Q1.Recently, where was the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting held?
[A] China
[B] France
[C] Indonesia
[D] Singapore
Answer: D
Details:-
India has been placed in the “regular follow-up category” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) after its plenary meeting in Singapore from June 26-28, 2024. The meeting evaluated 17 countries on anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism financing, and anti-proliferation compliance. India, Russia, France, Italy, and the UK were kept in the regular follow-up, while one country was grey-listed. The FATF commended India’s efforts but urged quicker prosecution in such cases.
Q2.Which ministry has recently developed an eSankhyiki portal?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
[D] Ministry of Defence
Answer: C
Details:-
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the eSankhyiki portal to provide real-time data for planners, policy-makers, and researchers. It aims to streamline data management and sharing, offering access to key datasets like National Accounts Statistics and Consumer Price Index. The portal’s Data Catalogue Module houses over 2291 datasets with detailed metadata and visualizations, enhancing data accessibility and re-usability for informed decision-making and public use.
Q3.Recently, archaeologists have uncovered a 41,000-year-old ostrich nest in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Answer: C
Details:-
Archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest known ostrich nest, dating back 41,000 years in Andhra Pradesh. This find could offer insights into the extinction of megafauna in the Indian subcontinent. Megafauna, animals over 50 kg, include megaherbivores, megacarnivores, and megaomnivores. Anthropogenic pressures since the Late Pleistocene led to significant losses among megafauna like woolly mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers.
Q4.Recently, which country has sent two trains carrying coal to India through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) for the first time?
[A] Russia
[B] China
[C] Ukraine
[D] Bangladesh
Answer: A
Details:-
Russia has initiated coal shipments to India via the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) for the first time. Two trains will travel 7,200 km from St. Petersburg to Mumbai port via Iran’s Bandar Abbas port. INSTC integrates shipping, rail, and road networks, facilitating cargo movement between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. Established in 2000, the corridor aims to enhance transportation cooperation, initially agreed upon during the Euro-Asian Conference on Transport.
Q5.What is the primary objective of the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR), recently seen in news?
[A] To study the Earth’s core
[B] To observe the Universe at low radio frequencies
[C] To monitor climate change
[D] To track asteroid movements
Answer: B
Details:-
Astronomers discovered a new radio galaxy using the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR), a pan-European distributed radio interferometer developed by the Dutch Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON). LOFAR observes the Universe at low radio frequencies (90-200 MHz) and can simultaneously observe multiple directions. It aims to explore the early universe, solar activity, and the terrestrial atmosphere. LOFAR’s innovative design includes advanced digital beam-forming for agile, multi-user operations.
Q6.Xenophrys apatani, recently seen in news, belongs to which species?
[A] Ant
[B] Frog
[C] Fish
[D] Spider
Answer: B
Details:-
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India discovered a forest-dwelling frog, Xenophrys apatani, in Talle Wildlife Sanctuary, named after the Apatani community for their conservation efforts. This species is found in the Eastern Himalayan and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots. The Apatani, residing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro valley, speak Tani, worship the sun and moon, and celebrate festivals like Dree and Myoko. They practice integrated rice-fish farming, using rice varieties Emeo, Pyape, and Mypia.
Q7.Recently, IAF chief inaugurated Weapon Systems School (WSS) in which city?
[A] Jaipur
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Kolkata
[D] Bhopal
Answer: B
Details:-
The Chief of the Air Staff inaugurated the Weapon Systems School (WSS) at Air Force Station Begumpet, Hyderabad. The WSS aims to modernize the Indian Air Force (IAF) by providing effect-based, contemporary training to officers of the newly formed branch. Flight Cadets in the WS Branch will undertake their second semester of training at this institute, aligning with the IAF’s future-oriented goals.
Q8.Recently, where was the District Mineral Foundation Gallery inaugurated?
[A] Bhopal
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chennai
[D] Bengaluru
Answer: B
Details:-
The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Gallery was inaugurated at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. DMFs are non-profit trusts established in 2015 by state governments in mining-affected districts. They aim to benefit people and areas impacted by mining activities. Funded by royalties, state budgets, and private donations, DMFs are governed by a Board of Trustees, including government, local, and expert representatives, who oversee project implementation under PMKKKY and other schemes.
Q9.Recently, where was the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held?
[A] Tehran, Iran
[B] Astana, Kazakhstan
[C] Beijing, China
[D] New Delhi, India
Answer: B
Details:-
The 24th SCO Heads of State Meeting was held on July 4, 2024, in Astana, Kazakhstan. Hosted by President Tokayev, the summit admitted Belarus as the 10th full member. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped the meeting, represented by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, who reiterated Modi’s stance against terrorism. Key leaders, including Putin, Xi Jinping, and Erdogan, attended, emphasizing the priority of combating terrorism and radicalization.
Q10.Which bank has recently introduced “MSME Sahaj”, a web-based digital business loans solution for MSMEs?
[A] Axis Bank
[B] State Bank of India
[C] Central Bank of India
[D] Union Bank of India
Answer: B
Details:-
The State Bank of India (SBI) launched “MSME Sahaj”, a digital business loan solution tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Key features include financing against GST-registered invoices, a quick process under 15 minutes from application to disbursement, automated loan closure, and data-driven assessment using machine learning models and authentic GST and credit data. This initiative aims to boost working capital and address liquidity challenges for MSMEs effectively.
