Q 1. Which country has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and extended visas for Hong Kong residents?
A. United States
B. Australia
C. New Zealand
D. India
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Answer:- B. AustraliaExplanation
Australia has recently suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and extended visas for Hong Kong residents. This decision gains importance as it has been declared amidst the imposition of a tough national security law on Hong Kong by China. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a range of visas of two to five years duration. Offers of permanent residency visas were also announced.Q 2. As per the Lancet journal, the potential Covid-19 vaccine developed by which institution has produced a strong immune response?
A. Oxford University
B. Yale University
C. Stanford University
D. Harvard University
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Answer:-A. Oxford UniversityExplanation
As per the data published in the Lancet journal, the potential Covid-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University has produced a strong immune response. The institution has completed phase 1 and phase 2 trials and the study highlighted that the trials have not led to any unexpected reactions. Jenner Institute of the University of Oxford has developed the potential vaccine, which is backed by the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca.Q 3.‘BeiDou’ is the Navigation Satellite System commissioned by which country?
A. China
B. Japan
C. Israel
D. South Korea
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Answer:- A. ChinaExplanation
China is celebrating the completion of its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), which is seen as a competitor to the U.S. Global Positioning System. After the 55th and final satellite that was launched last month started operating, the Chinese President Xi Jinping formally commissioned the system. The satellite is a part of the third sequence of the BeiDou system.Q 4. SABIC chemical plant that is set to become the world’s first to run entirely on renewable power, is located in which country?
A. Russia
B. Spain
C. Germany
D. United Kingdom
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Answer:- B. SpainExplanation
Global chemical company SABIC’s polycarbonate plant in Spain is set to become the world’s first that will run entirely on renewable power. The Riyadh-headquartered company has signed a major agreement with an electricity utility company Iberdrola, in this regard. This plant is expected to be completely operational by the year 2024.Q 5. India has contributed USD 15.46 million to which international Partnership Fund?
A. India-UN Development Partnership Fund
B. India- BIMSTEC Fund
C. G20 Partnership Fund
D. ASEAN Partnership Fund
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Answer:- A. India-UN Development Partnership FundExplanation
India has recently contributed a sum of USD 15.46 million to the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti handed over it to the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). This UN Office manages the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. In the 15 million fund, USD 6 million goes to the overall fund and the remaining to the Commonwealth countries.Q 6. Which state of the USA has been recently affected with lightning sparked fires?
A. Arizona
B. California
C. Texas
D. Michigan
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Answer:-B.CaliforniaExplanation
The state of California in the USA is struggling with more than 500 lightning sparked fires, burning more than 9 lakh acres. More than 1.19 lakh people have been evacuated. LNU Lightning Complex, SCU Lightning Complex and CZO August Complex had some of the largest fires. It has adversely affected the northern part of California. Several people are involved in containing the fire.Q 7. The historic commercial direct flight has been operated between which two countries?
A. Israel and the UAE
B. USA and Israel
C. USA and China
D. Russia and USA
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Answer:-A. Israel and the UAEExplanation
The first commercial direct flight between Israel and the UAE was recently operated. It took off from Israel and landed in Abu Dhabi. Saudi Arabia granted permission for using its air space. On August 13, Israel and the UAE announced to establish full diplomatic relations after the United States initiated. UAE is only the third Arab country to establish diplomatic ties with Israel. The flight carried a top-level Israeli delegation and a US delegation.Q 8. Which country has amended its labour laws and raised the minimum wages to labourers by 25%?
A. UAE
B. Saudi Arabia
C. Qatar
D. Oman
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Answer:-C. QatarExplanation
Qatar has announced major changes in its labour laws and policies. The country has announced to raise the minimum wage by 25 % to 1,000 riyals per month. The country has also scrapped the requirement for workers to get permission from their employers to change jobs. As Qatar is the host of FIFA world cup 2022, it has been under the spotlight.Q 9. Hichem Mechichi has been designated as the new Prime Minister of which country?
A. Tunisia
B. Lebanon
C. Brazil
D. Taiwan
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Answer:-A. TunisiaExplanation
The lawmakers of Tunisia have approved Hichem Mechichi as the country’s new Prime Minister. Mechichi and his proposed government won a confidence vote, after a long debate. Earlier, the 46-year-old former Minister explained how his government would bring the country out of the economic and social crisis. This is the third Government of Tunisia since October and the ninth since the revolution held in 2011.Q 10. Who has been elected as the new head of Japan’s ruling party?
