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101. Scrub typhus is a bacterial infection that is currently spreading in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Scrub typhus is a bacterial disease that is presently on the rise in Tamil Nadu. Several districts, including Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tirupattur, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, and Vellore, have documented a significant number of cases. In response, the Public Health Department has released an alert, calling for prompt actions to mitigate the spread of this outbreak. Scrub typhus is caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. This bacterium is transmitted through bites from infected larval mites, commonly referred to as chiggers.
102. Which of the following countries has enforced ‘burqa ban’ recently?
[A] France
[B] Switzerland
[C] UK
[D] Germany
Correct Answer: B [Switzerland]
Notes:
Switzerland is set to introduce a range of substantial reforms effective January 1, 2025, affecting multiple sectors such as legal, economic, and social systems. Key initiatives include the prohibition of facial coverings, modifications to inheritance legislation, enhancements to pension schemes, and initiatives aimed at bolstering the solvency and liquidity of financial institutions. These reforms signify a trend towards greater conformity with European standards and are a reaction to previous financial crises. A ban on facial coverings (burqa) in public places takes effect from January 1, 2025. The ban applies to burqas, niqabs, and other face coverings, with violations punishable by a fine of up to CHF 1,000 ($1,143).
103. Recently, Which of the following countries is currently experiencing a significant increase in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases?
[A] Kenya
[B] North Korea
[C] China
[D] Israel
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
China is presently witnessing a notable surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), raising alarms about a possible health crisis similar to that experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Observations suggest that hospitals are facing overcrowding, with indications that various viruses, such as HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are exacerbating the circumstances. Although there have been assertions regarding a state of emergency, Chinese officials have not provided any formal acknowledgment of such a situation. Symptoms of HMPV: The virus presents symptoms similar to the flu and other respiratory infections, including: Cough, Fever, Nasal congestion and Shortness of breath.
104. Which one of the following countries has begun its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of UNSC from January 1, 2025?
[A] Sudan
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Indonesia
[D] Pakistan
Correct Answer: D [Pakistan]
Notes:
On January 1, 2025, Pakistan began its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This represents Pakistan’s eighth term on the 15-member council, taking over from Japan as the representative from Asia. Ambassador Munir Akram highlighted Pakistan’s dedication to engaging in an “active and constructive” manner to tackle global issues. Pakistan secured its seat with 182 votes in the 193-member General Assembly, surpassing the required two-thirds majority. The term commenced on January 1, 2025, and will conclude on December 31, 2026.
105. Who has been re-elected as US House Speaker?
[A] Yassamin Ansari
[B] Mike Johnson
[C] David Schweikert
[D]Nick Begich III
Correct Answer: B [Mike Johnson]
Notes:
Mike Johnson, a Republican representative from Louisiana, successfully retained his position as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives during a contentious and critical vote on the inaugural day of the new Congress. In spite of resistance from far-right members of his party and the significant challenges posed by a unified Republican control, Johnson was able to achieve re-election with backing from President-elect Donald Trump. This re-election was accompanied by several obstacles, including a narrow majority, fractures within the Republican Party, and increased political pressures as the GOP gears up for bold policy endeavors under Trump’s guidance.
106. The Islamic State (IS) group has recently on new year’s day 2025, a truck attack in New Orleans, this place located in which country?
[A] US
[B] Canada
[C] France
[D] South Africa
Correct Answer: A [US]
Notes:
The Islamic State (IS) group’s has recently been associated with a wave of violent incidents, indicating a concerning revival. On January 1, 2025, a truck assault in New Orleans led to the deaths of 15 individuals and left around 30 others injured. The perpetrator, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a citizen of the United States, exhibited an Islamic State flag during the attack. This event has heightened concerns regarding the group’s persistent influence and its ability to incite acts of domestic terrorism. On January 1, 2025, IS claimed responsibility for an attack on a military base in Puntland, Somalia, resulting in over 20 military personnel deaths.
107. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is on the brink of closure due to which country’s new legislation?
[A] Iran
[B] Iraq
[C] Israel
[D] US
Correct Answer: C [Israel]
Notes:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is on the brink of closure due to new Israeli legislation. This agency provides essential services to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The impending halt of its operations poses threat to the livelihood of many families, including those like the Hashash family in Balata Camp, who rely heavily on UNRWA for healthcare, education, and food assistance. UNRWA was founded in 1949 to help Palestinian refugees. It runs almost 100 schools and many health centers in the West Bank. The agency assists more than 5 million registered refugees by offering essential services like food assistance, medical care, and education. In Balata Camp, UNRWA operates four schools and a health center, employing about 200 staff members. In October 2023, Israel’s Parliament approved laws that could hinder Unrwa’s operations. These laws would prevent the agency from obtaining Israeli permits needed to provide aid in Gaza and the West Bank.
108. Which of the following has encountered setbacks in its environmental initiatives during 2024?
[A] UN
[B] UNSECO
[C] IMF
[D] WMO
Correct Answer: A [UN]
Notes:
The United Nations faced challenges in its environmental initiatives throughout 2024. Four significant summits convened in Colombia, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea did not yield substantial results. These meetings were intended to harmonize objectives among governments, researchers, and civil society, as well as to secure essential financial support. Nevertheless, the absence of agreement and advancement casts doubt on the effectiveness of global efforts to address biodiversity loss and climate change.
109. Which of the following types of accounts will RBI close under new guidelines from January 1, 2025?
[A] Dormant Accounts
[B] Inactive Accounts
[C] Zero Balance Accounts
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced new regulations that will result in the closure of dormant, inactive, and zero balance accounts effective January 1, 2025. Account holders must take steps to reactivate or maintain their accounts to avoid closure. Reactivate inactive accounts by making transactions and engaging with dormant accounts at the bank branch. This initiative aims to strengthen the security of banking systems, reduce occurrences of fraud, and improve the overall efficiency of banking operations.
110. Which state government has Signed MoU with SBI & UBI for Insurance Benefits?
[A] Assam
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Karnataka
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Assam]
Notes:
On January 1 2025, the state government of Assam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India (UBI) to offer insurance benefits to state government employees. The agreements aim to provide zero-premium insurance coverage and additional benefits to more than four lakh permanent state government employees. The decision was made in a cabinet meeting in North Lakhimpur, Assam. The State Finance Department was authorized to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) to provide zero-premium insurance coverage to all permanent or regular employees of the state government, totaling over four lakh employees.
