The national tabletop exercise 'VAJRA-SAT', held in November 2026, was aimed at preparedness against which disease?
- A.Lumpy Skin Disease
- B.Foot-and-Mouth Disease serotype SAT-1
- C.African Swine Fever
- D.Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) serotype SAT-1. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and ICAR-NIVEDI organised VAJRA-SAT in Bengaluru on 4 and 5 November 2026 to test how India would detect, confirm and contain this serotype, which has not been reported in the country but has spread from Africa to parts of West Asia. The 'SAT' in the exercise's name itself points to the serotype. Lumpy Skin Disease is a different viral disease of cattle and was not the subject of this drill. African Swine Fever affects pigs, not the cloven-hoofed livestock targeted by the FMD scenario, and was not discussed. Avian influenza is a disease of birds and poultry, so it has no link with the exercise either. Only option B matches the disease and serotype named for VAJRA-SAT.
Read the full article: VAJRA-SAT: India's Tabletop Drill on FMD Serotype SAT-1
Practice Questions
Which ICAR institute, based in Bengaluru, coordinated the VAJRA-SAT exercise with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying?
- A.ICAR-National Institute of Foot-and-Mouth Disease
- B.ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute
- C.ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics
- D.ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute
Show answer
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying ran VAJRA-SAT in coordination with this institute, and its Director, Dr. Baldev R. Gulati, spoke on the changing epidemiological picture of FMD SAT-1 and on risk-based surveillance and early warning.
Read the full explanation →What was the theme of the national exercise 'VAJRA-SAT'?
- A.One Health, One Future
- B.Detect Early, Confirm Fast, Contain Together
- C.Healthy Animals, Prosperous Farmers
- D.Prevent, Prepare, Protect
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The theme sums up the three stages that the 83 participants from 25 States, three Union Territories and national institutions worked through in simulated outbreak scenarios: early detection of the disease, quick confirmation in the laboratory, and joint containment through movement control, emergency vaccination readiness, risk communication and coordination among…
Read the full explanation →Which of the following categories of pending matters was taken up by the Ministry of Steel under SCDPM 6?
- A.Only internal departmental audit paragraphs
- B.Only court cases pending before tribunals
- C.References from MPs, the PMO, VIPs and the Cabinet, State Governments and CPGRAMS cases
- D.Only pending tender and procurement files
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The campaign set out to institutionalise Swachhta and to address pending matters across these several categories, which is why its reporting covers both paperwork and public grievances.
Read the full explanation →Roughly how much office space did the Ministry of Steel free during SCDPM 6 through disposal of scrap, e-waste and redundant files?
- A.About 17,501 square feet
- B.About 21,164 square feet
- C.About 7,501 square feet
- D.About 1,750 square feet
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The ministry reported that approximately this much office space was released during the campaign by clearing scrap, electronic waste and files that were no longer required.
Read the full explanation →How many physical files were reviewed by the Ministry of Steel during SCDPM 6, and what share of the target did this represent?
- A.17,107 files, 95 per cent of target
- B.21,164 files, 101 per cent of target
- C.17,501 files, 100 per cent of target
- D.12,164 files, 110 per cent of target
Show answer
The ministry reviewed that many physical files during the campaign and recorded the achievement slightly above the number planned, which is why it is reported as 101 per cent of the set target.
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