1. 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.
2. Kankesanthurai Port, recently seen in news, is located in which country?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Myanmar
[C] Bangladesh
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approves renovation of Kankesanthurai Port, funded entirely by India. The port, located in the Northern Province, spans about 16 acres and is 104 km from Karaikal Port in Puducherry, India. The decision underscores efforts to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in the region. Additionally, a direct passenger ship service links Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai, covering 111 km in around three and a half hours.
3. What is ‘Antares’, recently seen in news?
[A] Submarine
[B] AI tool
[C] Red supergiant star
[D] Invasive plant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Red supergiant star]
Notes:
The Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) recorded the moon passing in front of Antares, a massive red supergiant star in Scorpius constellation. Antares, 10,000 times brighter than the Sun, is 700 times its diameter and lies 600 light-years away. Despite its size, Antares has low density and temperature, around 6,100°F (3,400°C), giving it a ruddy color. Red supergiants are large, cool stars approaching the end of their lives, highly luminous but with low surface temperature.
4. What is the primary purpose of a Look Out Circular (LOC), recently mentioned in the news?
[A] To track the movement of tourists within a country
[B] To regulate the physical movement of individuals under investigation or wanted by law enforcement agencies
[C] To facilitate the smooth entry of diplomats into a country
[D] To monitor the movement of goods across borders
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To regulate the physical movement of individuals under investigation or wanted by law enforcement agencies]
Notes:
The Bombay High Court ruled that public sector banks can’t recommend Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against loan defaulters. LOCs are government directives to immigration authorities, restricting a person’s movement. They’re used by law enforcement to prevent individuals under investigation from leaving or entering the country. Typically issued by police or intelligence agencies, LOCs are a tool authorized by the Ministry of Home Affairs to detain suspects at designated ports.
5. Bhadra Tiger Reserve, recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Gujarat
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Bhadra Tiger Reserve, located in Karnataka’s Western Ghats, has seen a surge in safari visitors. Tourists must tread carefully in this eco-sensitive zone. The reserve, declared India’s 25th Project Tiger site in 1998, houses a significant tiger population alongside elephants and diverse fauna. Drained by the Bhadra River, it boasts dry-deciduous to semi-evergreen vegetation, including teak and medicinal plants. Other Karnataka tiger reserves include Bandipur, Nagarhole, Dandeli-Anshi, and Biligiriranga.
6. 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.
7. Recently, Adani Green Energy Ltd has secured $400 million green loan for its under-construction solar projects in which states?
[A] Haryana & Punjab
[B] Bihar & Jharkhand
[C] Rajasthan & Gujarat
[D] Tamil Nadu & Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rajasthan & Gujarat]
Notes:
Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), India’s top renewable energy firm, secured USD 400 million in funding from five international banks for its 750 MW solar projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat. These projects are scheduled to start operating from November 2024. The Rajasthan project, with 500 MW capacity, has a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with SECI, while the Gujarat project, with 250 MW capacity, is a standalone merchant power project in Khavda, the world’s largest RE cluster.
8. Recently, which country clinched Men’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2024 by defeating Uzbekistan?
[A] China
[B] Indonesia
[C] Japan
[D] Kazakhstan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Japan]
Notes:
Japan secured their second Men’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup title by defeating Uzbekistan in the final match held in Doha, Qatar. The solitary goal scored by substitute Yamada, secured Japan’s victory and a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Japanese goalkeeper’s crucial penalty saves ensured their win. Iraq claimed the bronze medal after defeating Indonesia in the semifinals.
9. Pakistan recently launched its first-ever lunar mission, iCube-Qamar, in collaboration with which country?
[A] Russia
[B] India
[C] China
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
Pakistan and China jointly launched iCube-Qamar, Pakistan’s inaugural lunar mission. The 7kg satellite, developed by Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology (IST), SUPARCO, and China’s SJTU, is part of China’s Chang’e-6 mission. Equipped with two optical cameras, it orbits the moon, enabling Pakistan to conduct satellite-based research on lunar surface imagery independently.
10. Recently, which state has decided to implement the Central Government’s SMART-PDS scheme?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
Kerala embraces the SMART-PDS scheme, aimed at modernizing and enhancing efficiency in the Public Distribution System. Led by the Department of Food & Public Distribution, it aims to curb food grain leakage and improve distribution chain efficiency. This technology-driven initiative centralizes ration card data and enables real-time monitoring from procurement to distribution. Costs are shared between Union and State governments, with the State covering expenses for key components like training and infrastructure. Smart ration cards with beneficiary fingerprints ensure transparent transactions.