Q1. With reference to Tamil Nadu’s transgender-inclusive healthcare model, consider the following statements:
- Tamil Nadu is the first State in India to integrate gender-affirming care into Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
- WHO is preparing a global case study documenting Tamil Nadu’s model.
- Gender Guidance Clinics (GGCs) in Tamil Nadu were established under the National Health Mission.
How many of the above statements are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Correct Answer: b) Only two
In-depth Explanation
- Statement 1 – Correct
• Tamil Nadu is the first and only state to integrate gender-affirming care (hormones + surgeries + counselling) into UHC via CMCHIS. - Statement 2 – Correct
• WHO is preparing a global case study documenting TN’s model as a benchmark for inclusive UHC practices. - Statement 3 – Incorrect in UPSC framing
• Origin: GGCs began in 2008 at GH Chennai (early gender-affirming surgeries).
• NHM role: Provided support and scale-up from 2018, not establishment.
• UPSC focuses on the primary establishment year, so the statement is treated as incorrect.
Q2. According to the GLASS 2025 report, which of the following pathogens show highest resistance levels in India’s ICUs?
- Escherichia coli
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Vibrio cholerae
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 1 and 4 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only
In-depth Explanation
- E. coli → High ESBL + carbapenem resistance in ICUs.
- Klebsiella pneumoniae → Extremely high carbapenem resistance; ICU hotspot.
- MRSA → Endemic in Indian ICUs; high resistance burden.
- Vibrio cholerae → Not an ICU pathogen; community-level outbreaks → excluded.
Q3. Saranda Forest, recently in news, is located in which Indian state?
a) Odisha
b) Jharkhand
c) Chhattisgarh
d) West Bengal
Correct Answer: b) Jharkhand
In-depth Explanation
- Saranda → Asia’s largest sal forest, located in West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand.
- In news due to SC protection orders against iron-ore mining impacts and ecological fragility.
Q4. With reference to stress-linked Type 2 diabetes, consider the following statements:
- Chronic workplace stress raises cortisol levels, which increases hepatic glucose output.
- Stress-induced adrenaline surges improve post-meal glucose utilisation.
- Shift-work–related circadian disruption reduces insulin sensitivity.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
In-depth Explanation
- Statement 1 – Correct
• High cortisol → ↑ gluconeogenesis + insulin resistance. - Statement 2 – Incorrect
• Adrenaline worsens post-prandial glucose use (anti-insulin effect). - Statement 3 – Correct
• Shift work disrupts circadian rhythm → ↓ insulin sensitivity → ↑ T2DM risk.
Q5. Hepatitis A mainly causes which type of illness?
a) Chronic liver disease
b) Self-limiting viral hepatitis
c) Autoimmune liver disease
d) Alcoholic hepatitis
Correct Answer: b) Self-limiting viral hepatitis
In-depth Explanation
- HAV → acute, short-duration, does not cause chronic hepatitis.
- Recovery is complete in weeks; severe complications only in rare fulminant cases.
- Key UPSC point: No progression to cirrhosis or chronic liver damage.
