31. Which day is declared as the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC)?
[A] 15 November
[B] 16 November
[C] 17 November
[D] 18 November
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [15 November]
Notes:
On 15 November 2024, the world observes the first International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC). This day was established by General Assembly resolution 78/267. It emphasizes the need for global solidarity to combat rising organized crime, which threatens peace, security, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Criminal networks exploit global vulnerabilities, including human trafficking, environmental destruction, and cybercrime. Organized crime operates across borders, requiring international cooperation to address these challenges effectively.
32. Where was the first overseas campus of ‘Symbiosis International University’ inaugurated recently?
[A] Dubai
[B] Paris
[C] Kathmandu
[D] Riyadh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dubai]
Notes:
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurated Symbiosis International University’s first overseas campus at Dubai Knowledge Park. UAE’s Minister of Tolerance, Sheikh Nahyan, attended the event, highlighting the strong Indo-UAE ties. The campus, fully accredited by UAE’s Ministry of Education, offers programs in management, technology, and media, focusing on 21st-century skills. This initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2020, encouraging global expansion of Indian institutions. The campus supports UAE’s goal of a knowledge-based economy and Dubai’s Economic Agenda 33. This development enhances educational cooperation and supports Dubai’s diverse expatriate community, which forms 85% of its population.
33. Willingdon Island, which was seen in the news, is located in which city of India?
[A] Jamnagar
[B] Visakhapatnam
[C] Chennai
[D] Kochi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kochi]
Notes:
Willingdon Island, a man-made island in Kochi, Kerala, is undergoing discussions for rejuvenation to revive its commercial operations. It is a man-made island named after Lord Willingdon, a British Viceroy, and is among the largest of its type in India. The island houses the Kochi Naval Base, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, and the Port of Kochi, and is linked to the mainland by the Venduruthy Bridge. Lord Willingdon (1931-1936) was known for major events like the Government of India Act, 1935, the Poona Pact, and the Round Table Conferences involving Gandhi and Ambedkar.
34. The Māori are an Indigenous Polynesian people of which country?
[A] Germany
[B] Ukraine
[C] Sweden
[D] New Zealand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Zealand]
Notes:
Māori Party MPs performed a haka in New Zealand’s parliament to protest the Treaty Principles Bill, opposing changes to the Treaty of Waitangi. The Māori are an Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. They migrated from East Polynesia to New Zealand between 1320-1350. They developed a unique culture, language, mythology, and arts. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 with the British, established coexistence but remains central to political and economic grievances. Māori are the second-largest ethnic group in New Zealand. The haka, a traditional Māori dance, expresses pride, strength, and unity, and is used in various ceremonies and as a challenge.
35. Which country is the host of 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus)?
[A] Lao PDR
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Vietnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lao PDR]
Notes:
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh visited Vientiane, Lao PDR, from November 20-22, 2024, for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). ADMM-Plus involves ASEAN nations and eight dialogue partners, including India, US, China, and Russia, to strengthen security cooperation. India became ASEAN’s dialogue partner in 1992, and ADMM-Plus began in 2010. Lao PDR chairs and hosts the 11th ADMM-Plus.
36. Which village from Chhattisgarh has been recognized as UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages?
[A] Mainpat
[B] Chandenar
[C] Nagpura
[D] Dhudmaras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Dhudmaras]
Notes:
Dhudmaras village in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, gained global recognition by being selected among United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO’s) best tourism villages. It is one of 20 villages chosen from 60 nations for its sustainable tourism practices. Located in Kanger Valley National Park, it offers eco-tourism with dense forests and the Kanger River. UNWTO will assist in upgrading tourism facilities, preserving culture, and improving villagers’ lives. Dhudmaras and Chitrakot received India’s Best Tourism Village Award on September 27.
37. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh recently welcomed a young male tiger, marking the first tiger sighting in nearly 40 years. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh. The rivers Balmedhi, Jonk, and Mahanadi flow through the sanctuary, with Balamdehi River forming its western boundary and Jonk River its northeastern boundary. The area, spanning 244.66 sq. km, has a sufficient prey base and water availability, but challenges remain in protecting the sanctuary from poachers and ensuring a stable food cycle for the tigers.
38. Binar Space Programme, that was recently seen in news, is associated with which country?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] Australia
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Australia]
Notes:
Three Australian satellites from Curtin University’s Binar Space Program recently burned up in Earth’s atmosphere due to increased solar activity. The program, based in Australia, focuses on Solar System research and reducing barriers to space operations. Binar-1, the first satellite launched in September 2021, lasted 364 days in orbit during low solar activity. The follow-up mission included three CubeSats (Binar-2, 3, and 4) designed with deployable solar arrays but expected to last about six months. Intense solar activity caused the satellites to deorbit much earlier than anticipated.
39. What type of missile is the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)?
[A] Surface-to-surface artillery weapon system
[B] Surface-to-air missile
[C] Intercontinental ballistic missile
[D] Anti-ship cruise missile
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Surface-to-surface artillery weapon system]
Notes:
Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that Ukraine fired six US-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) at Russia’s Bryansk region. ATACMS is a surface-to-surface artillery weapon system. It is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, US defence company. It is capable of striking targets beyond the range of standard artillery and was first used in the 1991 Gulf War. Other operators include Bahrain, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan, and the UAE. The missile has a range of 190 miles (305 km) and uses single-stage solid propellant. It is launched from HIMARS and MLRS platforms and can carry cluster munitions to target larger areas.
40. Where was the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 held?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Goa
[C] Mumbai
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Goa]
Notes:
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) opened with a star-studded ceremony in Panaji, Goa. International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is among Asia’s most significant film festivals and is held annually in Goa. It provides a platform for global filmmakers to showcase excellence, promote cultural understanding, and foster international cooperation. The first edition was held in Mumbai and later moved to various cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram. IFFI is South Asia’s only film festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) as a Competitive Feature Film Festival.