1. What is the primary objective of Mission Amrit Sarovar?
[A] To promote drip irrigation
[B] To address the water crisis in rural areas
[C] To increase tourism in river cities
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To address the water crisis in rural areas]
Notes:
The Prime Minister of India announced that over 60,000 Amrit Sarovars have been built in villages, creating a legacy for future generations. The initiative began on April 24, 2022, aiming to construct 75 Amrit Sarovars for the 75th year of independence. It addresses water crises in rural areas, with each Sarovar having at least 1 acre of pond area and a capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters. The mission promotes water conservation, community participation, and the use of excavated soil for infrastructure. It involves six government ministries but has no separate financial allocation.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Bangladesh has won the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 title by defeating which country?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bhutan
[C] India
[D] Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nepal]
Notes:
Bangladesh won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2024, defending their title by beating Nepal 2-1. The final match took place at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. Nepal became the first runner-up in the tournament. Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli announced a cash prize for the Nepali women’s football team as an incentive for their achievement.
6. Which state government recently launched Deepam 2.0 scheme to provide free gas cylinders to eligible families?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the Deepam 2.0 scheme in Edupuram, Srikakulam district, as part of the “Super Six Promises” initiative. The scheme aims to provide free gas cylinders to eligible families to enhance their quality of life. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve living conditions and promote clean cooking energy in households, thereby enhancing health and safety. The scheme also includes financial support for women, aiming to reduce their financial burdens and reliance on traditional cooking methods, ultimately fostering women’s empowerment in the state.
7. Recently, the government of India inaugurated the “One District One Product” (ODOP) Wall initiative in which city?
[A] Moscow, Russia
[B] New Delhi, India
[C] Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
[D] Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Riyadh, Saudi Arabia]
Notes:
Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the “One District One Product” (ODOP) Wall at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ODOP initiative showcases unique products from different Indian districts on international platforms, promoting “Made in India” items. It aims to turn districts into hubs of local products, increasing market reach and visibility globally. The program focuses on sustainable livelihoods for Indian artisans and entrepreneurs by partnering with global retail chains.
8. Which ministry has launched the Digital India Common Service Centre (DICSC) project?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[C] Ministry of Agriculture
[D] Ministry of Science and Technology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]
Notes:
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Digital India Common Service Centre (DICSC) project to reduce the digital divide in rural India. The project begins in Pilibhit and Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, providing access to e-governance, financial, and commercial services. A total of 4,740 model DICSC centers will be set up in gram panchayats across 10 districts nationwide. Pilibhit will have 720 centers, Gorakhpur 1,273, and other districts include Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (870), Chamba (309), Khammam (589), Gandhinagar (288), Mamit (100), Jodhpur (415), Leh (95), and Puducherry (81).
9. Which day is observed as World Tsunami Awareness Day every year?
[A] November 2
[B] November 3
[C] November 5
[D] November 6
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [November 5]
Notes:
World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed annually on November 5 to raise awareness about tsunami dangers and promote preparedness. The United Nations General Assembly established this day in 2015, highlighting the need for early warning systems and community education. November 5 was chosen for its historical significance, linked to the Japanese tale of Inamura-no-hi. The day emphasizes that early warning and preparedness can greatly reduce loss of life and property. It promotes best practices, effective evacuation plans, and encourages global cooperation to strengthen resilience against tsunamis.
10. Which countries are included in the ‘Horn of Africa,’ which was mentioned in the news due to food insecurity?
[A] Namibia, Zambia, Sudan, Mali
[B] Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia
[C] Botswana, Chad, Kenya, Nigeria
[D] Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia]
Notes:
Over 65 million people in the Horn of Africa are food insecure, according to a UN report. The Horn of Africa includes Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia. The region is arid and nearly equidistant from the Equator and Tropic of Cancer. It is a UNESCO Biodiversity Hotspot and holds strategic geopolitical importance, located near the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean.