1. Which country recently introduced holographic technology in new banknotes?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] Nepal
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Japan]
Notes:
Japan introduced new banknotes featuring advanced holography, creating 3D rotating portraits of historic figures as an anti-counterfeit measure. This innovative technology marks the world’s first use of such holography on currency. The redesign, Japan’s first in 20 years, aims to enhance security and prevent counterfeiting.
2. Recently, Gitanas Nausėda has been elected as the President of which country?
[A] Chile
[B] Kenya
[C] Lithuania
[D] Spain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Lithuania]
Notes:
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda was sworn in for a second five-year term, taking the presidential oath at the Lithuanian parliament, Seimas. The 60-year-old economist proposed increasing Lithuania’s defense budget to 4% of GDP to fund long-range air defense, a missile shield for the Baltic Sea coast, and border fortifications.
3. Which Southeast Asian country has recently released a special stamp set that includes a stamp on Lord Rama of Ayodhya?
[A] Laos
[B] Cambodia
[C] Thailand
[D] Singapore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Laos]
Notes:
During his visit to Vientiane, Laos, from 25 to 27 July 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the first postage stamp of Ram Lalla of Ayodhya. The event took place during ASEAN-related foreign minister meetings. Jaishankar, alongside Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, released two sets of stamps themed “Celebrating the shared cultural heritage of Lao PDR and India.” One stamp depicted Ram Lalla’s idol from Ayodhya, while the other commemorated Lord Buddha from Luang Prabang, Laos’s ancient capital. Although predominantly Buddhist, Laos’s culture is deeply influenced by Hinduism, including the Ramayana, known locally as Ramakien.
4. Recently, India signed an agreement with which country to develop National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Egypt
[C] France
[D] Vietnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vietnam]
Notes:
During Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to India from July 30 to August 1, 2024, the Indian government announced $300 million in loans to strengthen Vietnam’s maritime security. Nine agreements were signed, including Vietnam joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and a plan to develop the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. The visit marked a significant step in deepening India-Vietnam ties.
5. Recently, who has been appointed as the chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government?
[A] Kamal Ahmed Majumder
[B] Muhammad Yunus
[C] Mohammed Shahabuddin
[D] Dipu Moni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Muhammad Yunus]
Notes:
Muhammad Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been appointed chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid protests. Yunus, born in 1940, is an economist known for pioneering microcredit through Grameen Bank, founded in 1983. The bank has loaned over $34 billion to nearly 10 million people, with a 97% repayment rate, inspiring global microfinance initiatives. Yunus’s appointment aims to address unrest over government job quotas.
6. Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, recently seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Ukraine
[B] Iran
[C] Israel
[D] Egypt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ukraine]
Notes:
A fire recently broke out at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which Russia has called an act of nuclear terrorism.
Zaporizhzhia is the largest nuclear plant in Europe, located in southeastern Ukraine and currently controlled by Russia.
Nuclear terrorism involves unauthorized use or threats related to nuclear materials or facilities that endanger lives and the environment. It can take forms such as detonating a nuclear weapon, stealing fissile material for an improvised device, acquiring a “dirty bomb,” or sabotaging nuclear facilities.
7. Marshyangdi River, recently in the news, is a mountain river in which country?
[A] India
[B] Bhutan
[C] China
[D] Nepal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nepal]
Notes:
A bus carrying Indian tourists recently fell 150 meters into the Marsyangdi River in Nepal, killing at least 14 people and injuring 16 others. The Marsyangdi River is a 150 km long mountain river in Nepal. It is a major tributary of the Gandaki River, which joins the Ganga River in India. The river originates from the northern slopes of the Annapurna massif. It flows through rugged Himalayan landscapes, known for its fast currents and deep gorges. The river is popular for white water rafting and kayaking. It supports hydropower projects and is known for snow trout.
8. Which city of Nepal recently recognized as a ‘healthy city’ by the World Health Organization?
[A] Bharatpur
[B] Biratnagar
[C] Dhulikhel
[D] Dharan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dhulikhel]
Notes:
Dhulikhel, Nepal, is the first city in the country to be recognized as a “healthy city” by the World Health Organization (WHO). Dhulikhel is located in the Kavrepalanchok district, about 18 miles from Kathmandu. The WHO monitored Dhulikhel for two years before making the announcement in August 2024. The WHO’s decision was based on factors like environmental improvements, progress in primary health care, and access to health for poor citizens. Dhulikhel was also named the second healthiest city in Asia.
9. Recently, which institution opened its first international campus in Abu Dhabi, UAE?
[A] IIT Delhi
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] IIT Roorkee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IIT Delhi]
Notes:
IIT Delhi’s first international campus was inaugurated in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This new campus aims to enhance the UAE’s status as a global education and innovation hub. It is the second international IIT campus, following IIT Madras’s in Zanzibar. The inaugural cohort includes 52 students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Energy Engineering. Students were admitted through JEE Advanced and CAET exams and come from various backgrounds, including Indian, Emirati, and international students. IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi also launched an MTech program in Energy Transition and Sustainability earlier this year.
10. Recently, where was the ‘5th India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Dialogue’ held?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Chennai
[C] Kolkata
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
The 5th Defence Cooperation Dialogue between India and the Maldives was held in New Delhi on September 6, 2024. Discussions included bilateral military exercises, marking the first defence dialogue after recent tensions between the two nations. Earlier, the Maldives President, as part of his “India Out” campaign, had Indian military personnel withdraw and leaned towards pro-China policies. Recent cooperation between the two countries has improved following India’s External Affairs Minister’s visit to the Maldives and the Maldives President attending India’s Prime Minister’s oath ceremony.