A. Yoshihide Suga
B. Shinzo Abe
C. Kazushige Ugaki
D. Tanaka Giichi
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Answer:-A. Yoshihide SugaExplanation
Yoshihide Suga has been elected as the new head of Japan’s ruling party. It is almost certain that he will be the next Prime Minister of Japan. Last month, the incumbent Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his resignation for reasons of ill health. Yoshihide Suga is said to be a close ally of Mr Abe and likely to continue his predecessor’s policies.Q 11.Which country has become the first to use facial verification in its national ID database?
A. Malaysia
B. Russia
C. Singapore
D. Russia
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Answer:-C. SingaporeExplanation
Singapore is to become the world’s first country to use facial verification in its national identification database. Under the scheme, millions of people will be able to access government agencies and other services with a quick face scan. However, privacy advocates are apprehensive about the security and privacy threats.Q 12. As per International Energy Agency (IEA), which country would be the world’s biggest oil refiner by 2021?
A. China
B. India
C. United States
D. UAE
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Answer:-A. ChinaExplanation
As per the recent statement of the International Energy Agency, China will surpass the United States to become the world’s biggest oil refiner in 2021. The United States has been at the top in the list of oil refiners since the beginning of the oil regime in the mid-nineteenth century. Also, in 1967 the United States possessed over 35 times the refining capacity of China.Q 13. The CLMV Countries are the group of countries belonging to which regional organisation?
A. ASEAN
B. Commonwealth
C. G-20
D. G-7
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Answer:-A. ASEANExplanation
CLMV countries are Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. They are also the members of the Association of SouthEast Nations (ASEAN). During the Inaugural Session of the 6th India – CLMV Business Conclave 2020, India invited the CLMV countries to join the International Solar Alliance and the Resilient Supply Chain Initiative by India.Q 14. Bashan Char Island, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
A. Japan
B. China
C. Bangladesh
D. Laos
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Answer:-C. BangladeshExplanation
Bhasan Char is an uninhabited island in Bangladesh. It is located in the Bay of Bengal, about 60 kilometers from the mainland. The Bangladesh government started the process of relocating the Rohingyas from Cox’s Bazar refugee camp to the newly developed facility at the Bhashan char Island. Bangladesh constructed shelter houses for Rohingya refugees at an estimated cost of 2,300 crore takas.Q 15. Which country has proposed to charge a fee from Facebook and Google for news content?
A. India
B. Canada
C. France
D. Australia
Show Answer
Answer:-D. AustraliaExplanation
The government of Australia has proposed to charge a fee from Facebook and Google’s media outlets, for news content. This move has been proposed for protecting independent journalism in the country. These big tech firms have to pay to local publishers and broadcasters for their content that appears on the firm’s platforms.Q 16. K P Sharma Oli, who dissolved the country’s parliament, is the Prime Minister of which country?
A. South Korea
B. Belarus
C. Nepal
D. Myanmar
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Answer:-C. NepalExplanation
Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli dissolved the country’s House of Representatives, the lower house of Parliament. Several legal experts and political leaders slammed the move as unconstitutional. This move by the Prime Minister triggered protests and resignations of at least seven Cabinet-rank ministers. As per the President’s office, a general election will be held in two phases, on April 30 and May 10 next year.Q 17. Which country has recently announced the discovery of four new oil and gas fields?
A. Oman
B. Turkey
C. Saudi Arabia
D. Madagascar
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Answer:-C. Saudi ArabiaExplanation
Saudi Arabia has recently announced the discovery of four new oil and gas fields, as announced by the Saudi Energy Minister. The state-owned Oil company Saudi Aramco has discovered the new Non-conventional oil and gas fields in different locations around the country. In August, the country announced the discovery of two oil and gas fields.Q 18. Which Central Asian country has recently abolished the death penalty?
A. Kazakhstan
B. Uzbekistan
C. Kyrgyzstan
D. Turkmenistan
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Answer:-A. KazakhstanExplanation
The Parliament of Kazakhstan signed the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). It is a document which commits the signatories to abolish capital punishment. Life imprisonment was introduced in the country in 2004 as an alternative punishment. While ICCPR was adopted in 1966, the second optional protocol was adopted in 1989.Q 19. Which city has announced to remove the Statues of William Beckford and Sir John Cass, associated with slavery trade?
A. Washington
B. London
C. Rome
D. Moscow
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Answer:-B. LondonExplanation
London approved the removal of the Statues of William Beckford and Sir John Cass from its iconic Guildhall home of statues. After the Black Lives Matter protests, the city corporation set up a task force on tackling racism, which recommended removing the statues of the two figures. The city’s elected representatives voted for the decision.Q 20. Which organization has adopted a resolution titled “Promoting a culture of peace and tolerance to safeguard religious sites”?
