1. With reference to the HEALD initiative launched by ILBS, consider the following statements:
- It is India’s first nationwide initiative exclusively targeting viral hepatitis through a vaccination-based strategy.
- It aims to address liver diseases by combining public education, early screening, and medical management.
- The program includes integration of psychological care to reduce the stigma of alcohol dependence.
- It was launched on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1, 2, and 4 only
[D] 2, 3, and 4 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2 and 3 only]
Notes:
HEALD is aimed at alcohol-associated liver diseases, not specifically viral hepatitis through a vaccination-based strategy. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect. It integrates public education, screening, and mental health care as stated in Statement 2 and 3, which are correct. The initiative was launched on World Liver Day, not World Hepatitis Day, making Statement 4 inaccurate.
2. Consider the following possible causes for the prevalence of gallbladder cancer (GBC) cases in Assam:
- High intake of fatty and processed foods
- Presence of toxic metals in groundwater
- Lack of proper vaccination programs
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
Which among the above is/are identified as a major contributing factor according to a recent study?
[A] Only 2
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 2]
Notes:
The recent study discovered that the gallstones in GBC patients in Assam contained high levels of arsenic, chromium, and mercury. These carcinogenic metals are predominantly found in the groundwater of the Brahmaputra Basin, which is believed to contribute greatly to the widespread incidence of GBC.
3. Which district in Jharkhand has become the first to launch a Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) screening campaign?
[A] Ranchi
[B] Palamu
[C] West Singhbhum
[D] Hazaribagh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ranchi]
Notes:
Ranchi is the first district in Jharkhand to launch a large-scale screening and management campaign for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). NAFLD, now called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), occurs due to fat buildup in the liver without heavy alcohol use. In contrast, Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Early-stage NAFLD is harmless but can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure if untreated. It increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is its severe form, which may cause liver cancer.
4. Consider the following beverages:
- Kumis
- Mead
- Chhaang
- Tepache
Which of the above is / are alcoholic beverages?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] 1, 2, 3 & 4
[D] Only 1, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
All four beverages listed—Kumis, Mead, Chhaang, and Tepache—are alcoholic beverages. Kumis is fermented mare’s milk, Mead is made by fermenting honey with water, Chhaang is made from barley, rice, or millet, and Tepache is fermented pineapple.
5. Which article in the Indian Constitution is being conformed to by Bihar’s alcohol ban implemented in 2016?
[A] Article 46
[B] Article 47
[C] Article 48
[D] Article 49
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Article 47]
Notes:
The Bihar’s alcohol ban, implemented in 2016 conforms to the Article 47 of the Indian Constitution. The article promotes the prohibition of the consumption of intoxicants injurious to health, except for medicinal purposes. This article is part of the directive principles of state policy and is considered non-justiciable. However, it forms the basis of several policies and legislations. The alcohol ban in Bihar based on this article has resulted in significant health and social benefits.
6. Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, recently seen in the news, is associated with which one of the following disease?
[A] Liver disease
[B] Kidney disease
[C] Heart disease
[D] Lungs disease
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Liver disease]
Notes:
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s drug Rezdiffra gained the first US approval to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a potentially deadly liver disease caused by fat buildup. NASH, part of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, can lead to cirrhosis. Symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, weakness, and upper right belly ache. Risk factors include obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome. Treatment involves managing conditions like cholesterol levels, weight, and diabetes.
7. Which country enacted a new law that mandates ‘Warning Labels on Alcoholic Products’?
[A] Italy
[B] Ireland
[C] Israel
[D] UAE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ireland]
Notes:
Ireland has enacted a new law that mandates all alcoholic products must prominently mention that their consumption is directly linked to liver disease and cancer.
It also provides warning against these products’ consumption during pregnancy.
8. Which institution developed a catalyst that can release hydrogen from wood alcohol without producing carbon dioxide?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IIT Delhi
[C] IIT Guwahati
[D] IIT Kharagpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [IIT Guwahati]
Notes:
Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier is an organic compound that is capable of absorbing and releasing hydrogen through chemical reactions.
Researchers in IIT Guwahati have developed a catalyst that can release hydrogen gas from wood alcohol without the side production of carbon dioxide. This method makes methanol a promising LOHC.
9. Bagasse, a by-product of sugarcane can be used for which of the following?
- Alcohol prodiction
- Livestock feeding stock
- Carbon cortex
- Plastic
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 3 & 4]
Notes:- Bagasse can be used for manufacturing paper pulp, insulating board, plastic, carbon cortex etc.
- Molasses from sugar cane is used for alcohol production and livestock feeding since it is highly nutritious.
10. With respect to the minimum legal drinking age, consider the following statements:- Sale of alcohol is prohibited in all North eastern states except Assam.
- Minimum age for purchasing alcohol is 18 in all UTs except Lakshadweep.
- Haryana has reduced the minimum legal age from 25 to 21.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 3
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 3]
Notes:
The Haryana government has amended its Excise Act, lowering the legal drinking age from 25 to 21 years. In India, the minimum age for purchasing alcohol varies: 18 years in Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Sikkim, and Puducherry. 21 years in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. and 25 years (now 21) in Haryana, Meghalaya, Punjab, and Delhi. Alcohol sales are prohibited in Bihar, Gujarat, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep.
