1. Hamza Yousaf, who recently announced his resignation, was first minister of which country?
[A] Scotland
[B] Poland
[C] Ireland
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Scotland]
Notes:
Humza Yousaf resigned as Scotland’s first minister and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) after 13 months in office, amidst political turmoil. His leadership faced criticism following the SNP’s failed coalition with the Scottish Greens, leading to upcoming no-confidence motions.
2. Which organization recently released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR), 2023?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] CSIR
[D] ICAR
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ISRO]
Notes:
ISRO released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) highlighting a rise in space object population. ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM), operational since 2022, ensures ISRO’s space asset safety. Globally, 3143 objects were launched, with five major break-up events. India launched 127 satellites by 2023 and successfully conducted seven ISRO missions, including Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1. Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres increased to protect spacecraft from close approaches.
3. Old Kijabe Dam, recently seen news due to dam collapse, is located in which country?
[A] Tanzania
[B] Kenya
[C] Rwanda
[D] Somalia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kenya]
Notes:
The Old Kijabe Dam burst in southern Kenya, causing deadly floods attributed to climate change and El Nino. At least 42 people died in the dam breach near Kenya’s Rift Valley town. The Great Rift Valley, part of the East African Rift System, spans 4,000 miles across multiple countries, including Kenya. It’s a significant geological feature, stretching from Jordan to Mozambique’s coast, impacting regions like Eritrea, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
4. What is ‘Peucetia chhaparajnirvin’, recently seen in news?
[A] Newly discovered green lynx spider
[B] Traditional irrigation technique
[C] Invasive Weed
[D] Submarine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Newly discovered green lynx spider]
Notes:
Daryapur arachnologist unveils Peucetia chhaparajnirvin, a new green lynx spider species. Found in Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, it’s named after the locale. Typically dwelling on Vachellia nilotica leaves, its green hue aids camouflage for ambushing prey. With swift legs, it hunts nocturnally, feasting on small insects. Lynx spiders, known for their active hunting style sans webs, belong to the family Oxyopidae in the order Araneida.
5. 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.
6. Red colobus monkeys, recently seen in news, primarily found in which region?
[A] African Savanna
[B] Amazon Rainforest
[C] Western Australia
[D] Mississippi Valley
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [African Savanna ]
Notes:
Red colobus monkeys, belonging to genus Procolobus, inhabit African Savanna across West, Central, and East Africa. The Savanna’s diverse habitat offers ample trees and food sources like leaves and fruits. They serve as seed dispersers and prey for predators. Living in social groups, they exhibit striking features with reddish-brown fur. This species plays a vital ecological role in their habitat, vital for maintaining the balance in their ecosystem.
7. Cricketer Devon Thomas, recently banned by ICC, belongs to which country?
[A] England
[B] Australia
[C] West Indies
[D] Pakistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [West Indies ]
Notes:
The ICC has banned West Indies cricketer Devon Thomas for five years due to breaching anti-corruption codes of SLC, ECB, and CPL. The ban was imposed by the ICC as the designated Anti-Corruption Official. Thomas accepted the charges, leading to the sanction without a tribunal hearing. The ban includes a suspension of the last 18 months. Thomas admitted to violating several provisions of the codes.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Which High Court recently issued directives to combat the use of spurious oxytocin hormone in dairy colonies due to animal cruelty?
[A] Calcutta High Court
[B] Delhi High Court
[C] Bombay High Court
[D] Gujarat High Court
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Delhi High Court]
Notes:
The Delhi High Court mandates action against oxytocin use in city dairies due to animal cruelty concerns. Weekly inspections and legal actions ordered by the Delhi government to combat oxytocin misuse, with police involvement. Oxytocin boosts milk production but harms cattle and humans, leading to health issues like uterine ruptures and milk contamination. Misuse violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Drugs and Cosmetics Act, posing risks to both animals and consumers.