1. Which country has launched the ‘Young Professional Scheme’ for visas to Indians aged between 18 and 30?
[A] USA
[B] UK
[C] Australia
[D] Canada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [UK]
Notes:
The British government has opened its second ballot under the UK-India Young Professional Scheme. This is a scheme for Indians aged between 18 and 30 years with graduate-level qualifications for visas to the United Kingdom.
It offers eligible young Indians the opportunity to live, work or study in UK for up to two years. This joint scheme between UK and India was formally launched this year in February. This scheme will enable candidates to enter the UK at any time while their visa is valid and leave or return anytime during their stay.
2. Which city hosted the ‘Global ESG Conclave 2.0’ event?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Dubai
[C] New York
[D] Malaysia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dubai]
Notes:
The Global ESG Conclave 2.0, organised by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India was held in Dubai.
The sessions were aimed to shed light on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into strategic business decisions and quantifying their impact on financial infrastructure and sustainability.
3. As per Health Ministry data, which state recorded the most deaths due to heatwaves till June-end?
[A] Bihar
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Kerala
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
As many as 120 people died in Kerala due to heatwave till June-end, the highest in the country, said a Health Ministry statement in the Lok Sabha.
Gujarat saw 35 deaths due to heatwaves. It is followed by Telangana with 20.
4. Which country grants stapled visas to Indian nationals from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir?
[A] Myanmar
[B] China
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
A stapled visa is an unstamped paper attached to a passport page using a pin or staples, which can be easily torn off or removed as desired.
China has adopted a policy of granting stapled visas to Indian nationals from Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. While China considers these visas as valid documents, the Government of India has consistently rejected this stance.
5. What is the expansion of ‘CDMDF’ which was launched by the Union Finance Minister recently?
[A] Corporate Debt Market Development Fund
[B] Company Debt Market Development Fund
[C] Client Debt Market Development Fund
[D] Corporate Dual Market Development Fund
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Corporate Debt Market Development Fund]
Notes:
The AMC Repo Clearing Limited (ARCL) and Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF) were inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The CDMDF was announced in the 2021-22 Union Budget to enhance liquidity in the Corporate Bond market during stressed and normal times.
6. Which north-eastern state exported over 1.3 tonnes of Pineapples to the Middle East?
[A] Assam
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Meghalaya
[D] Mizoram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Meghalaya]
Notes:
Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Government of Meghalaya and Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) has recently facilitated market linkages of over 1.3 tonnes of Pineapples to the Middle East.
The pineapples from Meghalaya are being sold across malls in Dubai, Kuwait and Sharjah.
7. Which institution barred intermediaries for annuities business?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] PFRDA
[D] IRDAI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [PFRDA]
Notes:
Pension regulator PFRDA has barred Annuity Service Providers (ASPs) from deploying any agency of intermediaries for sourcing annuities business from NPS subscribers upon their retirement or exit from the NPS.
Annuities under National Pension System (NPS) can be issued by ASPs only under direct channels, as per the official sources.
8. ‘Rocket Force’ is the strategic and tactical missile force of which country?
[A] Ukraine
[B] China
[C] Russia
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
The Rocket Force of China’s People’s Liberation Army is responsible for the strategic and tactical missile operations and is tasked with managing the nation’s nuclear arsenal.
Recently, China introduced fresh leadership for its Rocket Force, appointing new officials to replace the two previous generals who were in charge of the country’s missile forces.
9. ‘Great Barrier Reef’ is the world’s largest coral reef system, located in which country?
[A] Australia
[B] Japan
[C] Indonesia
[D] Philippines
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Australia]
Notes:
‘Great Barrier Reef’ is the world’s largest coral reef system, located in Australia. UNESCO, the United Nations organization responsible for deciding on the potential in danger listing of the Great Barrier Reef, chose to postpone the decision for another year rather than voting on it.
This is mainly due to the change in approach by the Australian government.
10. Which institution has developed a Point-Of-Care Testing (POCT) prototype to detect the UTI-causing bacteria?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IIT Guwahati
[C] NIV
[D] AIIMS
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IIT Guwahati]
Notes:
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is a health problem globally, including India, and is particularly common in females, especially during pregnancy.
The Point-Of-Care Testing (POCT) prototype developed at IIT Guwahati, is a photodetector that detects and quantifies a UTI-causing bacteria called ‘Klebsiella pneumoniae’ within five minutes from a patient’s urine sample.