11th January 2025

Explanation:
Assertion (A) is true. The Genome India Project is indeed crucial for advancing personalized medicine in India, as it allows researchers to learn about genetic variants unique to India's population groups and use that information to customize drugs and therapies.
Reason (R) is also true. The project has sequenced the genomes of 10,000 Indians from 99 distinct populations, producing 8 petabytes of data stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre.
However, R is not the correct explanation of A. While the sequencing of 10,000 genomes is an important step, it is not the direct reason why the project is crucial for advancing personalized medicine. The project's significance lies in its ability to identify genetic variations specific to Indian populations, which can then be used to develop  targeted treatments and improve drug efficacy and safety.

Explanation:
The LAMB3 mutation, which causes a lethal skin condition, affects nearly 4% of the population near Madurai and is absent in global databases. This discovery highlights the importance of studying India's genetic makeup to identify unique genetic variants and their associated health implications1.

Explanation:
A-2: The Anji Khad Bridge is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge1
B-1: The total length of the bridge spans 725.5 metres1
C-4: The bridge features a 193-metre-tall main pylon1
D-3: The bridge's design allows it to withstand wind speeds of up to 213 km/h1

Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Henley Passport Index is based on exclusive data from the International Air
Transport Association (IATA), not the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Statement 2 is incorrect. India's ranking has dropped five places – from 80th to 85th – in the list of the world's most powerful passports1.
Statement 3 is incorrect. While many European Union member states occupy top positions, not all top five positions are held by EU countries. For example, Singapore holds the top rank, and New Zealand is included in the fifth position1.
Statement 4 is correct. The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations1.

Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The Genome India Project aims to sequence the genomes of over 10,000 Indians from different regions of the country to establish a reference genome for the Indian population1.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The sequencing data is not freely accessible to all researchers worldwide. It is only available to research institutes partnering with the Department of Biotechnology, and researchers must submit proposals and collaborate to access the database.
Statement 3 is correct. The project has identified genetic variants unique to India's population groups, such as the MYBPC3 mutation, which is linked to cardiac arrest at a young age and is found in 4.5% of the Indian population  but is rare globally.

Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The correction in gold import figures for November 2024 led to a decrease in the reported trade deficit from $38 billion to $33 billion.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The data discrepancy was caused by a migration issue from SEZ Online to Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE), not the other way around
Statement 3 is correct. The revision raised concerns about potential inaccuracies in India's trade statistics, with think tanks urging the government to proactively review trade data for accuracy across other commodities.