1. What is the name of the new stent-retriever technology recently launched in India to improve stroke treatment?
[A] ASRS
[B] STRIDE
[C] GRASSROOT
[D] STROKE-CARE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [GRASSROOT]
Notes:
AIIMS in New Delhi has launched the GRASSROOT Gravity Stent-Retriever System for Reperfusion of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Trial) to improve stroke treatment in India. The trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a next-generation stent-retriever designed for stroke clots. India struggles with stroke care, with only 4,500 out of 375,000 eligible patients receiving critical mechanical thrombectomy annually. The trial aims to provide a cost-effective stent-retriever to quickly and safely restore blood flow, developed with both international and Indian expertise.
2. What is the theme of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024?
[A] Self Reliance with Integrity
[B] Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity
[C] Say no to corruption; commit to the Nation
[D] Corruption Free India for a developed National
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity ]
Notes:
Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, themed “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity,” runs from October 28 to November 3. Central Vigilance Commissioner Shri Praveen Kumar Srivastava and Vigilance Commissioner Shri A.S. Rajeev led the Integrity Pledge at Satarkata Bhawan, New Delhi. A three-month campaign supporting this week runs from August 16 to November 15, 2024. A special event at Vigyan Bhawan on November 8 will feature the President of India as Chief Guest. Ministries and departments are focusing on capacity building, systemic improvements, guideline updates, complaint resolutions, and digital transparency to enhance accountability.
3. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which was seen in the news, primarily affect which animals?
[A] Deer, elk, and moose
[B] Cattle and sheep
[C] Pigs and Wolves
[D] Dogs and cats
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Deer, elk, and moose]
Notes:
New York State authorities confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer facility, highlighting its impact on deer, elk, and moose. CWD is a fatal neurological disease caused by prions that damage brain tissue in cervids. It leads to severe symptoms like weight loss, lack of coordination, drooling, and eventually death. CWD spreads through bodily fluids and contaminated environments, but there is no evidence of it infecting humans. Symptoms can take up to 16 months to appear, and there is currently no vaccine or treatment available.
4. What is Gastrodia lohitensis, that was recently seen in news?
[A] Fish
[B] Orchid species
[C] Butterfly
[D] Spider
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Orchid species]
Notes:
Indian botanists have discovered a new leafless orchid species, Gastrodia lohitensis, in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district. This orchid thrives in bamboo thickets around Tezu, relying on nutrients from fungi in decomposing leaf litter instead of sunlight. The discovery was led by Krishna Chowlu from the Botanical Survey of India during a May 2024 expedition. Gastrodia lohitensis stands 50-110 cm tall and has unique features, including linear calli and ridges on its flower lip. It is classified as “Endangered” due to threats from local land use, emphasizing the need for habitat protection in this biodiverse area.
5. Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, which was seen in the news, is located in which district of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Gorakhpur
[B] Prayagraj
[C] Varanasi
[D] Meerut
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Varanasi]
Notes:
The National Green Tribunal criticized three district magistrates in Uttar Pradesh and the state’s pollution control board for carelessly approving mining in the Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is India’s first freshwater turtle sanctuary, covering a 7 km stretch of the Ganga River. The sanctuary was created to protect turtles, which were released to help naturally decompose half-burnt human remains in the Ganga as part of the Ganga Action Plan. Turtle hatchlings are bred in Sarnath, with 2,000 eggs brought annually from Chambal and Yamuna rivers. The sanctuary also hosts Gangetic Dolphins, diverse turtles, and fish species like Rohu and Tengra.
6. Mount Annapurna, which was seen in news, is located in which country?
[A] Myanmar
[B] Nepal
[C] China
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nepal]
Notes:
Annapurna Base Camp saw a record number of tourists after this year’s Dashain festival. Mount Annapurna is located in Gandaki Province, north-central Nepal, in the Annapurna Range. It is the world’s tenth-highest peak, with an elevation of 8,091 meters. The mountain lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, covering 7,629 square kilometers. Known as the “Killer Mountain” due to its high fatality rate among climbers attempting the summit.
7. What kind of disorder is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) that was recently seen in news?
[A] A rare neurological disorder
[B] A type of sleep-related breathing disorder
[C] An autoimmune disease
[D] A digestive disorder
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A type of sleep-related breathing disorder]
Notes:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to a higher risk of dementia, especially in women, as shown by a study of over 18,500 adults. OSA is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to an airway blockage. This disruption in breathing lowers oxygen levels, causing frequent awakenings and poor sleep quality. Symptoms include snoring and fatigue, with risks increasing in middle-aged and older adults. OSA affects cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and safety. Treatments include positive airway pressure devices, mouthpieces, and surgery in some cases.
8. Gobind Sagar Lake, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Punjab
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Haryana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Himachal Chief Minister recently launched water sports activities at Gobind Sagar Lake. Gobind Sagar Lake is a manmade reservoir in the Una and Bilaspur districts of Himachal Pradesh. Named after Guru Gobind Singh, it is fed by the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River. The Bhakra Dam is one of the highest gravity dams in the world, standing 225.5 m tall. The lake is 90 km long, covers about 170 sq. km, and has a maximum depth of 163.07 m, making it one of the deepest artificial lakes. It supplies irrigation water to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, benefiting regional agriculture.
9. Which ministry launched the Digital Life Certificate campaign 3.0 in New Delhi?
[A] Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[D] Ministry of Rural Development
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions ]
Notes:
Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions , Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the Digital Life Certificate campaign 3.0 in New Delhi. The campaign, by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare, spans 800 cities and districts until the 30th of this month. Its goal is to promote digital life certificates and empower pensioners through face authentication technology. Pensioners must submit life certificates annually to continue receiving pensions. Jeevan Pramaan, an Aadhaar-based scheme, was launched in 2014 for easy digital life certificate submission. Collaboration with banks, India Post Payments Bank, and pension organizations ensures awareness reaches even remote areas.
10. What is the main objective of the PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme, recently approved by Union Cabinet?
[A] To provide grants for students in primary education
[B] To provide financial aid to meritorious students for quality higher education
[C] To build new universities across India
[D] To support technical research in agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To provide financial aid to meritorious students for quality higher education]
Notes:
The government approved the PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme with a budget of Rs 3,600 crore for five years from FY 2024-25. It aims to provide financial aid to meritorious students in top higher education institutions (QHEIs). Students with family incomes up to Rs 8 lakh are eligible for 3% interest subvention on loans up to Rs 10 lakh, with no collateral or guarantor required. The scheme aims to benefit over 22 lakh students annually, with a digital loan application process. The scheme complements other education loan initiatives and will be managed through a unified portal, “PM-Vidyalaxmi.”