1. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a health coverage scheme for which age group?
[A] Only those under 60 years of age
[B] All individuals aged 70 and above
[C] Only those under 65 years of age
[D] Families with an annual income below a certain threshold
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [All individuals aged 70 and above]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the expanded Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) scheme. The scheme will cover all individuals aged 70 and above, regardless of their socio-economic status. Each eligible senior citizen will receive a benefit cover of ₹5 lakh per year in empanelled hospitals across India. This expansion is part of a ₹12,850 crore health initiative aimed at benefiting 60 million senior citizens. Senior citizens from families already under AB-PMJAY can access an additional ₹5 lakh cover. Those not covered by the scheme will also receive up to ₹5 lakh annually on a family basis. The expansion will be supported by an outlay of ₹3,437 crore.
2. What is the origin of Koel River that was recently seen in the news?
[A] Parasnath hills
[B] Palamau Tiger Reserve
[C] Panna Tiger Reserve
[D] Pachmarhi hills
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Palamau Tiger Reserve]
Notes:
Three XI standard students tragically drowned while bathing in the Koel River in Lohardaga district, Jharkhand. The Koel River originates from the Palamau Tiger Reserve and flows through the western part of Palamu District. It consists of two parts: North Koel River and South Koel River. The North Koel River is tapped for irrigation and joins the Son River, while the South Koel flows through Odisha before merging with the Brahmani River. The river is prone to seasonal flooding, especially during the monsoon, and has hydropower potential, with the North Koel Dam built to generate electricity and supply irrigation.
3. Recently, which institute developed the new security ink using luminescent nanomaterials to combat counterfeiting?
[A] Indian Institute of Science
[B] National Institute of Biomedical Genomics
[C] Institute of Nano Science and Technology
[D] S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Institute of Nano Science and Technology ]
Notes:
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology have developed a novel security ink using luminescent nanomaterials to combat counterfeiting in currency, certificates, branded goods, and medicines. This ink exhibits different colors under various light wavelengths, enhancing its security features. The synthesis process involves rare earth doping and a co-precipitation method, allowing the ink to remain effective under diverse conditions. This innovation provides a reliable solution for verifying authenticity and preventing counterfeit products.
4. Which Indian agency has been included in the Steering Committee of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network-Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP)?
[A] Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
[B] Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
[C] Directorate of Enforcement (ED)
[D] National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Directorate of Enforcement (ED)]
Notes:
India’s Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has joined the Steering Committee of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network-Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP). ARIN-AP is a major network focused on tracking and recovering criminal proceeds across the Asia-Pacific region. It enhances cross-border cooperation in tracing, freezing, and confiscating assets linked to crime. With 28 member jurisdictions and nine observers, ARIN-AP serves as a vital, informal framework for intelligence sharing. The network, part of the broader CARIN Network, helps law enforcement quickly access information on assets, aiding in efficient crime proceeds recovery across more than 100 countries.
5. What is the rank of India in the AI Preparedness Index (AIPI)?
[A] 54th
[B] 65th
[C] 68th
[D] 72nd
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [72nd]
Notes:
The AI Preparedness Index (AIPI) evaluates nations on digital infrastructure, human capital, technological innovation, and legal frameworks. As of 2023, Singapore leads with a score of 0.80, indicating its strong commitment to AI integration. In contrast, India ranks 72nd with a score of 0.49, despite having a significant number of AI startups and user engagement. This index highlights the disparities in AI readiness between advanced and emerging economies.
6. The Yanadi Tribe primarily resides in which state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Three Yanadi tribe children who went missing in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, were recently found. Yanadis are a major scheduled tribe in Andhra Pradesh, living in poverty and social exclusion. They are one of India’s most vulnerable tribal groups, mainly residing in Nellore and other plains areas. The Yanadi population in Andhra Pradesh was recorded as 4,62,167 in the 2001 census. They speak Telugu and traditionally work in hunting, gathering, and agriculture. Yanadis possess rich traditional health knowledge, using plants to treat various ailments. Their culture includes forest-linked religious beliefs and the Dhimsa dance, performed during festivals.
7. Which organization has prepared the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) report?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[C] World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
[D] World Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)]
Notes:
The Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) is a crucial report being drafted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It aims to offer policymakers a comprehensive assessment of environmental changes and effective solutions to combat pressing ecological issues. Scheduled for launch at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December 2025, GEO-7 will cover a broad spectrum of environmental topics, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental health with economic and social stability, thereby influencing decisions across various sectors for sustainable development.
8. 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.
9. What was the theme of the third edition of the MAHASAGAR event conducted by the Indian Navy in November 2024?
[A] Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR
[B] Blue Economy and Regional Development
[C] Collective Maritime Approach towards Countering Common Challenges
[D] Maritime Security and Trade
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR]
Notes:
The third edition of the virtual interaction MAHASAGAR took place on 5 Nov 2024, led by Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. It involved leaders from maritime agencies of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries, including Bangladesh, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and others. The theme was “Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR,” focusing on improving training collaboration. MAHASAGAR is a bi-annual Indian Navy initiative, launched in 2023, aimed at enhancing security and growth through maritime cooperation and capacity building.
10. Where was the first Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the India-Bhutan border inaugurated?
[A] Rangpo, Sikkim
[B] Darranga, Assam
[C] Asansol, West Bengal
[D] Khonsa, Arunachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Darranga, Assam]
Notes:
The first Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the India-Bhutan border was inaugurated at Darranga, Assam, on November 7, 2024. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay were present. ICP Darranga spans 14.5 acres and is equipped with modern facilities like an office complex, parking, loading zones, and residential quarters. Developed by the Land Ports Authority of India, it includes inspection spaces, plant quarantine, and parking. The location is well-connected to National Highway 27 in India and customs infrastructure in Bhutan, enhancing trade and connectivity.