Q11.Recently, Air India is establishing South Asia’s largest flight training school in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Answer: B
Details:
Air India is establishing South Asia’s largest flight training school in Maharashtra’s Amravati district with an investment of over ₹200 crore. Opening in the next financial year’s first quarter, it will address the airline’s need for 500-700 pilots annually, following a large aircraft order. In partnership with Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), the 10-acre facility will train 180 commercial pilots yearly using 31 single-engine Piper aircraft and three twin-engine Diamond aircraft.
Q12.Typhon Weapons System, which was seen in the news, developed by which country?
[A] Russia
[B] France
[C] USA
[D] Germany
Answer: C
Details:
The Philippine Army confirmed the imminent withdrawal of the “deadly” Typhon Weapons System, used by the US in joint military exercises. Also known as the Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF) System, Typhon includes Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) for ballistic defense and ship targeting up to 370 km. It also deploys Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles and comprises four launchers, a command post, and support vehicles on trailers. Using Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) technology, it integrates various missiles and sources external targeting data.
Q13.Kalamkari Art Form, recently seen in news, is mainly practised in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Nagaland
Answer: A
Details:
Kalamkari art, a once-flourishing hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile tradition, now struggles due to power looms and rising raw material costs. Practiced in Andhra Pradesh, Kalamkari originated in the Tilang region (now Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) during the 16-17th century under the Qutb Shahis of Golconda. The term “Kalamkari” combines “Kalam” (pen) and “Kari” (craftsmanship). It features two distinct styles: Srikalahasti and Pedana.
Q14.Recently, the Asian Development Bank and ENGIE group have signed a long-term loan agreement to construct and operate a 400MW solar PV power plant in which state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Gujarat
[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha
Answer: B
Details:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted the ENGIE group a Rs 1,460 crore loan to build a 400-megawatt solar power plant in Surendranagar, Gujarat, supporting India’s goal of 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030. The financing, totaling Rs 14.6 billion (around $175.9 million), includes contributions from ADB and AIIB. This project aids India’s renewable energy ambitions, climate change efforts, and local economy, using bifacial photovoltaic modules from the U.S.
Q15.Vizhinjam International Seaport, recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Maharashtra
[C] West Bengal
[D] Kerala
Answer: D
Details:
The first phase of Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port, India’s first exclusive trans-shipment port near Kovalam beach, Kerala, is complete. It will receive its first mothership on July 12, marking a major milestone. The port, managed by Divya S. Iyer, is expected to commence full commercial operations by year-end. It will also be India’s first semi-automated container terminal and a global bunkering hub for green fuels like hydrogen and ammonia. With an 18-meter natural draft, it can accommodate large container ships and is strategically located 10 nautical miles from the international shipping route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. The project is developed in a public-private partnership by Adani Vizhinjam Ports Private Ltd.
Q16.Baishiya Karst Cave, recently seen in news, is located in which region?
[A] Western Ghats of India
[B] Tibetan Plateau
[C] Sahara Desert
[D] Mediterranean Island
Answer: B
Details:
Bone remains from the Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan Plateau, 3,280 meters above sea level, reveal that Denisovans, an extinct human species, survived there for millennia. The study, published in Nature, found a rib bone dated between 48,000 and 32,000 years ago. This discovery highlights Denisovans’ resilience to climatic fluctuations and suggests their interbreeding with Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. The remains also indicate their diverse diet, including blue sheep and woolly rhinos.
Q17.Recently, which state government has announced the establishment of ‘Mitra Van’ under Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan-2024?
[A] Odisha
[B] Bihar
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Telangana
Answer: C
Details:
Uttar Pradesh government has launched ‘Mitra Van’ under Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan-2024, aiming to plant 35 crore saplings along the Uttar Pradesh-Nepal border. Coordinated by the Forest Department, the campaign will involve 35 forest divisions and neighboring state dignitaries. Key districts include Saharanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Maharajganj. Additional initiatives like ‘Shakti Van’ and ‘Yuva Van’ will also be established. The campaign starts on July 20.
Q18.Panchganga River, recently seen in news, is a tributary of which river?
[A] Narmada
[B] Ganga
[C] Krishna
[D] Kaveri
Answer: C
Details:
The Panchaganga river in Kolhapur is rising and may soon cross the 39-feet warning level. This ancient river, a tributary of the Krishna River, originates from the Sahyadri mountains in Maharashtra at Prayag Sangam in Chikhlee Taluka. It is formed by the confluence of five rivers: Kasari, Kumbhi, Tulsi, Bhogawati, and Saraswati. The river, which joins the Krishna at Kurundvad, supports fertile valleys but faces increasing pollution from untreated sewage in Kolhapur.
Q19.Which state government recently announced free higher education policy for EWS, SEBC, OBC girls?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Odisha
Answer: C
Details:
The Maharashtra government has announced a new policy making higher education free for girls from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Effective from the 2024-25 academic year, this initiative aims to increase female participation in professional courses and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP). Additionally, tuition and exam fees for orphaned students will be waived, with a budget of Rs. 906 crore allocated.
Q20.Recently, Indian scientists have developed an open-source tool to generate an infrared star catalogue for which telescope?
[A] Himalayan Chandra Telescope
[B] GROWTH-India telescope
[C] Cassegrain telescope
[D] Thirty Meter Telescope
Answer: D
Details:
Indian scientists have developed an open-source tool to generate an infrared star catalogue for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). This international project aims to revolutionize our understanding of the universe as the world’s most advanced optical and infrared observatory. Key features include a 30-meter segmented primary mirror composed of 492 hexagonal segments, making it the largest in the Northern Hemisphere. The TMT will be located on Mauna Kea, Hawaiʻi, chosen for its high altitude and clear skies ideal for astronomical observations.
