1. Which country emerged as India's third-largest export destination in 2023-24?

A.    Denmark

B.    Germany

C.   France

D.   Netherlands

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

In 2023-24, the Netherlands emerged as the third-largest export market for India after the US and UAE. Although India's total merchandise exports slightly decreased, the trade surplus with the Netherlands saw a notable rise, reaching USD 17.4 billion in the previous fiscal year, compared to USD 13 billion in 2022-23.

2. Where were the non-infectious Nipah virus-like particles developed?

A.    Tamil Nadu

B.    Mumbai

C.   Kerala

D.   Delhi

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Non-infectious Nipah Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) have been created by the Institute of Advanced Virology in Kerala. These particles play a vital role in the production of vaccines and the development of monoclonal antibodies. Despite lacking infectivity, they bring notable benefits for laboratory studies, diagnostics, and immune response stimulation.

3. Which country has established the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA)?

A.    South Korea

B.    Japan

C.   China

D.   North Korea

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

South Korea has inaugurated its space agency, the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), to take charge of policy and industrial advancement in the aerospace sector. The creation of KASA seeks to consolidate policy and development roles in South Korea's aerospace industry and position the country among the top five space powers globally.

4. Which company has signed a 30-year concession agreement to operate Container Terminal 2 at the Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania?

A.    DP World

B.    Maerske

C.   Adani

D.   Hutchison Ports

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Adani Ports, together with Abu Dhabi Ports Group and East Harbour Terminals Ltd, has successfully obtained a 30-year concession contract to oversee the operations and management of Container Terminal 2 at Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania. This deal, agreed upon with Tanzania, grants Adani Ports authority over the terminal's activities, resources, and workforce, thereby broadening its international port operations portfolio.

5. What is the initiative launched by the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) to assist bank customers with grievance redressal?

A.    Bank Aid

B.    Bank Clinic

C.   Customer Care Hub

D.   Grievance Helpline

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

The All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) has introduced the "Bank Clinic" program to offer support and help to bank customers in addressing grievances following RBI guidelines on retail banking. This program serves as a non-binding advisory service, providing guidance on available solutions as per RBI guidelines and complementing the conventional Banking Ombudsman system.

6. Which state's bird sanctuaries were added to the Ramsar Sites list?

A.    Uttar Pradesh

B.    Bihar

C.   Maharashtra

D.   Tamil Nadu

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

On World Environment Day, celebrated every year on June 5th, the Ramsar Sites list welcomed the inclusion of Nagi and Nakti, two bird sanctuaries from Bihar. This addition is a notable contribution to India's wetlands of global significance, located in the Jhajha forest range of Jamui District in Bihar.

7. Who won the gold medal in javelin throw at the Taiwan Athletics Open 2024?

A.    DP Manu

B.    Nithya Ramraj

C.   Arjun Singh

D.   Sneha Patel

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

DP Manu won the gold medal in the javelin throw at the Taiwan Athletics Open 2024 with an impressive throw of 81.58 meters. In the women's 100-meter hurdles event, Nithya Ramraj claimed the silver medal with a time of 13.23 seconds. This highlights India's strength in athletics, as both athletes displayed outstanding abilities and achievements on the global platform.

8. Where did the groundbreaking non-invasive heart surgery on a dog take place?

A.    Mumbai

B.    Delhi

C.   Bangalore

D.   Kolkata

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

Max Hospital in Delhi performed a revolutionary non-invasive heart surgery on a 7-year-old beagle named Juliet. This Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Mitral valve disease is a groundbreaking achievement, being the first procedure of its kind carried out by private practitioners in Asia and the second worldwide. This innovative approach presents a safer option compared to conventional open-heart surgeries, bringing hope to canines with heart ailments across the globe.

9. Where was the distinct, blue-coloured ant species discovered?

A.    Arunachal Pradesh

B.    Ladakh

C.   Assam

D.   Sikkim

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

Researchers found the blue-colored ant species, Paraparatrechina Neela, in the biodiverse Siang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, a state renowned for its abundant biodiversity. The unique metallic blue color of this ant species sets it apart from other species in the same genus, making it an important discovery for scientists investigating the insect diversity of the region.

10. Who has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Tobacco Control by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India?

