Ans: C

Exp:

While injectable forms of semaglutide have taken the world by storm, the oral form, available in India, is helping doctors see results in diabetes control with the added benefit of weight loss.

• It is Known generically as semaglutide,  available as an injectable prescription drug.
• Statement 1  is correct: It  is used to treat  type 2 diabetes.
• Statement 2 is correct: It works by mimicking the effects of a hormone- called GLP-1, which is naturally produced in the body. 
  • GLP1 helps to regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin, slowing down the release of glucose from the liver.
• Semaglutide is available in oral (Rybelsus) and injectable (Ozempic/Wegovy) forms.
• The FDA has only approved Ozempic to treat diabetes. However, people are now using it for weight loss. But when consumed by a non-diabetic person, it may lead to side effects such as constipation, stomach pain, and vomiting. 

Ans: A

Exp:

The ‘Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response’ initiative was launched by the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

• The project aims to enhance the country’s capacity to “prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats.
• Statement 1  is not  correct: The project was approved by the Pandemic Fund, created by G20 countries under Indonesian presidency in 2022.
• The basic purpose of the fund is to assist low-and middle-income countries in strengthening their capacities to identify, report and contain future pandemics.
• In its first investment round, the fund mobilized $2 billion. Proposals from various countries were invited for funding, and 350 expressions of interest (EoI) and 180 full proposals were received in the first call. 
  • Of these, the governing board of the Fund approved 19 grants in 37 countries. From India, the proposal by the Union animal husbandry department made it to the final list to receive a funding of $25 million
• Statement 2  is correct: The project will work with the help of three implementing agencies—Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). It is expected to be completed by August 2026.

Ans: D

Exp:

• With Donald Trump winning the US presidential election, India closely watches developments, as strong US ties are crucial for its trade, security, and geopolitical interests.
• “Trumponomics” is the term often used to describe the economic policies championed by President Donald Trump. 
  • Key Principles of Trumponomics: Economic Protectionism, Trade Deficit Reduction, Worker Protection, Tax Cuts, Deregulation on businesses, to drive economic growth etc. option (d) is correct.
• Trumponomics faced criticism for being protectionist, causing job losses, and giving disproportionate benefits to the wealthy and corporations, resulting in increased income inequality.

Ans: B

Exp:

On November 5, 2024, Lok Sabha Speaker paid tribute to Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das on his birth anniversary at his portrait in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.

• Pair 1 is correctly matched:   Chittaranjan Das  was an acclaimed Bengali poet, with works like Malancha, Mala, and Sagar Sangeet reflecting his passion for Bengali culture and literary talent.
  • Sagar-Sangit (The Songs of the Sea): Published in 1913, this collection of poems showcased his early poetic talent.
• Pair 2 is not correctly matched: During the mid-1930s Shubhash  Chandra Bose traveled in Europe. He researched and wrote the first part of his book, The Indian Struggle, which covered the country’s independence movement in the years 1920–1934.
• Pair 3 is correctly matched: ‘The Life Divine’ by Sri Aurobindo combines a synthesis of western thought and eastern spirituality with Sri Aurobindo’s own original insights.

Ans: B

Exp:

A seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court overruled its 1967 decision in S. Azeez Basha v. Union of India which held that the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is not a minority institution.

• Statement 1 is not correct: Article 30(1) says that “all minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.” This right is fundamental and protects the interests of minority groups in preserving and promoting their culture and language through education​​.
• Statement 3 is correct:  Minority Educational Institutions have the freedom to admit students of their community and to create their fee structure. However, they cannot completely exclude non-minority students, especially if they receive financial support from the State​​.
• Statement 2 is correct: Unlike other educational institutions, Minority Educational Institutions are not required to reserve seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs)​​.