1. According to National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), what is the predicted growth rate of Indian economy in 2024-25?
[A] 6%
[B] 7%
[C] 8%
[D] 8.5%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [7%]
Notes:
The National Council of Applied Economic Research predicts India’s economy to surpass 7% growth this fiscal year, citing global growth, trade acceleration, and a promising monsoon. The IMF has raised India’s growth forecast for 2024-25 to 6.8%, up from 6.5%. Government data reveals a 7.6% growth in FY24.
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. What is the purpose of the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) in the context of recent IMF’s assistance to Pakistan?
[A] Short-term financial assistance for balance of payments problems
[B] Long-term development assistance
[C] Infrastructure investment funding
[D] Humanitarian aid support
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Short-term financial assistance for balance of payments problems]
Notes:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $1.1 billion disbursement to Pakistan under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), aimed at addressing balance of payments issues. SBAs offer short-term financial aid to member countries, commonly used by both advanced and emerging economies. Eligibility extends to nations with external financing needs. Funding is contingent on policy reforms, including quantitative targets and structural measures. Loan duration ranges from 12 to 36 months.
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, the Indian Army and the Punit Balan Group collaborated to open the India’s first Constitution Park in which city?
[A] Ahmedabad
[B] Pune
[C] Jaipur
[D] Varanasi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pune]
Notes:
The Indian Army and the Punit Balan Group joined hands to inaugurate Pune’s inaugural Constitution Park. Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar Singh led the ceremony, stressing citizens’ constitutional duties for India’s progress by 2047. He highlighted the global importance of the Indian Constitution, which secures Fundamental Rights and underscores Fundamental Duties. Understanding these rights and responsibilities is pivotal for India’s development.
6. What is the theme of ‘World Press Freedom Day 2024’?
[A] A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis
[B] Shaping a Future of Rights
[C] Journalism under Digital Siege
[D] Information as a Public Good
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis]
Notes:
World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, 2024, focuses on “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.” Emphasizing journalism’s role in addressing global environmental issues, it highlights the importance of a free press in informing the public and holding decision-makers accountable. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, it commemorates the Declaration of Windhoek, promoting press freedom globally.
7. 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.
8. Recently, NPCI signed an agreement with which African country for UPI-like instant payment services?
[A] Namibia
[B] Tanzania
[C] Kenya
[D] Nigeria
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Namibia]
Notes:
NPCI’s overseas arm signed a pact with the Bank of Namibia to develop a UPI-like instant payment system for Namibia, leveraging India’s UPI technology and experiences. The collaboration aims to modernize Namibia’s financial ecosystem, enhancing accessibility, affordability, and connectivity with domestic and international payment networks. It also emphasizes interoperability, signaling a significant step towards improving financial inclusion and digital transactions in Namibia.
9. 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.
10. Recently, which country’s men’s team won 11th Thomas Cup by defeating Indonesia?
[A] China
[B] Malaysia
[C] India
[D] Vietnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
The 2024 BWF Thomas and Uber Cup, held in Chengdu, China, saw the Chinese badminton team’s dominance, winning both men’s and women’s titles. In the Thomas Cup, China beat Indonesia 4-1, claiming their 11th victory. India, defending champions, lost to China in the quarterfinals. The Uber Cup followed a similar narrative. China’s victory marks the first time since 2012 that one nation has clinched both titles at the world team championships.
