41. Which four countries received WHO’s validation certificates in May 2025 for eliminating industrially produced trans fats?
[A] India, Norway, Oman, Brazil
[B] Norway, Singapore, Oman, Austria
[C] Thailand, South Africa, Oman, Austria
[D] China, Russia, Japan, India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Norway, Singapore, Oman, Austria]
Notes:
On May 19, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) honoured Austria, Norway, Oman, and Singapore for eliminating industrially produced trans fats from their national food supply. The announcement was made at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. Trans fats, also called trans-fatty acids (TFA), are harmful unsaturated fats linked to over 278,000 deaths each year. WHO launched the global goal in 2018 to eliminate trans fats by 2025, but progress remains slow. By May 2025, 60 countries had adopted best-practice policies, covering only 46% of the global population. India implemented such a policy in 2022 through the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Second Amendment Regulations, 2021. India is among the leading Asian countries in enforcing best-practice policies, alongside Thailand.
42. What is the causative agent of kala azar disease, that was recently seen in news?
[A] Protozoan Parasite
[B] Virus
[C] Bacteria
[D] Fungus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Protozoan Parasite]
Notes:
Recently, Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar. The event was held during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, organised by the African Union and World Health Organization (WHO). Kala-azar is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by a protozoan parasite and is fatal if untreated, showing symptoms like fever, fatigue, weight loss, and enlarged spleen and liver. More than 70% of global kala-azar cases are in Eastern Africa, where half of the affected are children under 15, according to the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). The MoU encourages more investment and better strategies to eliminate kala-azar and improve public health responses.
43. What are Biostimulants, recently mentioned in news?
[A] Chemical pesticides used to kill insects on crops.
[B] Substances or microorganisms applied to plants or soil to stimulate natural processes
[C] Artificial hormones used to accelerate fruit ripening
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Substances or microorganisms applied to plants or soil to stimulate natural processes]
Notes:
The central government recently notified 34 biostimulants to boost their production and use in agriculture. Biostimulants are natural substances or microorganisms applied to plants or soil to enhance the plant’s natural growth and stress-resistance processes. They help reduce dependence on fertilizers by improving nutrient use efficiency, root growth, and resistance to drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. In India, biostimulants are regulated under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985.
44. What is Lysosomal Storage Disorder (LSD) that was recently seen in news?
[A] Bacterial infections of the liver
[B] Autoimmune disorders affecting the skin
[C] Rare genetic conditions causing toxic buildup in cells
[D] Hormonal imbalances affecting metabolism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rare genetic conditions causing toxic buildup in cells]
Notes:
Recently, despite the launch of the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) in 2021 and a financial aid programme, over 300 patients, mostly children with Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs), are not receiving proper medical treatment. LSDs are rare genetic disorders where harmful substances build up inside cells due to enzyme deficiencies. They are caused by mutations in the genes that produce lysosomal enzymes, which help break down waste in cells. These diseases can severely affect organs and quality of life.
45. What kind of disorder is Tourette Syndrome that was recently seen in news?
[A] Autoimmune disorder
[B] Neurological disorder
[C] Cardiovascular disorder
[D] Rare genetic disorder
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Neurological disorder]
Notes:
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes sudden, involuntary movements or vocal sounds called tics. It usually starts between the ages of 2 and 15, with the average age of onset around six. It affects around 0.3% to 1% of the global population, as highlighted in recent reports. The condition is more common in boys than in girls. Tics can be mild or severe and may include blinking, jerking, or making sounds. In severe cases, it can impact speech, daily activities, and overall quality of life.
46. What kind of disease is “Valley Fever” that was recently seen in news?
[A] Viral infection
[B] Bacterial infection
[C] Fungal infection
[D] Parasitic infection
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fungal infection]
Notes:
A new study highlights that dogs may help detect the early spread of Valley Fever, offering a new tool for public health. Valley Fever, or acute coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides organisms found in soil. The fungi are common in the Pacific Northwest, southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The infection spreads when soil is disturbed and people or animals breathe in the fungal spores. Symptoms may be absent or resemble flu or pneumonia, and appear 5 to 21 days after exposure.
47. e-Raktkosh is an online blood bank management system implemented under which mission?
[A] National Ayush Mission
[B] Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram
[C] National Health Mission
[D] Ayushman Bharat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [National Health Mission ]
Notes:
Recently, the Union Health Ministry announced plans to integrate India’s Rare Donor Registry with the national online blood management platform called e-Rakt Kosh. e-Rakt Kosh is an online blood bank management system implemented under the National Health Mission. It is the official portal for all blood-related services in India. It provides real-time information on blood availability, blood banks, and donation camps across the country.
48. What is “Gwada negative” that was recently mentioned in news?
[A] Asteroid
[B] Traditional medicine
[C] Spider
[D] Blood group system
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Blood group system]
Notes:
Recently, France’s national blood agency, the French Blood Establishment (EFS), discovered a new blood group system called “Gwada negative,” officially recognised by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). It is scientifically named EMM-negative and registered as ISBT042. The name “Gwada negative” refers to the Guadeloupean origin of the woman who carries this rare blood type. This blood group is defined by the absence of the EMM antigen, a high-incidence antigen usually present in almost all humans.
49. Mobile Biosafety Level-3 (MBSL-3) Laboratory is developed under which mission?
[A] National Health Protection Mission
[B] Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
[C] National Ayush Mission
[D] National Rural Health Mission
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission]
Notes:
Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) decided to expand its Mobile Biosafety Level-3 (MBSL-3) laboratory network to boost India’s outbreak response and public health. The Mobile BSL-3 lab is also called Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Advanced Augmented Network (RAMBAAN). It is an advanced “lab on wheels” developed under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. It was first used during the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala in 2023.
50. What kind of disease is “Trachoma” that was recently mentioned in Mann Ki Baat programme?
[A] Blood infection
[B] Cardiovascular disease
[C] Bacterial eye disease
[D] Respiratory disease
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bacterial eye disease]
Notes:
Recently, in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, the Prime Minister of India announced that India has been declared free of Trachoma, a bacterial eye disease. Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through contact with the eyes, eyelids, or throat secretions of infected people. The World Health Organization (WHO) calls it a neglected tropical disease, affecting around 150 million people worldwide. In 2017, India was declared free from infective Trachoma, with surveillance continuing until 2024.