31. Diphtheria, recently seen in the news, is caused by which one of the following agents?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bacteria ]
Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released guidelines on managing diphtheria, a contagious bacterial infection of the nose and throat caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets or touching infected sores. While treatable with medications, advanced cases can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Symptoms include a gray throat membrane, sore throat, swollen glands, and difficulty breathing. Current treatments involve Diphtheria Antitoxin, antibiotics, and supportive care to prevent complications like airway obstruction and myocarditis.
32. Recently, which country became the first orthodox-majority nation to allow same-sex marriage?
[A] Greece
[B] Bulgaria
[C] Romania
[D] Cyprus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Greece]
Notes:
In February 2024, Greece became the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage under civil law. The Athens parliament passed the bill with a vote of 176-76, and the bill also allows same-sex couples to legally adopt children.
33. Melghat Tiger Reserve, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Notes:
The Kula Mama Volleyball Tournament-2024 at Melghat Tiger Reserve’s Semadoh promotes tiger and forest conservation with local youth engagement. Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, established in 1967, declared a tiger reserve in 1974, and the first in the state, is located in the Amaravati district. Characterized by tropical dry deciduous forests and major rivers, it plays a crucial role in protecting wildlife. The tournament underscores the significance of preserving this pristine landscape and its inhabitants.
34. What is the primary role of the Chinook/CH-47F helicopter, recently seen in the news?
[A] Attack and armed reconnaissance
[B] Search and Rescue
[C] Medical evacuation
[D] Heavy troop and supply transport
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Heavy troop and supply transport]
Notes:
An Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter made a precautionary landing in Punjab due to a technical snag. The Chinook/CH-47F, manufactured by Boeing, is a tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter used for troop and supply transport. India operates 15 Chinooks, featuring advanced cargo handling, a fully integrated digital cockpit, and a triple hook system. With a maximum speed of 160 knots, it can carry 55 troops or 10 tonnes of cargo, showcasing its versatility in military operations.
35. The Chars, recently mentioned in the news, are riverine areas associated with which river?
[A] Ganga River
[B] Yamuna River
[C] Brahmaputra River
[D] Narmada River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Brahmaputra River]
Notes:
The Chief Minister of Assam has announced a mission to reclaim chars, riverine islands in the Brahmaputra, to preserve ecological integrity. Chars face constant migration, with erosion upstream and deposition downstream during floods, impacting their geometry. Char areas encounter challenges like poor communication, mobility, and infrastructure, hindering development. Issues include isolation, flood threats, and difficulties implementing schemes for roads, irrigation, power, and education in these unique, flood-prone regions.
36. Recently, which ministry released the ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines for Indian Port Performance Index?
[A] Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways]
Notes:
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines to improve Indian ports’ performance, focusing on mapping, benchmarking, and aligning standards globally. Stemming from the success of GMIS 2023, a major maritime summit, the initiative aims to boost the maritime sector, evidenced by a ₹10 lakh crore investment commitment. The move underscores the government’s dedication to modernize and optimize India’s maritime infrastructure for economic growth and global competitiveness.
37. Which bank of India recently collaborated with AIIMS to launch the Smart Payment Card for cashless transactions?
[A] SBI
[B] HDFC
[C] ICICI
[D] AXIS
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [SBI]
Notes:
Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the AIIMS-SBI Smart payment card at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The card aims to facilitate hassle-free payments for patients, eliminating the need for carrying cash. Provided free of cost with no service charges, the card is linked to the patient’s Unique Hospital Identification number and Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID. Termed ‘One AIIMS, One Card,’ the initiative plans to extend these services to all AIIMS institutions nationwide.
38. Lough Neagh Lake, recently seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Ireland
[B] Cyprus
[C] Malta
[D] Poland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ireland]
Notes:
Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, faces an alarming ecosystem collapse in 2024, marked by the absence of its native fly. Situated in East-central Northern Ireland, covering 392 sq km with a 5,700 sq km catchment area, it serves as a crucial water source, supplying over 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water. Known for Europe’s largest wild eel fishery and hosting 100 bird species, it holds cultural and archaeological significance as a jewel in the region.
39. Who has been bestowed with the prestigious ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur’, France’s highest civilian honour?
[A] Rajnath Singh
[B] Shashi Tharoor
[C] Neeraj Chopra
[D] LK Advani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shashi Tharoor]
Notes:
Shashi Tharoor, a diplomat, author, and politician, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur,’ France’s highest civilian honor, for his lifelong commitment to global understanding and substantial service to India and the world. The Legion of Honour, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, symbolizes French recognition for exceptional contributions, transcending nationality. Tharoor’s accolade reflects his notable dedication to fostering international relations and his significant impact on both India and the global community.
40. TN Godavarman Thirumalpad vs Union of India Case, recently seen in the news, is associated with which one of the following?
[A] Reservation
[B] Forest conservation
[C] LGBTQ Rights
[D] Privacy & Data protection
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Forest conservation]
Notes:
The Supreme Court of India recently directed governments to adopt a ‘broad’ definition of forests, emphasizing the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Enacted to safeguard forests and resources, the Act’s Section 2 defines ‘forest land’ broadly, encompassing reserved, protected, or government-recorded areas. The landmark TN Godavarman Thirumalpad vs Union of India (1996) case reinforced this, interpreting ‘forest’ in line with its dictionary meaning. The Act applies to all areas resembling a forest, prioritizing conservation efforts across statutorily recognized forests in India.