Erika, Cuba - Current Affairs Questions and Answers

ANSWER: Health

Explanation:
India and Cuba signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhanced cooperation in the health sector, on Dec 6, 2017.

MOU on cooperation in the field of health and medicine between India and Cuba is important for exchanges in the health sector and to develop institutional framework for cooperation in the health sector between the two countries.

One potential area is pharmaceutical and biotechnology. Cuba has made remarkable strides in the field of bio-technology and pharmaceuticals.

The objective of this MoU is to establish comprehensive inter-ministerial and inter-institutional cooperation between the two countries in the field of health by pooling technical, scientific, financial and human resources with the ultimate goal of upgrading the quality and reach of human, material and infrastructural resources involved in health care, medical education & training, and research in both countries.

Main Areas of India-Cuba health MoU cooperation

The main areas of cooperation include:

• Exchange & training of medical doctors, officials, other health professionals and experts
• Assistance in development of human resources, health services and setting up of health care facilities
• Short term training of human resources in health
• Regulation of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and exchange of information;
• Promotion of business development opportunities in pharmaceuticals and others identified by parties
• Procurement of generic and essential drugs and assistance in sourcing of drug supplies;
• Procurement of health equipment and pharmaceutical products;
• Any other area of cooperation as may be mutually decided upon.
• Procurement of health equipment and pharmaceutical products;
• Collaboration in the prevention of NCDs of mutual interest, such as neurocardiovascular diseases, cancer, COPDs, mental health and dementia, with an emphasis on SDG3 and related factors;
• Collaboration in the field of climate change impact on communicable diseases and vector borne diseases;
• Nutritional aspects of food intake, including malnutrition (over-nutrition and under-nutrition) in the light of the SDG2 and organization of nutritional services;
• Safety of production, transformation, distribution and food delivery;
• Research and training of food industry operators;
• Information and communication to citizens on hygiene and food safety and healthy eating habits;

ANSWER: Cuba

Explanation:
European Union and Cuba signed a political accord on 12th Dec

It is hoped that the EU hopes will position its companies for Cuba's transition to a more open economy.

It will also allow it to press for political freedoms on the island.

EU lifted sanctions on the communist-ruled island in 2008, the so-called political dialogue and cooperation agreement is the first accord between Cuba and the 28-nation bloc.

Normalisation of relations has been tortuous partly because of resistance from the EU's eastern members due to their own communist past.

Havana’s arrest of dissidents in 2003 led the bloc to impose diplomatic sanctions, limiting contacts.

ANSWER: Both are the same

Explanation:
Late Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s ashes were taken on 30th Nov to a symbolic reunion with fallen comrade in arms Ernesto Che Guevara .

This marks the first stop in the journey of the ashes across Cuba

The flag covered urn was placed in a mausoleum and museum dedicated to Guevara

The urban will be placed next to 19th century independence hero Jose Marti in the eastern city of Santiago in Cuba eventually

Cubans are observing 9 days of mourning for Casto following his death.

Casto ruled from 1959 till 2006, handing power over to brother Raul.

About Che Guevara

• Full Name: Ernesto Guevara
• Moniker: Che
• He met Castro in 1955 while in exile in Mexico.
• He was a doctor by profession.
• He won the crucial battle for Cuba’s freedom in 1958 in Santa Clara.
• He was given high ranking positions in the government.
• Guevara left in 1966 to lead a guerrilla expedition in Bolivia.
• He was executed on Oct 9, 1967 at La Higuera.
• His remains were taken back to Santa Clara three decades later.
• Santa Clara is also home to a museum dedicated to the revolutionary icon.