1. With reference to the Chief Minister Urban Housing Scheme launched by the Haryana government, consider the following statements:
- The scheme provides a 30-yard plot to families classified under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- An additional financial assistance of up to Rs 2.5 lakh is available to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0.
- The scheme is exclusively available for rural BPL families to promote rural housing development.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 and 2 only]
Notes:
The correct answer is ‘1 and 2 only’. This is because the Chief Minister Urban Housing Scheme is targeted at urban BPL families and not rural ones, as incorrectly stated in statement 3. The scheme does indeed provide a 30-yard plot to BPL families and an additional financial aid of up to Rs 2.5 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0.
2. Under the CM Urban Housing Scheme of Haryana, which of the following are the correct eligibility conditions for applicants?
- Annual family income must be Rs 2 lakh or less.
- The family must be registered on the BPL list.
- The applicant must belong to Scheduled Castes (SC) only.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 and 2 only]
Notes:
The CM Urban Housing Scheme of Haryana sets eligibility conditions for applicants. While it requires an annual family income of Rs 2 lakh or less and for the family to be registered on the BPL list, it is not restricted only to the Scheduled Castes. It also includes families from BPL, nomadic tribes, and other deprived communities.
3. What is the name of scheme launched by Haryana government to protect witnesses in serious criminal cases?
[A] Haryana Legal Safety Initiative, 2025
[B] Haryana Justice Assurance Scheme, 2025
[C] Haryana Witness Protection Scheme, 2025
[D] Haryana Criminal Justice Scheme, 2025
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Haryana Witness Protection Scheme, 2025]
Notes:
Haryana Witness Protection Scheme, 2025 was launched by Haryana government to protect witnesses in serious criminal cases. It applies to offences punishable by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment of seven years or more, including Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act cases. Witnesses are categorized into three levels based on threat perception. Protection measures include separating witnesses from the accused, monitoring communication, and close security. Witnesses may get new identities or relocation based on threats. A Witness Protection Cell will be set up in each district to implement the scheme.
4. In context of traditional folk dances from India, Consider the following:
Folk Dance | State |
---|
1. Wancho | Arunachal Pradesh |
2. Gaur Maria | Chhattisgarh |
3. Jhumar | Haryana |
4. Rauf | Himachal Pradesh |
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only three]
Notes:- Wancho is associated with Arunachal Pradesh. The Wancho tribe, primarily residing in the Longding district, performs traditional dances during festivals like Ojiyele. (Correct)
- Gaur Maria is a well-known tribal dance of the Maria tribe in Chhattisgarh. It is performed by men wearing elaborate headgear, imitating the movements of bison. (Correct)
- Jhumar is a traditional dance popular in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, performed mainly during celebrations and festivals. (Correct)
- Rauf, however, is a folk dance from Jammu & Kashmir, not Himachal Pradesh. It is traditionally performed by Kashmiri women during the spring season, particularly around Eid.
5. The falcated duck was recently spotted at which protected area in Haryana?
[A] Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary
[B] Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
[C] Sultanpur National Park
[D] Kalesar National Park
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sultanpur National Park ]
Notes:
A Falcated Duck was recently spotted at Sultanpur National Park, Gurugram, Haryana. It is also known as falcated teal. The duck is a gadwall-sized dabbling species, found from eastern Siberia to northern Japan, wintering in Southeast Asia and eastern India. They inhabit freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes, usually surrounded by forests. Falcated ducks are mainly herbivorous, feeding on plants, seeds, and occasionally small invertebrates. They are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
6. Which state became the second state after Haryana to launch ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’?
[A] Goa
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Bihar
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Goa]
Notes:
Goa launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana, becoming the second state after Haryana to implement this scheme under PM Modi’s vision. The scheme aims for “insurance for all” and empowers women aged 18–70 years, who have passed Class X. Women receive training to become LIC agents, a stipend of ₹7,000 in the first year, ₹6,000 in the second, and ₹5,000 in the third year, totaling ₹2.16 lakh over three years. Graduates may qualify for LIC development officer roles. The scheme focuses on financial literacy, women’s empowerment, and expanding life insurance coverage at the grassroots level.
7. Recently, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. is establishing waste-to-charcoal plants in which districts of Haryana?
[A] Panipat and Ambala
[B] Rohtak and Karnal
[C] Gurugram and Faridabad
[D] Hisar and Jind
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gurugram and Faridabad]
Notes:
NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. is setting up two waste-to-charcoal plants in Haryana, located in Gurugram and Faridabad. Each plant, costing ₹500 crore, will use indigenous technology to convert 1,500 tonnes of daily waste into charcoal. This initiative supports the Swachh Bharat campaign, enhances urban cleanliness, and promotes environmental sustainability. The new plants will be the largest in India, exceeding the size of the current facility in Varanasi, and are expected to be completed in approximately 30 months.
8. Which university recently collaborated with the Haryana government for the establishment of a centre of excellence in forensic science training in Panchkula?
[A] National Law University
[B] Indian Institute of Science
[C] Banaras Hindu University
[D] Gujarat Forensic Sciences University
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gujarat Forensic Sciences University]
Notes:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Haryana and the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, in Panchkula. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Manohar Lal, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh attended. This collaboration aims to enhance Haryana’s criminal justice system by leveraging NFSU’s expertise. Forensic teams will visit for serious offences, increasing the demand for forensic experts.
9. Haryana Agricultural University Scientists have identified a new and potentially devastating disease affecting pea crops. What is name of disease?
[A] Fusarium
[B] Witches’ Broom
[C] Antirrhinum rust
[D] Gray Mold
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Witches’ Broom]
Notes:
Scientists at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University discovered a new disease, “Witches’ Broom,” affecting pea crops, caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ (16SrI). The American Phytopathological Society published their report in ‘Plant Disease,’ marking the first research on the disease. Dr. B. R Kamboj, Vice-Chancellor, noted the significance of early detection for planned breeding programs. The university’s scientists are credited as the first to identify this global concern.
10. Recently, Haryana has emerged victorious in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023-24 by defeating?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Punjab
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
In December 2023, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a domestic cricket tournament in India, concluded with Haryana defeating Rajasthan in the final at Rajkot’s Saurashtra Cricket Stadium. This victory marked Haryana’s first title and their debut final appearance in the competition, which began in the 1993-94 season. Tamil Nadu holds the record for the most titles, having won the trophy five times.