31. When is the ‘International Day for Countering Hate Speech’ marked across the world?
[A] June 15
[B] June 18
[C] June 21
[D] June 24
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [June 18]
Notes:
18 June is marked as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. In July 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution “promoting inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech”.
Hate speech goes against the core principles of the UN Charter such as equality, peace, and respect for human dignity leading to social disharmony.
32. Shinde Sambhaji Shiwaji, Ujjal Bhuyan, Amjad Ahtesham Sayed, who were seen in the news recently, are associated with which profession?
[A] Scientists
[B] Judges
[C] Politicians
[D] Bureaucrats
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Judges]
Notes:
The Government has cleared the appointment of new chief justices in five high courts, as per the Law and Justice Ministry.
Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan will be appointed as the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court and Telangana High Court. Justice Amjad Ahtesham Sayed and Justice Shinde Sambhaji Shiwaji will take over as the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court and Rajasthan High Court. Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Rashmin M Chhaya were appointed as the Chief Justice of the Delhi and Guwahati High Courts respectively.
33. ‘Operation Sankalp’, which was seen in the news, is associated with which armed force?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Air Force
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indian Navy]
Notes:
Indian Navy’s stealth Frigate, INS Talwar is deployed for Operation Sankalp commemorating the 3rd continuous year of Indian Navy’s presence in the Gulf for protection of India’s Maritime Interests.
After attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf of Oman in June 2019, and the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region, Indian Navy had commenced Maritime Security Operations, code named ‘Op SANKALP’, in the Gulf Region to ensure safe passage of Indian Flag Vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
34. Which major country announced emergency measures including using of coal, after shortage of supply of Gas from Russia?
[A] UK
[B] Australia
[C] Germany
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Germany]
Notes:
Germany announced emergency measures including increased use of coal to boost gas storage levels and to phase out imports.
As Germany relies on Russia for most of its gas, it is affected after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which led to cut in deliveries. The new measures include increased reliance on coal-fired power plants and an auction system to incentivise industry to consume less.
35. Which neighbouring country of India has passed a Constitutional Amendment to empower Parliament over the President?
[A] Afghanistan
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Myanmar
[D] Nepal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
Sri Lankan cabinet passed the 21st Amendment to the Constitution to empower Parliament over the executive president.
The 21st Amendment is expected to dissolve the section, which gives unfettered powers to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after abolishing the 19th Amendment that will strengthen Parliament. It also includes reforms including barring dual citizens from contesting elections to hold public office.
36. Which wildlife sanctuary is location of India’s first-ever Dark Sky Reserve?
[A] Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
[B] Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
[C] Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary
[D] Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary]
Notes:
A part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh is going to become a Dark Sky Reserve, which will help promote astronomy-tourism. Once this region is declared as the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, efforts will be undertaken to protect the night sky from superfluous illumination and light pollution.
37. Who recently became the first black vice president of Colombia?
[A] Gustavo Petro
[B] Francia Marquez
[C] Virgilio Barco Vargas
[D] Juan Guaido
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Francia Marquez]
Notes:
Francia Marquez is set to be the first black woman to become the vice president of Colombia. The environmental activist received the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 2018 for standing up against gold mining.
38. The first case of monkeypox in humans was recorded in which country?
[A] Kenya
[B] Nigeria
[C] DRC
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [DRC]
Notes:
The first case of monkeypox was recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the year 1970. It is a rare zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Poxviridae family. Its symptoms are similar to smallpox but milder.
39. Where was the new species of crab named Lamarckdromia beagle discovered?
[A] Brazil
[B] Palau
[C] Australia
[D] New Zealand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Australia]
Notes:
Lamarckdromia beagle is a new species of crab discovered off Western Australia’s south coast. It was named in honour of HMS Beagle – the ship on which Charles Darwin explored the world while undertaking his research.
40. Where was the Indian Coast Guard’s 840 Squadron created?
[A] Visakhapatnam
[B] Chennai
[C] Mumbai
[D] Kolkata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chennai]
Notes:
The Indian Coast Guard’s new air squadron named 840 Squadron was created in Chennai on June 20, 2022. The squadron was initially created with an indigenous ALH Mark-III aircraft. This is the first such aircraft to be stationed in the eastern region.