1. TacticAI, recently seen in news, is developed by which company?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Meta
[C] Google
[D] Amazon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Google]
Notes:
Google’s DeepMind collaborated with Liverpool Football Club to develop TacticAI, an AI system focusing on corner kick tactics. This tool offers predictive and generative insights, aiding football managers in strategic decisions. It allows coaches to sample various player setups for corner kicks, selecting the most successful ones. TacticAI integrates both predictive and generative components, enhancing its effectiveness in tactical analysis.
2. Recently, where was the high-level event on AMR, ‘Forging partnerships between science and policy,’ organized?
[A] Paris, France
[B] Barcelona, Spain
[C] London, UK
[D] New Delhi, India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Barcelona, Spain]
Notes:
The European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and the Global Leaders Group (GLG) on AMR organized a high-level event in Barcelona, Spain. It aims to unite world leaders and experts across sectors to boost political action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Established in 2020, the GLG advises on AMR and is supported by the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat involving FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH, to maintain global momentum and leadership on AMR.
3. What is the purpose of the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) in the context of recent IMF’s assistance to Pakistan?
[A] Short-term financial assistance for balance of payments problems
[B] Long-term development assistance
[C] Infrastructure investment funding
[D] Humanitarian aid support
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Short-term financial assistance for balance of payments problems]
Notes:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $1.1 billion disbursement to Pakistan under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), aimed at addressing balance of payments issues. SBAs offer short-term financial aid to member countries, commonly used by both advanced and emerging economies. Eligibility extends to nations with external financing needs. Funding is contingent on policy reforms, including quantitative targets and structural measures. Loan duration ranges from 12 to 36 months.
4. Which ministry recently signed an MoU with Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation for knowledge support on critical minerals?
[A] Ministry of Mines
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Mines]
Notes:
The Ministry of Mines and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation signed an MoU to enhance knowledge support for critical minerals crucial to India’s economic growth, national security, and low-carbon energy transition. The agreement was inked during the ‘Critical Minerals Summit’ at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, emphasizing the importance of beneficiation and processing capabilities.
5. Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which has recently completed 50 years, was launched by which organization?
[A] WHO
[B] WMO
[C] ILO
[D] UNICEF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [WHO]
Notes:
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) marks its 50th anniversary, initiated by WHO in 1974. Renamed UIP in India in 1985, it now offers vaccines for 13 universally recommended diseases and 17 context-specific ones. Global DPT coverage surged from 5% in the ’70s to 84% in 2022. Smallpox eradicated; polio remains in Afghanistan & Pakistan. In India, coverage grows yearly, reaching 76% in 2019-21. Immunization boasts significant returns, predominantly delivered through government facilities.
6. Bhimtal Lake, recently seen in news due to forest fires, is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Kerala
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
Recently, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter collected water from Bhimtal Lake in Nainital, Uttarakhand to help control a nearby forest fire.The Indian Army and the IAF were called in to help control the blaze, with MI-17 choppers lifting water from the lake for firefighting efforts. Bhimtal Lake, Uttarakhand’s largest lake in the Nainital district, is a centerpiece of the Kumaon region, dubbed India’s “lake district.” Named after the Mahabharata’s Bhima, it formed naturally due to Earth’s crust shifts. Constructed in 1883 during the British era, it features a masonry dam.
7. Which state’s government recently suspended the manufacturing licenses of 14 patanjali products due to misleading advertisement?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
Uttarakhand government suspends Patanjali Ayurved’s manufacturing licenses for 14 products over misleading ads. The company faces scrutiny for non-compliance with advertising regulations. The move, issued on April 24 by the state’s drug regulator, cites Patanjali’s persistent dissemination of deceptive efficacy claims. This action reflects the government’s commitment to enforce truthful advertising standards and holds implications for Ramdev’s legal battles.
8. What is the primary purpose of a Look Out Circular (LOC), recently mentioned in the news?
[A] To track the movement of tourists within a country
[B] To regulate the physical movement of individuals under investigation or wanted by law enforcement agencies
[C] To facilitate the smooth entry of diplomats into a country
[D] To monitor the movement of goods across borders
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To regulate the physical movement of individuals under investigation or wanted by law enforcement agencies]
Notes:
The Bombay High Court ruled that public sector banks can’t recommend Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against loan defaulters. LOCs are government directives to immigration authorities, restricting a person’s movement. They’re used by law enforcement to prevent individuals under investigation from leaving or entering the country. Typically issued by police or intelligence agencies, LOCs are a tool authorized by the Ministry of Home Affairs to detain suspects at designated ports.
9. Recently, NPCI signed an agreement with which African country for UPI-like instant payment services?
[A] Namibia
[B] Tanzania
[C] Kenya
[D] Nigeria
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Namibia]
Notes:
NPCI’s overseas arm signed a pact with the Bank of Namibia to develop a UPI-like instant payment system for Namibia, leveraging India’s UPI technology and experiences. The collaboration aims to modernize Namibia’s financial ecosystem, enhancing accessibility, affordability, and connectivity with domestic and international payment networks. It also emphasizes interoperability, signaling a significant step towards improving financial inclusion and digital transactions in Namibia.
10. Recently, Jeremiah Manele has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Maldives
[B] Solomon Island
[C] Mauritius
[D] Singapore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Solomon Island]
Notes:
Former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele elected as Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister, securing 31 votes out of 49 in a secret ballot. His victory suggests continued close ties with China. Manele pledges integrity and prioritization of national interests in his inaugural address, defeating opposition leader Matthew Wale, who garnered 18 votes.
