1. Recently, which organization has sanctioned a study on the impact evaluation of Geographical Indication (GI) products?
[A] SIDBI
[B] FSSAI
[C] NABARD
[D] ISRO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [NABARD]
Notes:
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) recently sanctioned a study on the impact evaluation of Geographical Indication (GI) products to Symbiosis School of Economics. A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The protection of intellectual property through laws will help to reap benefits in terms of economic growth, employment and income generation.
2. Recently, which organization has been granted ‘navratna status’ by the Department of Public Enterprises?
[A] BHEL
[B] HAL
[C] HMTL
[D] IREDA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [IREDA]
Notes:
The Department of Public Enterprises has bestowed Navratna status upon the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA). Established in 1987 under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, IREDA functions as a Non-Banking Financial Institution. The Navratna status is awarded based on specific criteria including consistent high performance, such as achieving ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ ratings in MoUs for three out of the last five years and a composite score of 60 or above in selected performance indicators.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Recently, who has been appointed as the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)?
[A] Meera Swarup
[B] Dheeraj Bhatnagar
[C] Dinesh Kumar
[D] JP Devdhar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dinesh Kumar]
Notes:
Justice (retired) Dinesh Kumar, former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, has been appointed as the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT), filling a 4-month vacancy left by Justice Tarun Aggarwal’s retirement in December 2023. SAT, an autonomous body under the SEBI Act, 1992, hears appeals against orders from financial regulators like SEBI, PFRDA, and IRDAI, aiming to streamline appeal processes outside of High Courts.
6. Hinglaj Mata Temple, recently seen in news, is located in which country?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Myanmar
[D] Pakistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pakistan]
Notes:
Hindu devotees gather in Hinglaj, Lasbela district, Pakistan, for an annual festival at the ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata. The pilgrimage begins with a trek to steep mud volcanoes, where pilgrims climb stairs and rocks to reach the summit. Tossing coconuts and rose petals into the crater, they seek divine permission to visit the temple. Dedicated to Goddess Hinglaj, it’s one of the oldest temples in the Indian subcontinent. Located near the Hingol River, in Balochistan, Pakistan, the temple complex features shrines, caves, and sacred natural formations.
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. According to IQAir, which city has recently been ranked as the most polluted city globally?
[A] Kathmandu
[B] New Delhi
[C] Pokhara
[D] Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kathmandu]
Notes:
According to IQAir, Kathmandu is the most polluted city in the world as of May 2, 2024. IQAir is a Swiss technology company that monitors the pollution levels of 101 cities in real time. The Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal has advised residents to wear masks due to the alarming increase in air pollution in the Kathmandu valley. In 2023, IQAir’s World Air Quality report ranked India as the third most polluted country and New Delhi as the most polluted capital city.
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. 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.
