Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR has commenced at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. It was first initiated in December 2011, in Nahan, India. It is the 11th edition of India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise. It is an annual event conducted alternatively in both the countries. The aim of the exercise is to exchange experiences and best practices in Counter Terrorism and Special Forces Operations in Built-up Area and Mountainous Terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. The exercise will emphasise on developing Special Forces skills, advanced techniques of insertion and extraction. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

According to a new study conducted in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore, every millimetre increase in rainfall could lead to a 0.5 to 0.7 per cent rise in monthly scrub typhus cases. It is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Orientia tsutsugamushi. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

It is transmitted through infected mites and there is no vaccine available for this disease. The symptoms typically include fever, headache, body ache and sometimes a rash. In severe cases, the infection can lead to respiratory distress, brain and lung inflammation, kidney failure and multi-organ failure, ultimately resulting in death. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Several factors like vector abundance, climatic factors, exposures like farming and owning domestic animals, outdoor activities and sanitation, affect its prevalence. This disease is more prevalent in cooler months. In Northeast India, cases of scrub typhus occur from July to November in Manipur, July to October in Sikkim and September to November in Darjeeling. It will not spread from person to person. Scrub typhus should be treated with the antibiotic doxycycline. Doxycycline can be used in persons of any age. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Prime Minister of India has paid tributes to Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur on his birth centenary. Karpoori Thakur, an Indian politician, social activist and known as Jannayak" or People’s Leader was born at Pitaunjhia (now Karpuri Gram) village in Samastipur District of Bihar. He was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and Satyanarayan Sinha. o Karpoori Thakur served as Chief Minister of Bihar twice: December 1970 - June 1971 and December 1977 - April 1979. His Chief Ministership in 1977 led to the Mungeri Lal Commission's report recommending reclassification of backward classes. He also joined the All India Students Federation. As a student activist, he left his graduate college to join the Quit India Movement. He became a member of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha in 1952. He served as the President of Samyukta Socialist Party. Recently, he is posthumously announced to receive the Bharat Ratna on 26th January 2024. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

In the remote colony of Kookanam, near Karivellur grama panchayat in Kerala, the Chakaliya community is grappling with the imminent loss of its unique language Madhika. It is a language spoken by the Chakaliya community. It does not have a script. Despite sounding similar to Kannada it can still bewilder listeners due to its diverse influences. It is a blend of Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam. It is largely influenced by Havyaka Kannada, an old form of Kannada. It is fast becoming extinct with the younger generation opting for Malayalam. Chakaliya community was nomadic and worshippers of Thiruvenkatramana and Mariamma. The Government of India has initiated a Scheme known as “Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India” (SPPEL). Hence, both statements are correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the Radical Meitei group Arambai Tenggol summoned Meitei MLAs in Manipur for a meeting at Imphal's Kangla Fort.

The Kangla Fort is a symbol of Manipur's greatness and was the historic capital of the state, located on the dried-up western bank of the Imphal River. The word "Kangla" means "dry ground" in Manipuri. It served as the traditional seat of the Meetei dynasty rulers of Manipur until 1891. The Govindajee Temple, the largest Hindu Vaishnav temple in Imphal, is situated next to Kangla Fort. The fort is a sacred place to the Meiteis and is regarded as the holiest place for the Manipuris. The fort's outer and inner moat and other relics reflect the rich art and architectural heritage of Manipur. The fort was destroyed and abandoned multiple times during Burmese invasions, especially during the Chahi Taret Khuntakpa (1819-1826). Hence, option (b) is correct.