1. Recently, which organization has sanctioned a study on the impact evaluation of Geographical Indication (GI) products?
[A] SIDBI
[B] FSSAI
[C] NABARD
[D] ISRO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [NABARD]
Notes:
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) recently sanctioned a study on the impact evaluation of Geographical Indication (GI) products to Symbiosis School of Economics. A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The protection of intellectual property through laws will help to reap benefits in terms of economic growth, employment and income generation.
2. Taam Ja’ Blue Hole, recently in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Costa Rica
[B] Cuba
[C] Mexico
[D] Jamaica
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mexico]
Notes:
Scientists continue to explore Mexico’s Taam Ja’ Blue Hole in Chetumal Bay, hinting at a connection to a complex network of underwater caves. Blue holes, like Taam Ja’, are sinkholes formed by the dissolution of soluble rock, such as limestone. Taam Ja’ is the world’s deepest known underwater sinkhole, plunging at least 1,380 feet below sea level. It surpasses the previous record holder, the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, by 390 feet.
3. Recently, India and Croatia conducted the 11th session of Foreign Office Consultations at which place?
[A] Chennai
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Zagreb
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
India and Croatia convened their 11th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi. Discussions encompassed regional and global concerns, emphasizing bilateral relations’ enhancement in trade, defense, science, tourism, and culture. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges were underscored. Indian Secretary Pavan Kapoor and Croatian Director General Dr. Petar Mihatov led the respective delegations. They also deliberated on international cooperation, emphasizing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement’s timely conclusion.
4. Vinay Vir, who recently passed away, was associated with which field?
[A] Journalism
[B] Politics
[C] Sports
[D] Medicine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Journalism]
Notes:
Vinay Vir, the esteemed journalist, publisher, and editor of Daily Hindi Milap, known for championing Hindi in the South, passed away at 72. His impactful management and editing elevated Hindi’s presence. Born into a family of freedom fighters, Vinay Vir was a dedicated advocate for Hindi’s growth. Secretary of the Yudhvir Foundation, he honored achievers. His legacy remains intertwined with the advancement of Hindi and the recognition of talent.
5. Pattachitra paintings, recently seen in news, are associated with which states?
[A] Bihar & Jharkhand
[B] Odisha & West Bengal
[C] Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan
[D] Karnataka & Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha & West Bengal]
Notes:
In West Bengal, Swarna Chitrakar is a revered figure among the village’s patuas (scroll painters). The Prime Minister recently lauded Odisha’s Bhagyashree Sahu, another pattachitra artist, on his show Mann ki Baat. Pattachitra, a traditional cloth-based scroll painting, originates from Odisha and West Bengal, dating back to the 12th century. Patuas depict daily life scenes, accompanied by songs. Pattachitra serves ritual and souvenir purposes in Odisha, forming a key part of Bengali narrative art.
6. Recently, which country has launched a new currency ‘ZiG’?
[A] Rwanda
[B] Zimbabwe
[C] Somalia
[D] Botswana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Zimbabwe]
Notes:
Zimbabwe introduces the ZiG currency, aiming to stabilize its economy. The ZiG, backed by gold reserves, replaces the depreciated Zimbabwe dollar. Initially launched electronically, physical banknotes and coins are now in circulation. Despite efforts to restore faith, skepticism persists, with some government departments refusing to accept the new currency. This move reflects ongoing struggles to address Zimbabwe’s enduring economic challenges.
7. Bhimtal Lake, recently seen in news due to forest fires, is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Kerala
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
Recently, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter collected water from Bhimtal Lake in Nainital, Uttarakhand to help control a nearby forest fire.The Indian Army and the IAF were called in to help control the blaze, with MI-17 choppers lifting water from the lake for firefighting efforts. Bhimtal Lake, Uttarakhand’s largest lake in the Nainital district, is a centerpiece of the Kumaon region, dubbed India’s “lake district.” Named after the Mahabharata’s Bhima, it formed naturally due to Earth’s crust shifts. Constructed in 1883 during the British era, it features a masonry dam.
8. Recently, who took charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) Training Command (TC)?
[A] Swaroop Krishna
[B] Nagesh Kapoor
[C] Om Prakash Mehra
[D] Nirmal Chandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nagesh Kapoor]
Notes:
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor took charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) Training Command on May 1, 2024. Commissioned in 1986, he’s a veteran with over 3400 flying hours and notable stints as Commanding Officer and Station Commander. His roles include Chief Instructor at Air Force Academy, Defence Attaché in Pakistan, and staff positions in strategy and air defense. Prior to TC, he was Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air HQ.
9. Which regulatory body in India recently approved changes in mutual fund regulations to prevent front-running?
[A] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[B] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
[C] National Stock Exchange (NSE)
[D] Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)]
Notes:
SEBI approved changes in mutual fund regulations to combat front-running in Indian asset management companies (AMCs). Front-running, or trading with non-public information ahead of significant transactions, is illegal in India and can impact asset prices. It occurs in various financial markets like stocks and commodities. Common strategies include Buy-Buy-Sell (BBS) and Sell-Sell-Buy (SSB) patterns. These regulatory changes aim to safeguard market integrity and investor interests.
10. What is the causative agent of West Nile fever, recently in news?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Protozoa
[D] Fungus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Virus]
Notes:
Kerala’s health department confirms five West Nile fever cases in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Thrissur districts. Health Minister Veena George orders increased mosquito control measures. Four patients have recovered; one remains under observation. Kerala recorded its first West Nile case in 2011 and first death in 2022. The virus, traced back to Uganda in 1937, primarily infects birds and spreads via migratory birds. It’s a flavivirus, with global cases from Africa to the Americas. West Nile Fever, caused by the West Nile Virus (WNV), is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, Europe, and the Americas. It primarily spreads through infected mosquitoes biting birds and occasionally humans.