1. Where was India’s first helicopter ambulance service launched?
[A] AIIMS New Delhi
[B] AIIMS Jaipur
[C] AIIMS Rishikesh
[D] AIIMS Bilaspur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [AIIMS Rishikesh]
Notes:
PM Modi launched India’s first helicopter ambulance service at Rishikesh AIIMS to improve emergency healthcare access.
The service aims to transport critical patients quickly within the ‘golden hour’ for better trauma care. It is part of a larger healthcare upgrade project worth over Rs 12,850 crore. A toll-free number will link all district disaster management centers to facilitate this service. Drones will aid in delivering blood samples and medicines to remote regions. The initiative extends to Uttarakhand and some border areas of Uttar Pradesh, transforming healthcare access in tough terrains.
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. Which zoological park has become India’s first zoo to earn certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)?
[A] Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune
[B] Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, Himachal Pradesh
[C] Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
[D] National Zoological Park, New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in Kangra’s Dehra constituency will be India’s first IGBC-certified zoo for sustainable infrastructure. It is located in the Bankhandi area of Kangra. The park will have 34 enclosures featuring 73 species, including Asiatic lions, crocodiles, gharials, and indigenous birds. With a budget of ₹619 crore, it focuses on eco-friendly design. The zoo aims to boost tourism, create jobs, and promote eco-tourism, enhancing Kangra’s status as Himachal Pradesh’s “Tourism Capital.”
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Taiwan established Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in which city of India?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Jaipur
[C] Mumbai
[D] Bhopal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mumbai]
Notes:
China opposes Taiwan’s establishment of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in Mumbai. This is Taiwan’s third office in India, following openings in New Delhi in 1995 and Chennai in 2012. India and Taiwan set up representative offices in 1993: the India-Taipei Association in Taipei and TECC in New Delhi. Other countries like the US, Australia, and Russia have similar centers for visa services and cultural exchanges. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and considers the PRC the sole legitimate government. India officially recognizes the PRC but does not recognize Taiwan.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.