21. Recently, who has taken charge as the Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India?
[A] Adhir Arora
[B] Karambir Singh
[C] Lochan Singh Pathania
[D] Sunil Lamba
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Lochan Singh Pathania]
Notes:
Vice Admiral Lochan Singh Pathania is the Chief Hydrographer of the Indian government. Pathania is a Hydrography Specialist who has a naval career spanning over four decades. He joined the Indian Navy in 1990 in the Executive branch. He has commanded the ships Darshak and Sandhayak, and has carried out hydrographic surveys across India and the Indian Ocean Region.
22. Hage Geingob, who passed away recently, was a President of which country?
[A] Angola
[B] Botswana
[C] Zambia
[D] Namibia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Namibia]
Notes:
Namibia’s President, Hage Geingob, has died at 82 following cancer treatment. The first prime minister post-independence, he became Namibia’s third president in 2014, securing re-election in 2019. Geingob, a key figure since independence from South Africa, held the record for Namibia’s longest-serving prime minister before assuming the presidency. His passing marks the end of a significant era in Namibian political history.
23. Who has been appointed as the new Army Vice Chief?
[A] Upendra Dwivedi
[B] Baggavalli Somashekar Raju
[C] Chandi Prasad Mohanty
[D] Manoj Pande
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Upendra Dwivedi ]
Notes:
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been strategically appointed as the Indian Army’s new Vice Chief, succeeding Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar. Dwivedi, with a distinguished career, held key positions like Deputy Chief and Director General of Infantry. His operational expertise during the India-China standoff in the Northern Command makes him well-suited for the role. This move ensures a seamless succession plan, with Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar set to command the Northern Army in Udhampur.
24. Recently, which city of Uttar Pradesh received the Centre’s ‘Water Warrior Award’?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Ayodhya
[C] Noida
[D] Saharanpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Noida]
Notes:
Noida has been honored as a “water warrior” city by the Union water ministry for outstanding efforts in wastewater treatment and reuse. The city boasts eight sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a total capacity of 411 MLD (million litres daily), treating 260 MLD of sewage. Notably, 70-75 MLD is repurposed for irrigation, construction, firefighting, pond maintenance, and road sprinkling. Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presented the awards in Delhi.
25. Which institute has been honored with the Nelson Mandela Award 2024 by the WHO?
[A] AIIMS Delhi
[B] National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
[C] Indian Mental Health and Research Centre
[D] National Institute of Ayurveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences ]
Notes:
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has been honored with the 2024 Nelson Mandela Award (NMA) by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its exceptional commitment to promoting mental health and well-being. Recognized for pioneering mental health and neuroscience advancements, NIMHANS supports innovative research, education, and patient care, integrating mental health into general healthcare. The award coincides with NIMHANS’ 50th foundation year, reflecting on past achievements and the institute’s ongoing dedication to its mission.
26. Who has been appointed as the non executive chairman and independent director of the NPCI?
[A] Ajay Kumar Choudhary
[B] Shailendra Trivedi
[C] Biswamohan Mahapatra
[D] Noopur Chaturvedi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ajay Kumar Choudhary]
Notes:
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced the appointment of Ajay Kumar Choudhary as the non-executive chairman of its board and independent director. He is a central banker with a career at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) spanning over three decades. NPCI is an organization that was founded in 2008 to oversee and operate India’s retail payments and settlement systems. These systems include platforms like IMPS, UPI, and RuPay cards.
27. Prabowo Subianto, recently seen in the news, became the new president of which country?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Malaysia
[C] Vietnam
[D] Egypt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indonesia]
Notes:
Prabowo Subianto, a 72-year-old former Special Forces commander and defense minister, claimed victory in the Indonesian presidential election, securing nearly 60% of votes according to quick counts. Born in Jakarta in 1951, he joined the Indonesian Military Academy in 1970, rising through the ranks. Prabowo, a close associate of Soeharto, married the former leader’s daughter. Notably, he led the Kopassus unit during the anti-Chinese riots in May 1998.
28. Recently, who has been elected as the new president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
[A] Nawaf Salam
[B] Dalveer Bhandari
[C] Joan Donoghue
[D] Ronny Abraham
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nawaf Salam]
Notes:
Nawaf Salam, the first Lebanese and second Arab, succeeded US Judge Joan Donoghue as the President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. He serves a three-year term, starting in 2024. Salam began his ICJ journey in 2018, showcasing a distinguished career in international law. As the highest global judicial authority, ICJ resolves legal disputes between states and offers advisory opinions on UN-related legal matters, playing a crucial role in international relations.
29. Who has been bestowed with the prestigious ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur’, France’s highest civilian honour?
[A] Rajnath Singh
[B] Shashi Tharoor
[C] Neeraj Chopra
[D] LK Advani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shashi Tharoor]
Notes:
Shashi Tharoor, a diplomat, author, and politician, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur,’ France’s highest civilian honor, for his lifelong commitment to global understanding and substantial service to India and the world. The Legion of Honour, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, symbolizes French recognition for exceptional contributions, transcending nationality. Tharoor’s accolade reflects his notable dedication to fostering international relations and his significant impact on both India and the global community.
30. Ameen Sayani, who passed away recently, was associated with which profession?
[A] Scientist
[B] Politician
[C] Radio Presenter
[D] Cricketer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Radio Presenter ]
Notes:
Renowned Indian Radio Presenter Ameen Sayani, born on December 21, 1932, in Mumbai, passed away at 91 on February 21, 2024, succumbing to heart failure. Known as a Radio Celebrity, his iconic presentation ‘Geetmala’ earned immense popularity, showcasing his charming voice and unique style. A key figure in popularizing radio in India, Sayani’s witty and captivating communication style left a lasting impact. Introduced to All India Radio by his brother, he transitioned from English to Hindi programming during his illustrious career.