Answer: D
What Are Hypersonic Missiles?
● Hypersonic missiles are advanced weapons capable of speeds greater than Mach
5—five times the speed of sound. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
○ Supersonic missiles generally have speed ranging from Mach 1 to Mach 4.
● These weapons are distinct from traditional ballistic missiles due to their ability to
maneuver during flight.
● Two primary types of hypersonic weapons include:

○ Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): These are launched on rockets and glide to
their targets, using aerodynamic lift for maneuverability.
○ Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs): Powered by air-breathing scramjet
engines, these missiles sustain hypersonic speeds throughout their flight.
● The key advantage of hypersonic missiles lies in their ability to evade conventional
missile defence systems.
● Unlike ballistic missiles, which follow a fixed trajectory, hypersonic missiles can alter
their course, making them significantly harder to detect and intercept. Hence, statement 2
is incorrect.
● Globally, countries like the US, Russia, and China are leading in hypersonic missile
development. By mastering hypersonic technology, India has not only enhanced its
strategic deterrence capabilities but also strengthened its position in the global
defence landscape.

Officer's Daily Motivation

Answer: D
Explanation
About Chikungunya
● Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus
(CHIKV), an RNA virus in the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae. Hence,
statement 1 is incorrect.
● It was first identified in 1952 in Tanzania.
● Transmission: Chikungunya virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes
aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which can also transmit dengue and Zika viruses. These
mosquitoes bite primarily during daylight hours. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● Symptoms: Chikungunya virus infection typically begins with a sudden onset of fever
accompanied by severe joint pain, which can be debilitating and last from days to years.
Other symptoms include joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, nausea, and rash.
● Diagnostics: Chikungunya virus may be detected directly in blood samples collected during
the first week of illness using tests such as reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction
(RT–PCR).
● Treatment and vaccines: There is no specific antiviral drug treatment for CHIKV
infections. Treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms, with the use of
analgesics and antipyretics to alleviate pain and fever, along with encouraging rest and
maintaining adequate hydration. There is no commercial vaccine available to protect
against chikungunya virus infection. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● Prevention: To prevent Chikungunya, key measures include avoiding mosquito bites,
especially during the first week of illness. Reducing mosquito breeding sites by cleaning
water containers is essential, and insecticides may be used in outbreaks to control
mosquito populations.
Why in News?

● Following a spike in chikungunya cases in Telangana, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory for U.S. travelers returning from
Telangana.

4. Consider the following statements about Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP).
1) The objective of ADP is to uplift backward districts.
2) NITI Aayog coordinates the programme.
3) The objectives are achieved through ‘Collaboration, Convergence and Competition’.

Answer: D
Explanation
Aspirational Districts Programme
● Launched in 2018, the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) is one of the largest
experiments on outcomes-focused governance in the world.
● The ADP is NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative to uplift those backward 112 districts that
are lagging behind in specific development parameters of health and nutrition,
education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and basic
infrastructure. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● NITI Aayog anchors the programme with support from Central Ministries and the State
Governments. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● Officers at the level of Joint Secretary / Additional Secretary have been nominated to
become the ‘Central Prabhari Officers’ of each district.
● The broad contours of the programme are:
○ Convergence (of Central & State Schemes),
○ Collaboration (of Central, State level Nodal Officers & District Collectors), and
○ Competition among districts. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

5. Consider the following statements about Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
(PMBJP)
1) The scheme aims at making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all.
2) The Scheme is operated by government agencies only.

Answer: A
Explanation:
About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
● With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to
all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched by the
Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers in 2008. Hence,
statement 1 is correct.
● Under the scheme, dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras are opened to
provide generic medicines at affordable prices.

● The Scheme is implemented by the Pharma & Medical Bureau of India (PMBI), a society
established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
● The Scheme is operated by government agencies as well as by private entrepreneurs.
Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Who can open a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra?
● A PMBJK can be opened by:
○ Individual entrepreneur / Proprietor
○ Partnership
○ Charitable Institute/Hospital
○ NGO/ Trust/ Society
○ Government/ Government Nominated Agency.

Why in News?
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated 18 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras
at various railway stations across the country.

1. With reference to Indian history, ‘khuntkhatti’ refers to

Answer: A
Explanation
● 'Khuntkatti' system is joint ownership or holding of land by tribal lineage, followed in the
Choto Nagpur region. Hence, answer is option A.
● The Great Tumult led to the enactment of the Tenancy Act (1903) which recognised the
khuntkhatti system. Though the movement itself was suppressed by the British.
About Birsa Munda
● Birsa Munda (1875–1900) was a religious leader and folk hero from the Munda Tribe of
the Chhota Nagpur Plateau area.
● He spearheaded a tribal religious movement named Munda Rebellion/Ulgulan/ Great
Tumult that arose in the tribal belt of modern-day Bihar and Jharkhand in the late 19th
century, as a response to the oppressive policies of the British such as new land settlement

2. Consider the following statements about Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojna
1) The Scheme is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme.
2) All Farmers are eligible under the scheme.

Answer: A
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojna
● Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojna (PMKMY) Scheme launched in 2019 aims to
provide social security net for the Small and Marginal Farmers (SMF) by way of
pension. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
● The Scheme is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, where a minimum fixed
pension of Rs.3,000/-per month will be provided to the eligible small and marginal
farmers, subject to certain exclusion clauses, on attaining the age of 60 years. Hence,
statement 1 is correct.

3. Consider the following statements about Particulate matter (PM) 2.5.
1) These particles can reduce visibility.
2) These particles can be detected with naked eyes.
3) These particles can cause asthma.

Answer: B

Explanation
Impact of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5)
● Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 is an atmospheric particulate matter of diameter smaller than
2.5 micrometers.
● It causes respiratory problems and reduces visibility. The particles can only be detected
with the help of an electron microscope because they are so small. Hence, statement 1 is
correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
● Due to their size, the PM 2.5 particles can easily bypass the nose and throat and can
easily enter the circulatory system. The particles can also lead to chronic diseases such
as asthma, heart attack, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. Hence, statement 3 is
correct.

4. Consider the following statements about Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
1) It is an instrument being used by the European Union.
2) The mechanism will encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries.
3) The mechanism increases the export competitiveness of Indian products.