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, who has been re-inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group ahead of the Paris Games?
[A] Pooja Khanna
[B] Deepika Kumari
[C] Gagandeep Kaur
[D] Muskan Kirar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Deepika Kumari]
Notes:
Former world number one archer Deepika Kumari re-inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group for Paris Games. TOPS, initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2014 (revamped in 2018), aims to enhance India’s Olympic and Paralympic performance. Funded by the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) and Khelo India scheme, it identifies elite athletes through the TOPS Elite Athletes’ Identification Committee and provides targeted training via the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC).
3. What is the theme of ‘International Labour Day 2024’?
[A] Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate
[B] All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance
[C] Universal Social Protection to End Child Labor
[D] Resilient Recovery
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate]
Notes:
Every year, May 1st marks International Labour Day, celebrated worldwide, including in India, to honor the contributions of the labor movement. Originating from the 1886 Chicago labor strike demanding an eight-hour workday, it gained significance after the Haymarket incident. In 1889, leaders from twenty nations established it as International Labour Day. The 2024 theme focuses on workplace safety and health amidst climate change, emphasizing ongoing challenges faced by workers globally.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Recently, which institution released the ‘Aging well in Asia: Asian Development Policy Report’?
[A] World Bank
[B] Asian Development Bank (ADB)
[C] European Investment Bank (EIB)
[D] African Development Bank (AfDB)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Asian Development Bank (ADB) ]
Notes:
The Asian Development Bank’s report on Aging well in Asia highlights four vital aspects of older persons’ well-being: health, productive work, economic security, and social engagement. It reveals that developing Asia faces rapid aging, with the older population set to almost double to 25.2% by 2050. India’s challenges include low health insurance coverage (21%) for older individuals and heavy reliance (80%–90%) on private income and assets for retirement.
7. In the recent decision by the Supreme Court, what percent of seats has been reserved specifically for women in the bar association committee?
[A] 25%
[B] 30%
[C] 32%
[D] 33%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [33%]
Notes:
The Supreme Court reserved one-third of SCBA executive committee seats for women. Minimum 3 out of 9 positions and 2 of 6 Senior Executive Member posts will be for women. At least one office-bearer post exclusively for women by rotation. Treasurer post in 2024-2025 election reserved for women. Reservation ensures minimum representation, eligible women can contest all committee posts. Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan directed the decision.
8. Recently, India and the Netherlands organized which round of foreign consultations in The Hague?
[A] 11th
[B] 12th
[C] 13th
[D] 14th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [12th]
Notes:
India and the Netherlands held the 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in The Hague on May 2, 2024. The consultations were led by Shri Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The meeting was a chance to evaluate progress since the last FOC in New Delhi in December 2022. During the meeting, India and the Netherlands agreed to strengthen their bilateral ties by focusing on new technologies like green hydrogen and semiconductors.
9. Lakshya Aircraft, recently seen in the news, is designed and built by which organization?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] CSIR
[D] BHEL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [DRDO]
Notes:
The Aeronautical Development Establishment, a Bengaluru-based Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab, creator of Lakshya aircraft, is under CBI scrutiny. Lakshya, a micro-light, pilot-less aircraft, was developed by ADE for Indian Armed Forces, inducted in 2000 (IAF), 2001 (IN), and 2003 (IA). Cost-effective, reusable, with HAL-manufactured engine, it aids weapon system trials, carries tow targets for training, and launches from land or sea. Controlled via GCS, it’s designed for 15 missions, countering airborne threats.
10. What is the primary function of Boeing Starliner, recently seen in news?
[A] Exploring distant planets
[B] Transporting astronauts to the space station
[C] Providing wireless internet
[D] Conducting scientific experiments in space
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Transporting astronauts to the space station]
Notes:
An Atlas V rocket is poised to launch Boeing’s Starliner crew capsule on its third test flight, marking the first with astronauts aboard. Starliner is a spacecraft designed to ferry astronauts to space, consisting of a crew capsule and service module. With innovative features like wireless internet and tablet interfaces, it’s reusable up to 10 times, fitting atop Atlas V rockets operated by United Launch Alliance, a Boeing-Lockheed Martin venture.
