1. Long-snouted Vine Snake
Question:
With reference to the Long-snouted Vine Snake (Ahaetulla longirostris), consider the following statements:
- It is endemic to the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
- It is mildly venomous but poses no threat to humans.
- It belongs to the Elapidae family of snakes.
- It is an arboreal species that uses its elongated snout for camouflage.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2 and 4 only
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Answer: d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
Why in News: A rare Long-snouted Vine Snake was recently rediscovered in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh—its first documented sighting in the state.
- Statement 1: ✅ Correct. Though not endemic, it was first recorded in Dudhwa recently.
- Statement 2: ✅ Correct. It is mildly venomous but not dangerous to humans.
- Statement 3: ❌ Incorrect. It belongs to the Colubridae family, not Elapidae.
- Statement 4: ✅ Correct. It is arboreal and uses its long snout for camouflage.
2. Hadean Protocrust
Question:
The term Hadean Protocrust refers to:
a) A layer of Earth’s crust formed during the Jurassic period.
b) The earliest solid crust formed during Earth’s Hadean aeon.
c) The oceanic crust formed during the Cambrian explosion.
d) A crustal layer formed due to anthropogenic geothermal activity.
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Answer: b) The earliest solid crust formed during Earth’s Hadean aeon.
Explanation:
Why in News: A new international study revealed early tectonic signatures in Hadean Protocrust, suggesting plate tectonics may have begun earlier than thought.
- It refers to the Earth’s earliest crust, formed 4.6–4.0 billion years ago.
- The crust was unstable, often breaking off due to meteor impacts and volcanism.
- It laid the foundation for early plate tectonics.
3. University Grants Commission (UGC)
Question:
Which of the following statements regarding the recent UGC regulations (2025) is/are correct?
- The UGC has taken over the issuance of equivalence certificates from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
- These regulations aim to facilitate recognition of foreign degrees in India.
- The new rules contradict the NEP 2020’s emphasis on internationalisation.
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer: b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Why in News: UGC released a structured framework for recognising foreign educational qualifications, aligning with NEP 2020 goals.
- Statement 1: ✅ Correct. UGC now issues equivalence certificates, previously handled by AIU.
- Statement 2: ✅ Correct. The objective is integration of global qualifications into Indian systems.
- Statement 3: ❌ Incorrect. The reform supports, not contradicts, NEP 2020.
4. Trends in Maternal Mortality Report
Question:
According to the “Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000–2023” report, consider the following:
- Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for the majority of global maternal deaths in 2023.
- India ranked highest in terms of maternal deaths globally in 2023.
- Haemorrhage remains the leading direct cause of maternal mortality.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Why in News: The UN MMEIG report placed India 2nd in maternal deaths, tied with DRC.
- Statement 1: ✅ Correct. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 70% of maternal deaths.
- Statement 2: ❌ Incorrect. Nigeria ranked highest with 75,000 deaths.
- Statement 3: ✅ Correct. Haemorrhage is still the leading cause of maternal deaths.
5. Women and Men in India 2024
Question:
Which of the following is NOT a key finding of the “Women and Men in India 2024” report?
a) Female voter turnout in 2024 elections was lower than that of males.
b) Women’s ownership of bank accounts stands at 39.2%.
c) Labour force participation rate (LFPR) for women rose to 60.1%.
d) Female-headed proprietary establishments have been rising consistently.
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Answer: a) Female voter turnout in 2024 elections was lower than that of males.
Explanation:
Why in News: MoSPI released gender-disaggregated national statistics for education, economy, health, and political participation.
- Option a: ❌ Incorrect. Female voter turnout (65.8%) exceeded male turnout.
- Option b: ✅ Correct. 39.2% of bank accounts are owned by women.
- Option c: ✅ Correct. Female LFPR improved to 60.1%.
- Option d: ✅ Correct. Rise in female entrepreneurship across sectors noted.
6. World Health Day 2025
Question:
What is the theme of World Health Day 2025, and why is it significant?
a) “One Health, One Planet” – focusing on pandemic preparedness
b) “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” – prioritising maternal and newborn health
c) “Universal Health Coverage Now” – urging free health for all
d) “Invest in Nurses” – promoting healthcare workers’ rights
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Answer: b) “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” – prioritising maternal and newborn health
Explanation:
Why in News: April 7 marks World Health Day, commemorating the founding of WHO in 1948.
- 2025 theme: “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”
- Launches a year-long campaign on maternal & newborn care.
- Emphasis is on preventable deaths and long-term well-being.
7. River Blindness
Question:
Which country became the first in Africa to be declared free of River Blindness (Onchocerciasis)?
a) Ethiopia
b) Nigeria
c) Niger
d) Sudan
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Answer: c) Niger
Explanation:
Why in News: ZSI introduced DNA barcoding to identify blackfly species, aiding vector control for river blindness.
- Niger was declared free in 2025.
- Other countries previously declared free: Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Guatemala.
- Disease is caused by Onchocerca volvulus; vector: blackflies (Simulium genus).
8. Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary
Question:
Which of the following statements about Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is/are correct?
- It is located in Odisha and was declared a sanctuary in 1984.
- It includes riverine habitats and sandy coastal vegetation.
- Olive Ridley turtles are known to nest near its beaches.
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Tap here for Answer
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Why in News: Vegetation in this sanctuary has reduced from 41.8% to 37.1%, indicating ecological degradation.
- Statement 1: ✅ Correct. Declared sanctuary in 1984, in Puri district, Odisha.
- Statement 2: ✅ Correct. Contains rivulets and coastal sand-based flora.
- Statement 3: ✅ Correct. Olive Ridley turtles nest along its beaches.
9. Woolly Flying Squirrel
Question:
With reference to the Woolly Flying Squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus), consider the following:
- It was rediscovered in 1994 after being considered extinct for nearly 70 years.
- It is classified as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List.
- It is endemic to the Eastern Ghats and Deccan Plateau.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Tap here for Answer
Answer: a) 1 only
Explanation:
Why in News: First photographic evidence captured in Miyar Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
- Statement 1: ✅ Correct. Rediscovered in 1994 after a 70-year gap.
- Statement 2: ❌ Incorrect. It is listed as Endangered, not Vulnerable.
- Statement 3: ❌ Incorrect. It is endemic to NW Himalayas, not Eastern Ghats.
10. Semaglutide
Question:
Semaglutide, recently in news for its cardiovascular benefits, is primarily used to treat:
a) Osteoporosis and arthritis
b) Type 2 diabetes and obesity
c) Hypertension and stroke
d) Depression and anxiety
Tap here for Answer
Answer: b) Type 2 diabetes and obesity
Explanation:
Why in News: SOUL Trial showed that oral semaglutide reduced risk of cardiovascular events by 14%.
- It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite.
- Available in oral and injectable forms, under brands like Rybelsus.
- Also used for weight loss in obese individuals.
