31. Which state has slashed value added tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to 4 per cent from 20 per cent?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Telangana
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jharkhand]
Notes:
To strengthen air connectivity to the state and boost tourism, Jharkhand government slashed VAT (value added tax) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to 4 per cent from 20 per cent.
Recently, the price of ATF was reduced by 1.3percent which was the first reduction after it was hiked for 10 rounds of hike in ATF prices. ATF constitutes about 40 per cent of the operating cost of an airline.
32. Which country recently launched its most advanced aircraft carrier named ‘Fujian’?
[A] UAE
[B] China
[C] North Korea
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
China recently launched its third aircraft carrier named ‘Fujian’. It is also the country’s most advanced and the first fully domestically built naval vessel.
Fujian is the name of China’s eastern coastal province of Fujian. Liaoning and Shandong are names of the two previous aircraft carriers of China. China plans to have around five aircraft carriers while the next carrier is expected to be nuclear-powered.
33. ‘Operation Friendship Border 2022’, which was seen in the news recently, is associated with which bloc?
[A] G-20
[B] European Union
[C] SCO
[D] BIMSTEC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [SCO]
Notes:
The 8th meeting of the heads of the border services of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of India.
The members approved the plan for the preparation and conduct of the Joint Border Operation Friendship Border 2022. They also approved the work plan of the group of experts of the Border Services of the SCO member states for 2023.
34. The European Commission has recommended which country to be granted ‘European Union’ (EU) candidate status?
[A] Malta
[B] Ukraine
[C] Albania
[D] Bulgaria
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ukraine]
Notes:
The European Commission has recommended that Ukraine should be granted European Union candidate status.
The recommendation from the EU’s executive arm will be discussed by leaders of the 27-nation bloc during the upcoming summit in Brussels. The European Commission also proposed making Moldova, which shares a long border with Ukraine, an EU membership candidate.
35. Edakoodam is a popular wooden toy made in which Indian state/UT?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] West Bengal
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
Edakoodam is the name of a wooden puzzle toy, which was popular among children and was a part of every household in Kerala, during earlier times.
There are many efforts being taken in Kerala to popularise the wooden puzzle by teaching the art of making and solving Edakoodam popular among children and adults.
36. The ‘Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)’ functions under the aegis of which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Labour and Employment
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of MSME
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Labour and Employment]
Notes:
The ‘Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)’ functions under the aegis of Ministry of Labour and Employment.
ESIC has announced that its Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme will be implemented throughout the country by the end of 2022. The health insurance scheme is fully implemented in 443 districts and partially implemented in 153 districts. As many as 148 districts are not covered under the ESI Scheme at present.
37. The traditional Slavic festival of Noc Kupaly is celebrated during__?
[A] Winter solstice
[B] Summer solstice
[C] Solar equinox
[D] Spring equinox
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Summer solstice]
Notes:
Noc Kupaly is celebrated by Poland and other Slavic countries during the shortest night of the year (summer solstice). This pagan festival celebrates the idea of fertility and purification. The celebrations involve bonfire lighting, herb collecting and bathing in a river.
38. Which year has been designated as ASEAN-India Friendship year?
[A] 2021
[B] 2022
[C] 2023
[D] 2025
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2022]
Notes:
The year 2022 has been designated as the ASEAN-India Friendship year. This year marks the 30th anniversary of dialogue relations between India and ASEAN countries. The diplomatic ties between the two sides commenced in the early 1990s.
39. Bavarian Alps, which recently made news, is situated in__?
[A] Russia
[B] France
[C] Switzerland
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Germany]
Notes:
Bavarian Alps are mountain ranges located with the German state of Bavaria. The G7 Leaders’ Summit 2022 is set to take place from June 26 to 28 in the Bavarian Alps. Germany, which took over the G7 presidency at the beginning of this year, will host the event.
40. Which country is currently India’s largest trading partner?
[A] United States
[B] China
[C] Russia
[D] United Kingdom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
According to the latest data of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the United States is India’s largest trading partner. The bilateral trade is worth 119.42 billion USD. India’s second largest trading partner is China.