1. Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), recently seen in news, is a specialized agency comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Power
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Urban Development
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Finance]
Notes:
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), established in 2004 under the Ministry of Finance recently issued alert indicators under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for various sectors, including capital markets, insurance, online payment gateways, and cryptocurrency services. It analyzes suspicious financial transactions to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. Organizations like banks, stockbrokers, and insurance companies are mandated to register with FIU-IND as reporting entities under PMLA.
2. Red Colobus Conservation Action Plan, recently seen in news, is an initiative of which organization?
[A] IUCN
[B] WMO
[C] WHO
[D] WWF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IUCN]
Notes:
A new study highlights Red colobus as key to tropical forest conservation. Imperiled across Africa, they’re vital biodiversity indicators and one of two major simian groups globally. Facing extinction due to hunting and habitat loss, over half are Endangered or Critically Endangered. The Red Colobus Conservation Action Plan, led by IUCN, aims to prioritize their conservation, safeguarding Africa’s forests and curbing unsustainable hunting.
3. Recently, where was the 7th India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting held?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Jakarta
[C] Chennai
[D] Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
India and Indonesia recently held their seventh Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting in New Delhi, focusing on expanding collaboration in defence industry, maritime security, and multilateral cooperation. Both nations expressed satisfaction with the growing scope of defence cooperation. The meeting emphasized defence industry collaboration involving firms like Bharat Forge and Mahindra Defence. They stressed maritime security cooperation and highlighted Indonesia’s role in India’s Act East Policy. The collaboration aims to boost military capabilities and address common security challenges.
4. What is the rank of India in the World Press Freedom Index 2024?
[A] 158
[B] 159
[C] 160
[D] 161
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [159]
Notes:
India’s World Press Freedom Index score declined from 36.62 to 31.28 in 2024, per Reporters Without Borders. This annual report assesses journalism freedoms across 180 nations. India’s rank improved from 161 to 159 due to others’ decline. However, India lags behind Turkey, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Despite a slight improvement in security, scores fell across other indicators, signaling challenges to press independence.
5. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) recently proposed to develop a deep-sea port in Bataan. where is Bataan located?
[A] Philippines
[B] Malaysia
[C] Indonesia
[D] Maldives
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Philippines]
Notes:
APSEZ, backed by President Marcos, plans a deep port in Bataan, Philippines, focusing on ports, airports, power, and defense. Regional expansion targets agricultural product ports, fostering tourism and business gateways. Adani cites stable leadership and environment as reasons for investment, indicating confidence in the Philippines’ potential.
6. What is ‘Chloropicrin’, recently seen in news?
[A] Submarine
[B] Chemical weapon
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Asteroid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chemical weapon]
Notes:
The United States accuses Russia of using chloropicrin, a chemical warfare agent, in Ukraine. Chloropicrin, originally a poison gas in WWI, is a broad-spectrum chemical with various applications. It’s highly volatile, appearing as a colorless to yellow oily liquid. Exposure induces severe irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, causing vomiting. Chemical weapons, utilizing toxic effects on organisms, aim to cause harm or death.
7. What is ‘MQ-9B Predator’, recently seen in the news?
[A] A technique used to remove pest from crop
[B] High Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
[C] Nuclear Ballistic Submarine
[D] Earth Observation Satellite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [High Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle]
Notes:
India will acquire MQ-9B Predator drones from the US, deploying them in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, it’s a high-altitude, long-endurance armed UAV. Used by the US for surveillance and airstrikes, it has two variants: SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian. The latter has been utilized by the Indian Navy since 2020.
8. Recently, José Raúl Mulino has been elected as the new President of which country?
[A] Guatemala
[B] Cuba
[C] Panama
[D] Nicaragua
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Panama]
Notes:
José Raúl Mulino, 64, wins Panama’s presidential election with nearly 35% of votes and a 9% lead over rivals. Outgoing president, Laurentino Cortizo, congratulates him. The election, held on May 5, 2024, saw Mulino stand in for Ricardo Martinelli, who faced legal troubles. Mulino, supported by Martinelli’s party, acknowledges his assistance. Martinelli fled after a money laundering conviction. Elections also chose parliament and local governments for the next five years.
9. Which day is observed as ‘World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day’?
[A] 7 May
[B] 8 May
[C] 9 May
[D] 10 May
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [8 May]
Notes:
Every year on May 8th, World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day honors the efforts of these humanitarian societies, including the IFRC, the largest of its kind. Originating from the 14th International Conference of the Red Cross in 1938, the date marks the birth of Jean Henri Dunant, founder of the Red Cross. Renamed in 1984, this day’s theme for 2024, “Everything we do comes from the heart,” reflects the compassion driving their actions.
10. In which district Tripura’s first International Cricket Stadium is being constructed?
[A] South Tripura
[B] West Tripura
[C] Dhalai
[D] Gomati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [West Tripura]
Notes:
The Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) is poised to unveil the state’s inaugural international cricket stadium in Narsingarh, West Tripura. The stadium, slated for inauguration by February 2025, aims to host major cricket events. Construction commenced in 2017 with a 22-month target, but delays prompted weekly reviews for expedited progress. Secretary Subrata Dey emphasized the project’s acceleration, targeting completion by January 2025 or mid-February, adhering to a clear roadmap.