31. Which organ of the body is most commonly affected by Crohn’s disease, a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
[A] Kidney
[B] Heart
[C] Lungs
[D] Small intestines
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Small intestines]
Notes:
A recent study in Scientific Reports explored the link between migraines and the development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). IBD encompasses chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, ranging from mild to severe. Types include Ulcerative colitis, affecting the colon and rectum, and Crohn’s disease, marked by inflammation in the digestive tract, commonly in the small intestine. Indeterminate colitis IBD combines features of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, posing potential life-threatening complications for some individuals.
32. Abua Awas Yojna, which was seen in the news, is associated with which state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Bihar
[C] Odisha
[D] Chattisgarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jharkhand]
Notes:
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren is set to deliver the first installment of the Abua Awas housing scheme.The scheme aims to provide housing to those excluded from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Approximately 8,000 beneficiaries in Khunti and Simdega will receive installments during the event. The government, having received 31 lakh applications, plans to provide houses to around eight lakh beneficiaries. The second distribution event is scheduled for January 29 in East Singhbhum district.
33. Which organization recently launched the first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine called ‘Havisure’?
[A] Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL)
[B] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
[C] World Health Organization (WHO)
[D] National Institute of Virology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL)]
Notes:
Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) unveils Havisure, India’s first indigenous Hepatitis-A vaccine, protecting against the contagious liver infection transmitted through contaminated food or water. The two-dose inactivated virus vaccine, developed over eight years, addresses pediatric, adolescent, and adult needs. Priced at Rs 2,150 per dose, Havisure is a vital step in achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat. Extensive clinical trials and regulatory approval were completed, showcasing IIL’s commitment to advancing healthcare. Havisure joins IIL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), vaccines lineup, following Mebella and TeddyVac.
34. Where was the 71st Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council held?
[A] Imphal
[B] Shillong
[C] Guwahati
[D] Manipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shillong]
Notes:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 71st Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Meghalaya. The NEC focuses on the economic and social development of the eight-state region. Shah highlighted the NEC’s 50-year impact, citing over 12,000 km of roads, power plants, and national institutes established in the region, fostering development and addressing state-specific issues.
35. Who is the main architect of the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya?
[A] Pramukh Swami Mahara
[B] Arun Yogiraj
[C] Subhash Bhoite
[D] Chandrakant Sompura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chandrakant Sompura]
Notes:
Chandrakant Sompura, the chief architect of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, comes from a renowned lineage of temple architects in Ahmedabad. With a legacy spanning generations, the Sompuras have crafted over 200 temples, including iconic structures like Somnath Temple, Swaminarayan Temple, Akshardham complex, and Birla Temple. The Ayodhya Ram Mandir epitomizes Nagara architecture, showcasing intricate carvings, majestic spires, and sacred sanctums, honoring India’s cultural diversity. It stands as a harmonious blend of spirituality and architectural brilliance, reflecting Lord Ram’s revered abode.
36. What is the primary objective of NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, which was seen in the news?
[A] Conducting geological surveys on Mars
[B] Performing experimental flight tests on Mars
[C] Collecting soil samples for analysis
[D] Searching for signs of ancient life on Mars
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Performing experimental flight tests on Mars]
Notes:
NASA has successfully re-established contact with its Ingenuity helicopter on Mars. Launched aboard the Perseverance rover, Ingenuity made history on April 19, 2021, as the first aircraft to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet. Operating independently of the rover’s science mission, it flew to a height of 10 feet, hovered for 30 seconds, and descended in a groundbreaking 39.1-second flight, demonstrating the feasibility of flight in Mars’ challenging atmosphere using onboard systems.
37. What is the name of the AI-based app recently launched by the central government for providing study materials in regional languages?
[A] Anuvadini app
[B] Bhasini app
[C] Diksha app
[D] Bhasa sangam app
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Anuvadini app]
Notes:
The central government has launched the ‘Anuvadini’ app, an AI-based platform, to promote multilingualism in education. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it aims to provide digital study materials for all courses in Indian languages from the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. Directives from the Ministry of Education instruct the UGC, AICTE, and the Department of School Education to ensure the availability of study materials in regional languages, supporting the emphasis on studying in one’s mother tongue.
38. Recently, which National Park has received two new mammalian species, the elusive binturong (Arctictis binturong) and the small-clawed otter?
[A] Orang National Park
[B] Manas National Park
[C] Nameri National Park
[D] Kaziranga National Park
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kaziranga National Park]
Notes:
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam recently welcomed two new mammalian species: the elusive binturong (Arctictis binturong) and the small-clawed otter. Known colloquially as the bearcat, the binturong is India’s largest civet. It’s a solitary, nocturnal animal with scent glands for marking territory and a unique prehensile tail. Found in South-East Asia, its distribution spans several countries. Classified as Vulnerable by IUCN, it’s also listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Appendix III of CITES.
39. Recently, India sent 40,000 litres of Malathion to which country to counter the threat posed by locusts?
[A] Afghanistan
[B] Pakistan
[C] Nepal
[D] Bhutan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Afghanistan]
Notes:
India has supported Afghanistan in combating the locust menace with 40,000 litres of Malathion, an effective and environmentally friendly pesticide. Sent through Iran’s Chabahar port, this collaborative effort addresses a pressing agricultural concern. Malathion proves crucial for locust control, being ideal for Afghanistan’s arid climate and addressing environmental concerns with minimal water usage. This timely provision safeguards Afghan crops and contributes significantly to regional food security.
40. Recently, Karpoori Thakur was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna. He was the former Chief Minister of which state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Odisha
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Bihar]
Notes:
Prominent Gandhian socialist leader and former Bihar chief minister, Karpoori Thakur, will posthumously receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award instituted in 1954. The award recognizes exceptional service in any field, and recipients, limited to three annually, receive a certificate and medallion. While traditionally for Indian-born citizens, exceptions include Mother Teresa, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and Nelson Mandela. Recommendations come directly from the Prime Minister to the President, with no formal requirements. The award, per constitutional guidelines, cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient’s name.
