1. What is the theme of ‘World No Tobacco Day 2024’?
[A] Threat to our environment
[B] Grow food, not tobacco
[C] Protecting Children From Tobacco Industry Interference
[D] Commit to Quit
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Protecting Children From Tobacco Industry Interference]
Notes:
Observed annually on May 31st, World No Tobacco Day 2024 focuses on “Protecting Children From Tobacco Industry Interference.” The theme aims to safeguard young people from the harmful effects of tobacco and calls on the industry to cease targeting the youth with detrimental products.
2. According to the provisional estimate of the National Statistical Organisation (NSO), what was the growth rate of Indian economy in 2023-24?
[A] 7.6%
[B] 8.2%
[C] 6.6%
[D] 5.1%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [8.2%]
Notes:
According to the National Statistical Organisation (NSO), India’s GDP grew by 8.2% in FY 2023-24, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India’s estimate of 7.6%. This marks the ninth time since 1960-61 that GDP growth exceeded 8%. The high growth rate was driven by a strong performance in Q4 (January-March 2024), with a 7.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
3. Recently, which state has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning in the Class 7 ICT textbooks?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Gujarat
[C] Kerala
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
Kerala introduces AI learning in Class 7 ICT textbooks, pioneering a move to educate over 4 lakh students about Artificial Intelligence. The initiative aims to enhance technological education, familiarizing students with AI concepts from a young age. This forward-looking step reflects Kerala’s commitment to modernizing its education system and preparing students for future technological advancements.
4. Funan Techno Canal project, recently seen in news, is associated with which country?
[A] Malaysia
[B] Cambodia
[C] Indonesia
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cambodia]
Notes:
Cambodia plans to commence construction on the Funan Techo canal, a 180-kilometer project funded by China. This canal will link Kep, a coastal province, to the capital Phnom Penh via the Bassac River, diminishing reliance on Vietnamese ports for international shipping. It aims to boost Cambodia’s connectivity and trade autonomy.
5. Recently, which state/UT has declared human rabies a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897?
[A] Lakshadweep
[B] Jammu and Kashmir
[C] Sikkim
[D] Nagaland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
The government of Jammu and Kashmir has designated human rabies as a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897. Rabies, caused by the RABV virus, is a fatal viral disease affecting the central nervous system. It primarily spreads through the saliva of infected animals, with domestic dogs being the main transmitters. Rabies poses a significant threat, especially in Asia and Africa, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and remains a neglected tropical disease.
6. Pampa Lake, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Gujarat
[C] Odisha
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Karnataka]
Notes:
A team from the Karnataka State Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage has discovered rock shelter paintings estimated to be 2,500 years old near Pampa Lake in the Hampi World Heritage Area. Pampa Lake, located in Karnataka’s Koppal district near Hampi, is one of the five sacred lakes in Hindu mythology. Surrounded by hills and temples, it holds cultural and religious significance, featuring prominently in Hindu epics like the Ramayana.
7. Which glacier is the source of Sunkoshi River, recently in news?
[A] Langtang Glacier
[B] Zhangzangbo Glacier
[C] Laigou Galicer
[D] Pindar Glacier
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Zhangzangbo Glacier]
Notes:
A recent river cleanup campaign, part of the PLEASE (Plastic Free Rivers and Seas of South Asia) program, removed 24,575 kg of waste from the Sunkoshi River and its banks. The Sunkoshi, also called the ‘river of gold,’ is in Nepal, forming part of the Koshi River system. Originating from the Zhangzangbo Glacier in Tibet, it joins the Ganga in Bihar, India, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. It’s renowned for challenging rapids and popular for rafting in Nepal.
8. Recently, where was the U.S.-led Indo Pacific Economic Framework ministerial meeting held?
[A] Vietnam
[B] Mexico
[C] Singapore
[D] Malaysia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Singapore]
Notes:
The US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework is convening a ministerial meeting in Singapore. The gathering includes major firms participating in a “Clean Economy” investor forum aimed at enhancing infrastructure and climate investments across the region.
9. What is ‘Parengyodontium album’, recently seen in news?
[A] Amoeba
[B] Fungus
[C] Bacteria
[D] Protein
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Fungus]
Notes:
Marine microbiologists from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research discovered the marine fungus Parengyodontium album, which can break down plastic polyethylene (PE) in the ocean. This fungus converts PE-derived carbon into fungal biomass, aided by UV sunlight’s initial photodegradation of PE. This discovery highlights its potential in reducing oceanic plastic litter. Annually, humans produce over 400 billion kilograms of plastic, much of which pollutes the ocean.
10. “A world of debt: A growing burden to global prosperity” report, recently in news, was prepared by which organization?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[C] World Bank
[D] UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)]
Notes:
The UNCTAD report “A World of Debt: A Growing Burden to Global Prosperity” highlights a record global public debt of $97 trillion in 2023. Key findings include the rise of African countries with debt-to-GDP ratios above 60% from 6 to 27 between 2013 and 2023, developing nations’ net interest payments reaching $847 billion, and 3.3 billion people living where interest exceeds education and health spending. Developing countries’ public debt rose to $29 trillion, driven by “cascading crises” and uneven economic performance.