A. WHO
B. WTO
C. United Nations
D. WIPO
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Answer:-C. United NationsExplanation
A resolution titled “Promoting a culture of peace and tolerance to safeguard religious sites” has been adopted in the United Nations General Assembly recently. The resolution calls for efforts to promote a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels. It also invites the Secretary General to convene a global conference to advance the UN’s “Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites”.Q 21.Which country has passed the “Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Bill” recently?
A. India
B. Pakistan
C. Afghanistan
D. United States of America
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Answer:-D. United States of AmericaExplanation
The US Congress has recently passed the “Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Bill”. The bill makes it mandatory for U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to award 50% of scholarships to Pakistani Women under a Pakistan-based higher education scholarship programme. The scholarships are to be awarded from 2020 to 2022.Q 22. Britain has recently ended taxation on which product?
A. Mobile Phones
B. Sanitary Products
C. Laptops
D. Paracetamol tablets
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Answer:-Sanitary ProductsExplanation
Britain became the latest nation that has eliminated taxation on women’s sanitary products. These taxes, called “tampon tax” have been completely abolished in the country. This decision was earlier announced in the country’s annual budget by its Treasury chief, but has been implemented only now, when Britain has left the European Union.Q 23. Where is the stockpile of Ebola vaccine established by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG)?
A. India
B. USA
C. China
D. Switzerland
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Answer:-D. SwitzerlandExplanation
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG) – which includes WHO, UNICEF, International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have established a stockpile of Ebola vaccine. The stockpile is located in Switzerland and the vaccines are kept ready to be shipped to countries for emergency response.Q 24. The World Health Organization (WHO) has collaborated with which company to distribute Covid vaccines under the Covax alliance?
A. Pfizer
B. Roche
C. Merck
D. Johnson & Johnson
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Answer:-A. PfizerExplanation
The World Health Organization (WHO) has collaborated with the American pharmaceutical firm Pfizer recently. As per the deal, 40 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine will be distributed for poor and lower-middle income countries under its COVAX programme.Q 25. Sandro Botticelli, who was sometimes seen in the news, was a famous painter of which country?
A. Germany
B. Italy
C. Greece
D. Japan
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Answer:-B. ItalyExplanation
Sandro Botticelli, was an Italian painter, who lived from 1445 to 1510 in Florence, Italy. He is said to be an important artist who contributed to the Florentine painting period. Recently, one of his rare portraits, the “Young Man Holding a Roundel” was sold for USD 92.2 million (equivalent to Rs 6,722 million) at an auction held at Sotheby’s in New York. This also made a world record auction for any work by the Italian artist.Q 26.According to the WHO, which country has the highest number of new Leprosy cases in the world annually?
A. China
B. Pakistan
C. India
D. Indonesia
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Answer:-C. IndiaExplanation
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India has the highest number of new cases of leprosy in the world annually. India is followed by Brazil and Indonesia in the largest number of cases. In India, more new cases are reported from the rural belts of Bihar, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. January 31 is observed as World Leprosy Day.Q 27.As per the UN Chief, how many countries have not received any of the Covid-19 vaccine dose?
[A. 70
B. 90
C. 130
D 140
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Answer:-C. 130Explanation
While addressing a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said 130 countries have not received a single dose of vaccine. As only 10 countries have administered 75 percent of all vaccinations, the UN slammed the uneven and inequitable distribution of coronavirus vaccines. He also called for a global effort to get all people vaccinated as soon as possible.Q 28.Where is the headquarters of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons situated?
A. Netherlands
B. UK
C. US
D. France
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Answer:-A. NetherlandsExplanation
OPCW or Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is the international chemical weapons watchdog, headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands. It is the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention. It also oversees the global effort to eliminate the use of chemical weapons.Q 29. Olivier Dassault, who died in a helicopter crash recently, was a politician and billionaire of which country?
A. Russia
B. France
C. Germany
D. Italy
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Answer:-B. FranceExplanation
French billionaire politician Olivier Dassault recently died in a helicopter crash in northwest France. He was also a member of the National Assembly of the country. He was a descendant of the Dassault aircraft-making family. The Dassault Aviation group is a leading French plane manufacturer. He was estimated to be the 361st most wealthy person on the planet.30.The UN has urged which nation to conduct general elections immediately?
A. Sudan
B. Japan
C. China
D. Somalia
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Answer:-D. SomaliaExplanation
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has urged the government of Somalia to conduct general elections in the country without any delay. The UNSC has also stressed upon the threat to Somalia from al-Shabab and armed opposition groups. A resolution in this regard has been passed and adopted unanimously by the UNSC.Q 31.India’s foreign-exchange reserves surpassed that of which country to become the world’s top fourth?
