1. Which country recently announced free cancer treatment for children under 14 in designated public hospitals?
[A] Nepal
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Bhutan
[D] Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nepal]
Notes:
The Nepal government has announced provide free cancer treatment to children under 14 in designated public hospitals.This initiative is effective from November 16 and aims to ease the financial burden on parents. Treatment can be accessed at Kanti Children Hospital, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, and BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital. If government funds are insufficient, the Ministry will arrange additional funding from internal sources. In 2022, Nepal reported 22,000 new cancer patients, with cancer causing 11% of deaths, and around 1,500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.
2. When is the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists” observed every year by the UN?
[A] November 1
[B] November 2
[C] November 3
[D] November 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [November 2]
Notes:
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) is observed on November 2, recognized by the United Nations to protect journalists and seek justice for crimes against them. IDEI was proclaimed by the UN in Resolution A/RES/68/163, marking the 2013 killing of two French journalists in Mali. It aims to tackle violence against journalists, crucial for freedom of expression and access to information. The 2024 theme, “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies,” focuses on protecting journalists in conflict zones. Journalists in high-risk areas face violence, restricted access, and detention, creating “zones of silence.”
3. Which organization recently released the Global TB Report 2024?
[A] Global Forum for Health Research
[B] Global Health Council
[C] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[D] World Health Organization (WHO)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [World Health Organization (WHO)]
Notes:
World Health Organization (WHO) released the “Global TB Report 2024”. India has significantly improved treatment coverage for tuberculosis (TB), achieving 85% coverage among diagnosed individuals. The World Health Organization’s Global TB Report highlights an increase in preventive therapy for high-risk groups, such as household contacts of TB patients and people living with HIV. In 2023, 12.2 lakh people received preventive therapy, up from 10.2 lakh in 2022 and 4.2 lakh in 2021. The government provides free TB medications to alleviate financial burdens, as treatments can be costly and last up to two years. Treatment success rates are 89% for drug-susceptible TB, 73% for drug-resistant TB, and 69% for extremely drug-resistant TB. Challenges include the long duration of treatment, leading to poor compliance, prompting the government to introduce innovative solutions like pill boxes and shorter treatment courses.
4. What is the primary objective of Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY)?
[A] To empower tribal communities in India
[B] To promote urban development in Assam
[C] To enhance agricultural productivity in hilly areas
[D] To improve infrastructure in cities
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To empower tribal communities in India]
Notes:
The Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY) was launched on October 28, 2014, to empower tribal communities in India. It addresses historical neglect by providing financial assistance and promoting sustainable development. The initiative includes the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana for integrated development in 36,428 tribal villages, focusing on connectivity, education, health, and sanitation. It supports Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups with tailored development projects, allocating ₹15,000 crore for housing, water, sanitation, and education over three years. It provides pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for tribal students and funds research on tribal cultures and challenges. Funds are also allocated for project management units to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of welfare schemes.
5. Bibek Debroy, who recently passed away, was associated with which field?
[A] Sports
[B] Journalism
[C] Economics
[D] Entertainment
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Economics]
Notes:
Bibek Debroy, the chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), recently passed away. EAC-PM is an independent body that advises the Prime Minister on economic issues. It analyzes economic matters referred by the Prime Minister and addresses macroeconomic concerns. The council’s role is advisory and non-binding on the government. It promotes economic understanding through reports and public engagement. EAC-PM is led by a chairperson and includes eminent economists, with no fixed number of members. The NITI Aayog acts as the nodal agency for administrative support to the council.
6. Where was the 15th edition of India- US joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR conducted?
[A] Chennai, Tamil Nadu
[B] Houston, USA
[C] Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
[D] Idaho, USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Idaho, USA]
Notes:
The 15th edition of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR took place at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA. This follows the last exercise held in December 2023 in Meghalaya and is the second joint exercise this year, after Exercise YUDH ABHYAS in Rajasthan. The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation, interoperability, and special operations tactics between the two countries. Activities includes joint planning, reconnaissance missions, using unmanned aerial systems, and psychological warfare drills.
7. Matthew Wade, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, belongs to which country?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] England
[C] Australia
[D] South Africa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Australia]
Notes:
Australian cricketer Matthew Wade retired from international cricket after a 13-year career with 225 appearances for Australia. He played in three T20 World Cups, crucially helping Australia win its first T20 title in 2021 with a memorable semi-final performance against Pakistan. In Tests, Wade scored 1,613 runs with four centuries, including a top score of 117 in the 2019 Ashes. He played 97 ODIs, amassing 1,867 runs, and 92 T20Is with 1,202 runs. Wade will continue in domestic and franchise cricket and join Australia’s coaching staff for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan.
8. Ningol Chakkouba festival is celebrated in which state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Assam
[C] Nagaland
[D] Mizoram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Manipur]
Notes:
Ningol Chakkouba, a key festival in Manipur, was celebrated with enthusiasm. Traditionally held on the second lunar day of Hiyangei month, its origins trace back to King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba’s rule. “Ningol” means “married woman,” and “Chakouba” means “feast invitation,” where married daughters are invited by their parents for a family feast. The festival strengthens bonds among brothers, sisters, and parents. Initially celebrated by the Meitei community, it is now observed by many other communities as well.
9. Where was the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) 2024 conducted?
[A] Ambala, Haryana
[B] Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
[C] Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
[D] Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ambala, Haryana]
Notes:
The fifth Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) 2024 conducted in Ambala, Haryana. VINBAX-2024 aims to strengthen the joint military capabilities of India and Vietnam. For the first time, the exercise includes Bi-Service participation, with personnel from both countries’ Army and Air Force. India’s contingent consists of 47 members, mainly from a Regiment of the Corps of Engineers, alongside personnel from other services.
10. Which Indian table tennis player won the men’s singles title at WTT Feeder Caracas 2024?
[A] Sharath Kamal
[B] Soumyajit Ghosh
[C] Harmeet Desai
[D] Sathiyan Gnanasekaran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harmeet Desai]
Notes:
Harmeet Desai of India won both men’s singles and mixed doubles titles at the 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) Feeder Caracas tournament in Venezuela. The event took place from 31 October to 3 November 2024. Ranked 90th globally, Harmeet defeated France’s Joe Seyfried (world no. 149) 11-7, 11-8, 11-6 in the men’s singles final. In mixed doubles, Harmeet and Krittwika Roy defeated Cuba’s Jorge Campos and Daniela Fonseca Carrazana 3-2 in a tight match.