1. Harirod-Murghab River Basin (HMRB), recently seen in news, is located in which country?
[A] Afghanistan
[B] Pakistan
[C] Bhutan
[D] Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Afghanistan]
Notes:
A study mapped Afghanistan’s five river basins, each crucial for irrigation and regional dynamics. Notably, the Harirod-Murghab, originating in central mountains, sustains fertile lands in the northwest. The Helmand Basin, covering 51%, hosts Afghanistan’s longest river, vital in the southwest. The Kabul Basin, formed by the Kabul River, dominates the southeast’s drainage, while the Northern Basin differs in its internal flow. Understanding these basins aids water management and regional stability.
2. 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.
3. What is ‘LSAM 20 (Yard 130)’, recently seen in news?
[A] Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge
[B] Nuclear Powered Ballistic Submarine
[C] Method used for conservation of forest
[D] Earth observation satellite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge]
Notes:
The launch of the ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130)’, 6th Barge of the 11 x ACTCM Barge Project, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane for Indian Navy, occurred on 29 Apr 24. The contract was signed on 05 Mar 21. These Barges, designed and built indigenously, enhance operational capabilities by facilitating transportation and embarkation of ammunition. They are a part of the Make in India initiative.
4. Which country is the host of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26)?
[A] Argentina
[B] India
[C] Norway
[D] Chile
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
India will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) in Kochi, Kerala, from May 20 to 30. Organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), these meetings aim to foster global discussions on Antarctica’s environmental conservation and scientific collaboration. India, a Consultative Party since 1983, operates two research stations and enacted the Antarctic Act in 2022.
5. 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.
6. Ajrakh textile craft, recently seen in news, is mainly associated with which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks awarded the Geographical Indication certificate to ‘Kutch Ajrakh’ artisans from Gujarat. Ajrakh, a textile craft deeply rooted in Gujarat’s culture, especially in Kutch, Sindh, and Barmer, involves intricate hand-block printing on cotton cloth. Its name derives from ‘Azrak’, meaning indigo, a key dye used. Traditionally, Ajrakh prints symbolize sky (blue), land and fire (red), and stars (white), reflecting rich symbolism and history.
7. Bhimtal Lake, recently seen in news due to forest fires, is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Kerala
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
Recently, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter collected water from Bhimtal Lake in Nainital, Uttarakhand to help control a nearby forest fire.The Indian Army and the IAF were called in to help control the blaze, with MI-17 choppers lifting water from the lake for firefighting efforts. Bhimtal Lake, Uttarakhand’s largest lake in the Nainital district, is a centerpiece of the Kumaon region, dubbed India’s “lake district.” Named after the Mahabharata’s Bhima, it formed naturally due to Earth’s crust shifts. Constructed in 1883 during the British era, it features a masonry dam.
8. 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.
9. Which country recently launched the Chang’e 6 probe to bring back soil from the dark side of the moon?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] India
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
China launched the Chang’e-6 probe to gather samples from the Moon’s far side, aiming to be the first nation to do so. Previously, only the USA and USSR collected lunar samples, all from the near side. China’s Chang’e 4 landed on the far side in 2019 but didn’t retrieve samples. In 2023, India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved a first by landing near the Moon’s South Pole. The “dark side” of the Moon receives sunlight, contrary to its name.
10. India recently agreed to enhance cooperation in energy and local currency settlement with which African country?
[A] Kenya
[B] Tanzania
[C] Senegal
[D] Nigeria
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nigeria]
Notes:
India and Nigeria agreed to expedite the Local Currency Settlement System Agreement, aiming to enhance bilateral trade. Trade settlements will occur in Indian rupees and Nigerian naira. The decision was reached during the 2nd India-Nigeria Joint Trade Committee session in Abuja. Led by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, the Indian delegation included representatives from the RBI, EXIM Bank, and NPCI. The meeting, held from April 29 to 30, 2024, outlined areas for trade enhancement.