A. USA
B. Russia
C. France
D. Germany
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Answer:-B. RussiaExplanation
India’s foreign-exchange reserves surpassed that of Russia to become the world’s fourth largest. India’s central bank the RBI continues to hoard dollars to cushion against any sudden outflows. India’s foreign currency reserves reached USD 580.3 billion as of March 5, surpassing Russia’s USD 580.1 billion holdings. China has the largest forex reserves, followed by Japan and Switzerland.Q 32.Which country is holding its 4th parliamentary election in the last two years?
A. Venezuela
B. Tanzania
C. Israel
D. Chile
Show Answer
Answer:-C. IsraelExplanation
Israel held its 4th parliamentary election in the last two years. The exit polls conducted did not show any clear winner. This election was triggered in December 2020, when the country’s parliament failed to agree on a budget. It ended a seven-month power sharing arrangement between Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz.Q 33.The ‘BASIC’ countries have expressed concern on ‘Carbon Border Tax’, proposed by which global association?
A. G-20
B. G-7
C. European Union
D. OPEC
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Answer:-C. European UnionExplanation
The Ministers of the BASIC countries- Brazil, South Africa, India and China have announced that the European Union’s plan to impose taxes on carbon at its border are discriminatory and unfair to developing nations. The EU had proposed to impose a levy on carbon-intensive products imported into the Union from countries which do not have a price on carbon.Q 34.“CODEX ALIMENTARIUS” which was making news recently, is associated with which field?
A. Defence Procurement
B. Climate Change
C. Food Standards
D. Artificial Intelligence
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Answer:-C. Food StandardsExplanation
The CODEX ALIMENTARIUS international food standards and guidelines contribute to the safety and quality of international food trade. Founded in 1963, the standards are provided by risk assessment bodies or consultations organized by FAO and WHO. Recently, the fifth session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) established under Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) was inaugurated virtually. IT is take place from April 20 to April 29 virtually with over 300 participants.Q 35.US President recognized the massacres happened in which country, in 1915, as a ‘Genocide’?
A. Sri Lanka
B. China
C. Armenia
D. North Korea
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Answer:-C. ArmeniaExplanation
The President of USA Joe Biden has recognized the mass killing of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire during World War I in 1915, as an act of Genocide. This statement was made by the US President recently on the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, and he committed that US would preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring in future.Q 36.Which space agency has recently launched a new batch of 60 Starlink internet satellites into orbit?
A. NASA
B. JAXA
C. SpaceX
D. Blue Origin
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Answer:-C. SpaceXExplanation
Elon Musk-owned SpaceX recently launched a new batch of 60 Starlink internet satellites into orbit onboard its Falcon 9 rocket. Marking the company’s 10th launch of the year, the flagship Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. It successfully landed at sea, for the seventh time.Q 37.“Road Map 2030”, which was in the news recently, has been adopted by India with which country?
A. China
B. USA
C. UK
D. Japan
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Answer:-C. UKExplanation
India and UK have jointly adopted ‘Roadmap 2030’, during a virtual bilateral between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British counterpart Boris Johnson. The two leaders pledged to elevate this road map into a comprehensive strategic partnership. An Enhanced Trade Partnership was also announced by the two leaders along with an intent to form a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA).Q 38.Long March 5B, whose debris landed in the Indian Ocean, is the launch vehicle of which country?
A. Russia
B. USA
C. China
D. India
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Answer:-C. ChinaExplanation
The debris of China’s biggest rocket landed in the Indian Ocean, after most of its components were destroyed during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. The Long March 5B rocket, launched the main module of China’s next space station, Tiangong, in April. There were speculations for many days about where the debris would hit the Earth. Last year, pieces from the first Long March 5B fell on Ivory Coast.Q 39.“Colonial Pipeline cyberattack” which is seen in the news, has occurred in which country?
A. India
B. China
C. USA
D. Russia
Show Answer
Answer:-C. USAExplanation
Colonial Pipeline is an USA based oil company, which suffered a ransomware cyberattack on May 7th 2021. This has forced the company to shut down their systems and operations. The company’s pipeline systems supply fuel to most of South Eastern United States. The cyber attack has been confirmed by the FBI.Q 40.NASA partnered with which space agency for the first private mission to the International Space Station?
