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. 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.
3. Recently, where was the event titled “Localizing the SDGs: Women in Local Governance in India Lead the Way” organized?
[A] London
[B] Paris
[C] New York
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New York]
Notes:
On May 3, 2024, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, with UNFPA, host “Localizing the SDGs: Women in Local Governance in India Lead the Way” during CPD57 in New York. Elected women representatives, including Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Datta (Tripura), Sarpanch Kunuku Hema Kumari (Andhra Pradesh), and Sarpanch Neeru Yadav (Rajasthan), led by Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj, will showcase Indian women’s grassroots leadership.
4. Recently, which Indian received the ‘Green Oscar’ Whitley Gold Award 2024?
[A] Tulsi Gowda
[B] Purnima Devi Barman
[C] Alice Garg
[D] Amrita Devi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Purnima Devi Barman]
Notes:
Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, an Assamese wildlife biologist, clinched her second Whitley Gold Award, also known as the Green Oscar, for safeguarding the endangered Hargila or Greater Adjutant Stork and its wetland home. She previously won in 2017. Princess Anne, the charity’s patron, presented her the trophy in London. Dr. Barman mobilized locals to protect the stork and its habitat, increasing their population from 450 to over 1800.
5. According to recently released OECD report, what is the expected growth rate of India’s economy in 2024-25?
[A] 5.5%
[B] 6.6%
[C] 7.2%
[D] 7.8%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [6.6%]
Notes:
The OECD’s “Economic Outlook” report, released on May 2, 2024, raised India’s economic growth forecast for 2024-25 to 6.6%, up from 6.2%. It also projects a 6.6% growth rate for 2025-26. The OECD joins other institutions in revising India’s growth prospects. The report attributes India’s accelerated growth to increased public investment and business confidence. It emphasizes the need for the government to address indebtedness through revenue growth, spending efficiency, and fiscal rules.
6. 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.
7. Which institute recently conducted a study on coral bleaching in the Lakshadweep Sea?
[A] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur
[B] ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
[C] National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
[D] Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)]
Notes:
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) reports severe coral bleaching in the Lakshadweep Sea due to prolonged marine heatwaves since 2023. Rapid warming in the Indian Ocean, coupled with strong El Niños, has increased heatwave frequency, now annual in the tropical region. The western Indian Ocean saw the highest rise, with about 1.5 events per decade, followed by the north Bay of Bengal at 0.5 events per decade. In 2020, 85% of corals in the Gulf of Mannar bleached.
8. Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria, recently seen in news, is primarily found in which part of human body?
[A] Heart
[B] Brain
[C] Mouth
[D] Lungs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mouth]
Notes:
A recent study identified a unique subtype of Fusobacterium nucleatum prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors. F. nucleatum, a Gram-negative anaerobic bacillus, is commonly found in the human mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Named Fna C2, this subtype exhibits higher resistance to acid, potentially facilitating direct migration to the intestines. Moreover, Fna C2 can hide within tumor cells, evade the immune system, and utilize gastrointestinal nutrients, distinguishing it as a significant factor in CRC development.
9. Recently, who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Grappling Committee of India for J&K region?
[A] Saniyaa Kadree
[B] Vinod Sharma
[C] Swati Saxena
[D] Ravi Kant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Saniyaa Kadree]
Notes:
Saniyaa Kadree appointed Chairperson of The Grappling Committee of India for Jammu & Kashmir, recommended by Subham Choudhary. Responsibilities include overseeing grappling sports operations and providing strategic guidance. Her appointment aims to promote and nurture grappling talent in the region, covering all areas within the state for grassroots development.
10. In which district Tripura’s first International Cricket Stadium is being constructed?
[A] South Tripura
[B] West Tripura
[C] Dhalai
[D] Gomati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [West Tripura]
Notes:
The Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) is poised to unveil the state’s inaugural international cricket stadium in Narsingarh, West Tripura. The stadium, slated for inauguration by February 2025, aims to host major cricket events. Construction commenced in 2017 with a 22-month target, but delays prompted weekly reviews for expedited progress. Secretary Subrata Dey emphasized the project’s acceleration, targeting completion by January 2025 or mid-February, adhering to a clear roadmap.
