1. What is the theme of World AIDS Day 2025?
[A] Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response
[B] Take the rights path
[C] Let Communities Lead
[D] Equalize
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response]
Notes:
World AIDS Day is observed globally on December 1 every year to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, remember those who died, and support people living with the disease. It was first marked in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The 2025 theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” focusing on making HIV services resilient, equitable, and community-led. The theme addresses disruptions caused by pandemics, conflicts, and inequalities that limit access to care. In India, the day is observed through awareness campaigns, community outreach, and government initiatives led by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
2. Which of the following statements correctly describe features of nanobioremediation?
- It involves the use of nanoparticles along with microbes to enhance degradation of pollutants.
- It eliminates the need for microbes altogether.
- It aids in treating difficult pollutants such as azo dyes and heavy metals.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 and 3
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 2
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
Nanobioremediation uses nanoparticles and microbes together to improve pollutant degradation, especially for hard-to-treat contaminants like azo dyes and heavy metals. Microbes are not eliminated; they remain essential components in this technology. Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.
3. Which of the following are classified as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)?
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Paracetamol
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
Aspirin and Ibuprofen are NSAIDs, as they possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. Paracetamol, though widely used for pain and fever, is not considered an NSAID due to its weak anti-inflammatory action. Therefore, only Aspirin and Ibuprofen are classified as NSAIDs, not Paracetamol.
4. Consider the following elements and their important applications:
- Lithium
- Beryllium
- Boron
- Carbon
- Nitrogen
Which of the following pairs is / are correctly matched?
- Used in rechargeable batteries for hearing aids
- Copper alloy employed to make non-sparking tools
- Boric acid used as buffering agent in eye drops
- Activated filters remove tastes and chemicals from tap water
- Gas used to purge packaged coffee to extend freshness
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
[A] 1-b, 2-c, 3-e, 4-a, 5-d
[B] 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-e, 5-d
[C] 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d, 5-e
[D] 1-a, 2-c, 3-d, 4-b, 5-e
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d, 5-e]
Notes:
Lithium is used in rechargeable batteries, such as those for hearing aids (a). Beryllium forms copper-beryllium alloys for non-sparking tools (b). Boric acid (from boron) acts as a buffering agent in eye drops (c). Activated carbon (carbon) filters remove tastes and chemicals from water (d). Nitrogen gas preserves freshness in coffee packaging (e). Hence, all pairs in option 3 are correct.
5. Which city houses the National Institute of Translational Virology and AIDS Research?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Pune
[C] Nagpur
[D] Nasik
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pune]
Notes:
The National Institute of Translational Virology and AIDS Research, formerly NARI, was established in 1992 under ICMR in Pune, Maharashtra. It leads research on HIV/AIDS and translational virology. The institute is located in Bhosari, Pune.
6. Where was the 13th International AIDS Society Conference (IAS 2025) held?
[A] Kigali, Rwanda
[B] Munich, Germany
[C] Paris, France
[D] Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kigali, Rwanda]
Notes:
On 14 July 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) released new HIV prevention guidelines at the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference. The 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference was held in Kigali, Rwanda. WHO recommended lenacapavir, a long-acting antiretroviral drug, for high-risk groups and areas with high HIV infection rates. Lenacapavir (LEN), developed by Gilead Sciences, is the first capsid inhibitor approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a twice-yearly injectable. Initially approved for HIV treatment in 2022, LEN showed near-complete protection in prevention trials. The WHO called it the most effective alternative in absence of an HIV vaccine.
7. Which Punjab scheme aids girls’ education by overcoming distance barriers?
[A] Punjab Free Boarding and Education Scheme
[B] Punjab Middle to High School Upgrade Scheme
[C] Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme
[D] Residential Meritorious Schools Scheme
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme]
Notes:
Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme, launched in 2011, provides bicycles to girl students in Punjab to address challenges related to distance from schools and encourage continued education. It specifically targets improved access to education for girls in rural areas, helping reduce dropout rates linked to distance issues.
8. When was Punjab State AIDS Control Society (PSACS) officially registered?
[A] 2000
[B] 2002
[C] 1998
[D] 1995
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1998]
Notes:
Punjab State AIDS Control Society (PSACS) was officially registered in 1998 to implement National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) in Punjab. It is chaired by the Principal Secretary Health. PSACS coordinates state HIV/AIDS interventions as part of a centrally sponsored initiative across India.
9. When was the Punjab State AIDS Control Society (PSACS) established?
[A] 2010
[B] 2000
[C] 2005
[D] 1998
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1998]
Notes:
Punjab State AIDS Control Society (PSACS) was established in 1998 to implement NACP programs in Punjab. NACP IV began in Punjab in 2012. PSACS coordinates HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and control initiatives across the state under the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).
10. When was the Punjab AIDS Control Society established?
[A] 1995
[B] 1998
[C] 2000
[D] 2002
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1998]
Notes:
Punjab AIDS Control Society was founded in 1998 to implement the National AIDS Control Programme in Punjab, aiming to prevent and control HIV/AIDS in the state with support from the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).