A. Space X
B. ISRO
C. DRDO
D. Axiom
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Answer:-D. AxiomExplanation
USA’s space agency NASA has signed an agreement with Axiom Space, for the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The two agencies have proposed to commence the mission after January 2022. Axiom space is a privately funded space infrastructure developer which is based in Houston, Texas in the USA.Q 41.Which country has been affected by a massive mice invasion in its grain silos and storages?
A. China
B. New Zealand
C. Australia
D. South Africa
Show Answer
Answer:-C. AustraliaExplanation
Australia has been recently affected by mice plague wherein huge numbers of mice have invaded its grain silos and storage facilities. The government is looking for outlawed high-grade poison to fight millions of mice from spoiling the crops. This is said to be the worst rodent invasion in decades. The infestation has spread quickly across New South Wales and Queensland states.Q 42. Farzad-B giant gas field, which was making news recently, is situated in which country?
A Afghanistan
B. Iran
C. Israel
D. UAE
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Answer:-B. IranExplanation
The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) has signed a contract worth 1.78 billion with Petropars Group for the development of Farzad-B Gas Field located in Iran. ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) owns 40 per cent participating interest (PI) in the block, in which gas discovery was first made by a consortium led by ONGC. It has now lost development rights for the gas field in Iran to Iranian Petropars Group.Q 43.“SpaceShipTwo” which was in the news, belongs to which company?
A. ISRO
B. NASA
C. SpaceX
D. Virgin Galactic
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Answer:-D. Virgin GalacticExplanation
The American spaceflight company Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo vehicle has successfully made its first flight to space, thereby completing the first in a series of four suborbital flights planned by the company. The company is a sub part of the Virgin group, which is developing commercial spacecraft to provide suborbital space flights for space tourists.Q 44.What is the name for the undersea power cable project between Germany and Norway?
A. Sea Link
B. NordLink
C. Power Line
D. New Cable
Show Answer
Answer:-B. NordLinkExplanation
Germany and Norway have opened the operations of a 623-kilometer undersea power cable between the two countries. This project is called the NordLink and is aimed to exchange green energy between the two countries. The project has cost more than $2.2 billion and is seen as a major initiative to shift to green energy.Q 45.Which meat supplying company has recently fallen trap to ransomware attacks?
A. McDonald
B. KFC
C. JBS
D. Cooper Farms
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Answer:-C. JBSExplanation
The computer networks of world’s largest meat supplier JBS have been hacked and the firm has fallen trap to ransomware attacks. This has forced the company to shut its operations in Australia, Canada and the US. A ransomware attack involves hacking of computer networks and threatening to cause disruption or delete files unless a ransom is paid.Q 46.Which is the first country to formally adopt ‘Bitcoin’ as legal tender?
A. Switzerland
B. El Salvador
C. Venezuela
D. Italy
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Answer:-B. El SalvadorExplanation
El Salvador has become the first country in the world to formally adopt ‘Bitcoin’ as legal tender after the Congress approved President Nayib Bukele’s proposal to adopt the cryptocurrency. The use of Bitcoin as legal tender will go into law in 90 days. The government will guarantee the convertibility to the exact value in dollars at the moment of each transaction.Q 47.Which country has recently passed a new legislation that bans defamation of military personnel?
A. India
B. Russia
C. China
D. Pakistan
Show Answer
Answer:-C. ChinaExplanation
China has recently passed a new legislation that bans defamation of military personnel, which was adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC). Under its 2018 law, a popular blogger was punished recently for defaming PLA soldiers killed in clash with the Indian Army at the Galwan Valley. The new legislation also bans the desecration of plaques in honour of military personnel.Q 48. Which country recently tested an airborne high-power laser that can shoot down drones?
A. USA
B. Israel
C. Russia
D. China
Show Answer
Answer:-B. IsraelExplanation
Israel has successfully tested an airborne high-power laser that can shoot down drones mid-air. The Laser was mounted on a civilian plane and it successfully shot down several drones in a recent test over the Mediterranean Sea. Israel already has a sophisticated air defense system, which had 90 per cent interception rate against thousands of rockets fired from Gaza during the recent 11-day war.Q 49.Which country has banned Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges?
A. USA
B. UK
C. Russia
D. China
Show Answer
Answer:- B. UKExplanation
UK’s financial regulator has banned Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, from conducting any regulated activity. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) also issued a warning to consumers about the platform. Trading of cryptocurrencies is not directly regulated in Britain, whereas offering services such as trading in cryptocurrency derivatives requires authorisation.Q 50.Which country has recently become the 15th nation to be part of the world’s largest weapons project, Joint Strike Fighter program?
A. South Africa
B. Netherlands
C. Switzerland
D. Germany
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