31. Leo Varadkar, who recently announced his resignation, was the Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Sweden
[C] Poland
[D] Ireland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ireland]
Notes:
Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Indian-origin Prime Minister, stunned the nation with his abrupt resignation from both his post and party leadership, citing “personal and political” motives. The 45-year-old Taoiseach made the emotional announcement in Dublin, expressing his intention to step down immediately and relinquish the position of taoiseach once his successor assumes office.
32. Recently, who won the first ‘Global Inequality Research Awards 2024’?
[A] Aparna Mehrotra and Masood Karimipour
[B] Sylvie Bertrand and Karin Esposito
[C] Bina Agarwal and James Boyce
[D] Micheal Martin and Qu Dongyu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bina Agarwal and James Boyce]
Notes:
Bina Agarwal and James Boyce, recipients of the inaugural “Global Inequality Research Award,” are recognized for their profound insights into worldwide inequalities, notably in social and environmental domains. They will be honored at conferences in Paris in fall and spring 2024, hosted alongside Sciences Po’s Social-Ecological Transitions initiative. Their work highlights pivotal understandings crucial for addressing pressing global disparities.
33. Recently, who has been appointed as the new Ambassador of India to Myanmar?
[A] Vinay Kumar
[B] Abhay Thakur
[C] Vinay Mohan Kwatra
[D] Pavan Kapoor
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Abhay Thakur]
Notes:
Senior Indian diplomat Abhay Thakur, a 1992-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been appointed as India’s next ambassador to Myanmar. This was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on March 26. Thakur, currently an Officer on Special Duty in the MEA, previously served as sous-sherpa for the G20 process during India’s presidency. His appointment comes amid Myanmar’s ongoing unrest following a military coup in February 2021, marking a crucial time for India-Myanmar relations.
34. Recently, who has been appointed as the Director General of National Investigation Agency (NIA)?
[A] Kuldeep Singh
[B] Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar
[C] R.S.Krishnia
[D] Sadanand Vasant Date
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sadanand Vasant Date]
Notes:
The central government recently appointed new Director Generals for key agencies. Sadanand Vasant Date, a 1990 batch IPS officer from Maharashtra, now heads the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Rajeev Kumar Sharma, also from the 1990 batch but from Rajasthan cadre, will oversee the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPRD).
35. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, recently seen in the news, became the new President of which country?
[A] Senegal
[B] Mali
[C] Niger
[D] Ghana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Senegal]
Notes:
At 44, Bassirou Diomaye Faye secures victory as Senegal’s youngest president-elect, defeating rival Amadou Ba, who conceded after the first-round vote. Faye, mentored by Ousmane Sonko, vows to transform Senegal’s political scene, focusing on democratic reforms, reducing executive authority, and fighting corruption. His agenda includes renegotiating international deals and possibly introducing a new currency. Faye’s win marks a significant shift in Senegalese politics, signaling a new era of change and promise.
36. Recently, who has been appointed as India’s next ambassador to Niger?
[A] Pankaj Saran
[B] P. R. Chakraborty
[C] Vikram Misri
[D] Sita Ram Meena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sita Ram Meena]
Notes:
Mr. Sita Ram Meena, a 2008 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Niger. Previously serving as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, this appointment marks a significant career advancement. Mr. Meena’s diplomatic experience and expertise position him well for this new role, which underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Niger on the international stage.
37. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, recently seen in news, became the first woman Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Angola
[B] Zambia
[C] Congo
[D] Rwanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Congo]
Notes:
Judith Suminwa Tuluka became the Democratic Republic of Congo’s first female Prime Minister, succeeding Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde. This historic appointment by President Felix Tshisekedi fulfilled a campaign promise. Tuluka, former Planning Minister, and assumed office just a month after Lukonde resigned from the position, which he held for three years. Her appointment marks a significant step towards gender equality and representation in Congolese politics.
38. Recently, who was awarded the 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Award 2024 for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Contribution?
[A] NHPC
[B] POWERGRID
[C] SJVN Limited
[D] NTPC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [SJVN Limited ]
Notes:
SJVN Limited received the 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Award 2024 for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Contribution. The company also secured the ‘Achievement Award for Social Development and Creating Impact’ and the ‘CIDC Partners in Progress Trophy’. Geeta Kapur, Chairperson and Managing Director, highlighted SJVN’s commitment to CSR initiatives, managed through the SJVN Foundation. SJVN spent over Rs 450 crore on diverse CSR activities including education, healthcare, infrastructure, disaster relief, and cultural promotion. CGM (HR) Baljit Singh accepted the awards.
39. What is the name of the world’s oldest man that died at the age of 114 recently?
[A] John Tinniswood
[B] Juan Vicente Perez Mora
[C] Yukichi Chuganji
[D] Eugenie Blanchard
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Juan Vicente Perez Mora]
Notes:
Juan Vicente Perez Mora, recognized by Guinness as the world’s oldest man, passed away shortly before his 115th birthday. His longevity secrets included hard work, early bedtimes, and a daily glass of aguardiente. Governor Freddy Bernal hailed him as a symbol of Tachirense values: humble, hardworking, and devoted to family.
40. Recently, who became the first person to run across Africa?
[A] Dennis Kimetto
[B] Russ Cook
[C] Sisay Lemma
[D] Kenenisa Bekele
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Russ Cook]
Notes:
British national Russ Cook, also known as the “Hardest Geezer,” conquered an epic challenge spanning over 352 days. Trekking 10,000+ miles across 16 countries in Africa, he endured visa hurdles, health scares, and even an armed robbery. Departing from South Africa’s south and reaching Tunisia’s north, he completed the journey, raising charity funds. Cook aims to inspire others with his feat, potentially the first to run Africa’s length, emphasizing the power of sports at a press conference in Bizerte, Tunisia.
