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. Recently, where was the high-level event on AMR, ‘Forging partnerships between science and policy,’ organized?
[A] Paris, France
[B] Barcelona, Spain
[C] London, UK
[D] New Delhi, India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Barcelona, Spain]
Notes:
The European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and the Global Leaders Group (GLG) on AMR organized a high-level event in Barcelona, Spain. It aims to unite world leaders and experts across sectors to boost political action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Established in 2020, the GLG advises on AMR and is supported by the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat involving FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH, to maintain global momentum and leadership on AMR.
3. Which ministry recently signed an MoU with Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation for knowledge support on critical minerals?
[A] Ministry of Mines
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Mines]
Notes:
The Ministry of Mines and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation signed an MoU to enhance knowledge support for critical minerals crucial to India’s economic growth, national security, and low-carbon energy transition. The agreement was inked during the ‘Critical Minerals Summit’ at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, emphasizing the importance of beneficiation and processing capabilities.
4. Recently, India has initiated Project ISHAN (Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management) in which city?
[A] Indore, Madhya Pradesh
[B] Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
[C] Nagpur, Maharashtra
[D] Jaipur, Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nagpur, Maharashtra]
Notes:
India has initiated Project ISHAN (Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management) in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The project aims to streamline air traffic management (ATM) by consolidating India’s four Flight Information Regions (FIRs) into a single system overseen from Nagpur. India’s airspace is currently divided into four FIRs and a sub-FIR at Guwahati. The FIRs are controlled by India through Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, with a sub-FIR at Guwahati. India also shares its FIRs with 12 neighboring countries.
5. Recently, which IIT has been granted a patent for its cost-effective inverter?
[A] IIT Patna
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Kanpur
[D] IIT Bombay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IIT Patna]
Notes:
The Indian Institute of Technology-Patna (IIT-P) secured a patent for its lightweight, compact inverter, developed under the startup scheme ‘Portable Power Technology’. The invention integrates battery and inverter into one unit, reducing weight by 80%. Designed by five young scientists and guided by A K Thakur, it promises clean energy generation with improved battery life. The patent ensures IIT-P’s copyright for 20 years, facilitating commercial use from next month.
6. Which day is celebrated as ‘World Tuna Day’ every year?
[A] 1 May
[B] 2 May
[C] 3 May
[D] 4 May
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2 May]
Notes:
World Tuna Day, celebrated annually on May 2nd, highlights the decline in global tuna stocks and the necessity of enforcing international regulations for their preservation. Tuna, vital for both developed and developing nations, faces threats from overfishing. The day emphasizes sustainable fishing practices, reducing bycatch, and promoting international cooperation to ensure future tuna supplies. It serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to address the challenges confronting the tuna industry globally.
7. 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.
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. Archaeologists have recently discovered a 7000-year-old prehistoric settlement in which country?
[A] Serbia
[B] Bulgaria
[C] Romania
[D] Finland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Serbia]
Notes:
Archaeologists unearthed a 7000-year-old prehistoric settlement near the Tamiš River in northeastern Serbia. Spanning 11-13 hectares and encircled by 4-6 ditches, it dates to the late Neolithic era. Geophysical techniques uncovered Vinča culture artifacts, highlighting their presence in southeastern-central Europe. This discovery is pivotal, shedding light on the sparse identification of larger Late Neolithic settlements in the Serbian Banat region.
10. Recently, which country became the first to get $100 billion in remittances?
[A] Myanmar
[B] Nepal
[C] India
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
In 2022, India made history by receiving over $100 billion in remittances, as reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). India’s remittances surged to $111 billion, surpassing all other nations. This milestone underscores India’s position as the leading recipient of remittances globally. Mexico followed as the second-largest recipient, a position it held in 2021. The report highlights India’s significant economic ties with its diaspora worldwide.