lok Sabha MP, was sent back to Gujarat in an Uttar Pradesh police van after a nearly 24-hour road journey from Prayagraj.

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