A.    Virat Kohli

B.    Mary Kom

C.   Sachin Tendulkar

D.   PV Sindhu

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

Renowned Indian badminton player PV Sindhu has been designated as the brand ambassador for Tobacco Control by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The purpose of this appointment is to increase awareness about the detrimental consequences of tobacco consumption and promote actions to safeguard children from the tobacco industry's impact, in line with the theme of "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference" for World No Tobacco Day 2024.

11. Where will the 18th International Film Festival primarily take place?

A.    Goa

B.    Kolkata

C.   Mumbai

D.   Chennai

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

The 18th International Film Festival, featuring a record-breaking 1018 film submissions from 38 countries, is scheduled to take place mainly in Mumbai from June 15th to June 21st, 2024. While there will be simultaneous screenings in cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Pune, Mumbai will serve as the primary location for the festival.

12. Which country plans to adapt its golden visa scheme to assist migrants by allowing wealthy foreigners to invest in property?

A.    Spain

B.    Italy

C.   Greece

D.   Portugal

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

Portugal plans to adjust its golden visa program to assist immigrants by allowing wealthy foreigners to invest in real estate, introducing a "solidarity visa" in addition to the current scheme. This modification is designed to provide residency privileges to non-EU citizens who invest in Portugal. Since its launch in 2012, the golden visa initiative has attracted more than 7.3 billion euros ($7.94 billion) in investment capital.

13. Recently, CSC SPV signed an MoU with which ministry to convert 10,000 FPOs into CSCs?

A Ministry of Agriculture

B Ministry of Communications

C Ministry of Defence

D Ministry of MSMEs

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

Under an MoU, CSC SPV and the Ministry of Agriculture agreed to transform 10,000 FPOs into Common Service Centres (CSCs) with the goal of boosting rural development and digital empowerment. Through the Digital Seva Portal, FPOs will be able to provide a range of citizen-centric services. This initiative, which is part of a program introduced in 2020, will offer training, create job opportunities, and help farmers achieve sustainable incomes.

14. What is the theme of ‘World Oceans Day 2024’?

A. Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing

B. Awaken New Depth

C. Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean

D. The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

World Oceans Day 2024, observed on June 8th, is dedicated to increasing awareness of the significance of oceans and their preservation. The theme, “Awaken New Depths,” highlights the effects of human actions on marine ecosystems and advocates for sustainable ocean governance. Various events and initiatives across the globe are backing this initiative, with the United Nations leading the primary event at its New York Headquarters.

15. A J T Johnsingh, who recently passed away, belonged to which field?

A. Wildlife conservationist

B. Entertainer

C. Poet

D. Politician

Hide Answer

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

Renowned Indian wildlife conservationist and biologist A J T Johnsingh, who was born in Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats and drew inspiration from Jim Corbett's stories, died at the age of 78 in Bengaluru on June 7, 2024. Johnsingh made significant contributions to tiger conservation and worked with multiple organizations after joining the Wildlife Institute of India. His research was dedicated to a wide range of species, and he wrote more than 70 scientific papers and 80 popular articles on wildlife conservation.

16. Recently, who won the gold medal in the men’s 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2024 in Munich, Germany?

A. Saurabh Chaudhary

B. Divyansh Singh

C. Sarabjot Singh

D. Abhishek Verma

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

India’s first medal at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Germany, held from May 31 to June 8, 2024, was won by Sarabjot Singh. He clinched the gold in the men’s 10-meter air pistol event with a score of 242.7 points. Shuaihang Bu of China secured silver, while Germany’s Robin Walter claimed bronze. In the women’s 50-meter rifle event, Sift Kaur Samra won a bronze. India currently holds the third position in the medal tally, having earned two medals.

17. Mongla Port, recently seen in news, is located in which country?

A Bangladesh

B Myanmar

C Sri Lanka

D India

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

India plans to take control of Mongla Port in Bangladesh and construct a new terminal as a response to China's influence in the region. Situated just 62 km away from the Bay of Bengal and shielded by the Sundarban forest, Mongla is Bangladesh's second largest seaport. India's involvement in Mongla is expected to enhance connectivity and lower transportation expenses to states in the northeast such as Assam and Tripura. India Ports Global Limited has shown interest in this initiative subsequent to the transit agreement signed in 2015.