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561. The National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 recently held in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Kolkata
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 took place on January 20, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This event was organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) as part of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan initiative. The conclave’s primary aim was to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by tribal communities in India, which often experience considerable inequities in access to healthcare services. The discussions were centered on exploring innovative healthcare delivery models specifically designed for tribal regions. Furthermore, the conclave sought to identify critical areas for policy intervention and research, with a focus on creating culturally appropriate health strategies to encourage health-seeking behaviors. A significant aspect of the dialogue was dedicated to enhancing the healthcare system through capacity building, monitoring, and fostering community engagement.
562. Which state government has recently launched a comprehensive education plan aimed at enhancing public school quality?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
Kerala’s government has recently introduced a detailed education plan to improve the quality of public schools. This initiative came after a meeting led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, which emphasized the need for accountability and prompt action in educational reforms. The plan outlines eight important areas that require immediate focus for both this academic year and the next. One of the main goals is to enhance academic performance in schools. A key step is the completion of the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan, which assesses students in Classes III, VI, and IX. This national survey measures skills in government, aided, and private schools, involving around 23 lakh students across the country.
563. Which state/UT government will launch the Thamirabarani – Karumeniyar – Nambiyar River linking scheme on February 7, 2025?
[A] Kerala
[B] Lakshadweep
[C] Pondicherry
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: D [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will launch the Tamirabharani – Karumeniyar – Nambiyar River linking project on February 7, 2025. This important initiative aims to support over 15,000 acres in the dry regions of Tamil Nadu, particularly in Nanguneri, Thisaiyanvilai, and Sattankulam. It is part of a larger plan to tackle water shortages in these areas. The project will link the Tamirabharani, Karumeniyar, and Nambiyar rivers by building a 73-km flood carrier channel. This will help move excess water from the Tamirabharani to the drier parts of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts. The total cost of the project is ₹900 crore, with the Tamil Nadu government borrowing money to fund it and planning to repay through the revenue it generates. This initiative is expected to boost farming in the targeted regions.
564. Smart Cities Mission was launched in which year?
[A] 2015
[B] 2016
[C] 2017
[D] 2018
Correct Answer: A [2015]
Notes:
Since its start in 2015, India’s Smart Cities Mission aimed to change urban areas by developing 100 cities with better infrastructure and sustainable methods. However, almost ten years later, the program has encountered difficulties and criticism, with many projects not achieving their goals. In India, the idea of a “smart city” is often mistaken for just providing basic services instead of using advanced technologies. A smart city is usually described as a city that employs digital technology to improve various sectors like transportation, energy, and waste management. In India, the focus has been on fulfilling basic infrastructure needs while adding smart solutions, which differs from global definitions that highlight advanced technology and efficiency.
565. The Union Cabinet has recently approved the extension of which program for an additional 5 years?
[A] National Health Mission (NHM)
[B] National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
[C] Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
[D] Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)
Correct Answer: A [National Health Mission (NHM)]
Notes:
The Union Cabinet has recently decided to extend the National Health Mission (NHM) for another five years. This program has become a key player in improving public health throughout India. It was started to tackle various health issues and has successfully lowered mortality rates and enhanced healthcare services from 2021 to 2024. A recent review by the Central Government highlights its successes and ongoing projects. In the fiscal year 2021-22, the NHM brought in 2.69 lakh new healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses. This number rose to 4.21 lakh in 2022-23 and reached 5.23 lakh in 2023-24. The addition of community health officers has been vital, with 1.29 lakh and 1.38 lakh added in the following years. These advancements show India’s dedication to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
566. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) organized a National Conference of District Magistrates to speed up the implementation of which scheme?
[A] Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY)
[B] National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education
[C] Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)
[D] Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
Correct Answer: C [Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)]
Notes:
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) held a National Conference for District Magistrates to enhance the rollout of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN). This initiative focuses on improving the living conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India. It was launched on November 15, 2023, during Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, with a budget of ₹24,000 crore set for three years, from 2023 to 2026. MoTA is leading this initiative and working with various ministries to tackle development issues in tribal areas.
567. Government of India aims to achieve 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by which year?
[A] 2030
[B] 2035
[C] 2040
[D] 2047
Correct Answer: A [2030]
Notes:
The Indian Government aims to obtain 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by 2030. This plan was revealed by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, at the GI Samagam event in New Delhi. Currently, there are 605 GI tags. This ambitious goal seeks to strengthen the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) system in India. A Geographical Indication (GI) tag marks products that come from specific areas, with their quality and reputation tied to their origin. GI tags play an important role in safeguarding the uniqueness of Indian products and supporting local economic growth.
568. Which state has approved Community Forest Resource (CFR) plans for 100 villages?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Assam
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: D [Odisha]
Notes:
The Odisha government is starting a project to help local communities manage forests. Under a new phase of the Forest Rights Act, 100 villages will get direct funding in their bank accounts. This effort aims to improve forest protection and management by allowing local governance through village councils, known as gram sabhas. The Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) has approved Community Forest Resource (CFR) plans for these 100 villages. This is just the first phase, with plans to expand the project to 400 villages. The PAC has set aside ₹16 crore for developing and implementing these plans.
569. Which state government has recently enforced a liquor ban in religious towns?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Madhya Pradesh has recently initiated a prohibition effort by prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages in 17 towns of religious significance. This announcement, made by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, aligns with the celebration of the 300th birth anniversary of the esteemed Maratha ruler Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The towns impacted by this decision include Ujjain, Orchha, and Maheshwar, among others. This action seeks to tackle enduring issues related to alcohol consumption in sacred locations while considering the intricate socio-economic dynamics of the state.
570. Which state Government has recently launched Sishu Vatika initiative under NEP 2020?
[A] Odisha
[B] Gujarat
[C] Bihar
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
The government of Odisha is set to implement pre-school admissions in Sishu Vatikas in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This initiative seeks to improve early childhood education within the state. Commencing in April, children who are five years old will be admitted to existing schools that offer Class 1. This represents a significant transition from the former educational framework. Currently, Anganwadi centres oversee pre-school education; however, they do not provide a systematic approach. These centres primarily concentrate on health monitoring and foundational education. The establishment of Sishu Vatikas may influence the responsibilities of Anganwadi workers, who currently lack training in formal pre-school education.
