1.The Assumption Island is in news recently. It is located in which country?
[A] Seychelles [B] South Africa [C] Zimbabwe [D] BotswanaCorrect Answer: A [Seychelles]
Notes:The Assumption Island is a small island in the Outer Islands of Seychelles north of Madagascar, with a distance of 1,135 km southwest of the capital, Victoria, on Mahé Island. It is in news recently because the deal for an Indian military base in the Island was declared as ‘dead’ by Seychelles President Danny Faure. He said that Seychelles would develop military facilities at the island on its own. Mr. Faure made it clear that he would have no further discussions on the subject with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visited India on June 25 and 26, 2018. The plans for an Indian military base in Seychelles stirred up public protests by activists who believe that the islands must stay away from the brewing India-China regional conflict. The decision by the Seychelles President to drop the deal in the face of protests over a perceived loss of sovereignty is a blow to the Indian government’s “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region) programme, announced by Mr. Modi during a visit to Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) countries in March 2015.
2.The Union Government has sanctioned a special financial assistance of Rs.5 lakhs to Limba Ram. He is associated with which sports?
[A] Archery [B] Sprint [C] Boxing [D] WrestlingCorrect Answer: A [Archery]
Notes:Minister of State (I/C) Youth Affairs and Sports Col Rajyavardhan Rathore has sanctioned a special financial assistance of Rs.5 lakhs to former International Archer & Arjun Awardee Limba Ram. Limba Ram, who is suffering from neuro generative disease or neurological illness, is undergoing treatment at Jaipur. He is working for the State Government of Rajasthan and is in receipt of salary beyond the ceiling of Rs.4 lakhs fixed under the scheme of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons. The Minister in his capacity as Chairperson of the Fund, has relaxed the condition and by invoking the discretionary clause sanctioned Rs.5 Lakhs considering that his widowed mother, widowed sister and her children, widowed mother-in-law and unemployed brother are dependent on him.
3.Which country is hosting the 2018 Asia and Oceania Region Inter-Governmental Ministerial meeting on anti-doping?
[A] India [B] Australia [C] Sri Lanka [D] NepalCorrect Answer: C [Sri Lanka]
Notes:On June 18, the annual Asia and Oceania Region Inter-Governmental Ministerial meeting on anti-doping has started in Colombo, Sri Lanka with representatives from 29 countries including India. The 15th such annual gathering is also being attended by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to discuss important anti-doping issues that will help in the fight for clean sport. It is chaired by Faiszer Musthapha, Sri Lanka’s Minister for Provincial Councils, Local Government and Sports. The two-day meeting will discuss how to make the most of government engagement, ensure compliance with the world anti-doping code, support capacity building and a range of other topics.
4.What is the theme of the 2018 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCD)?
[A] Our Land. Our Home. Our Future [B] Protect Earth. Restore Land [C] Beauty of Deserts – The Challenge of Desertification [D] Land has true value – invest in itCorrect Answer: D [Land has true value – invest in it]
Notes:The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCD) is observed every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. The day is a unique moment to remind everyone that land degradation neutrality is achievable through problem-solving, strong community involvement and co-operation at all levels. The 2018 WDCD urges you to move away from unsustainable land use and make a difference by investing in the future of land under the theme “Land has true value — invest in it”.
5.The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) to launch Social Enterprise Development Programme (SEDP) in all SAARC member states. Where is the Secretariat of SDF located?
[A] New Delhi [B] Thimphu [C] Kathmandu [D] ColomboCorrect Answer: B [Thimphu ]
Notes:The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) will soon launch a Social Enterprise Development Programme (SEDP) to fund approx 80 enterprises across the 8-member states annually. As part of SDF social window, the SEDP will be implemented in all the SAARC member states (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) with an objective of identifying and building social enterprises by using a mix of grants and concessional returnable capital. The SDF is organising a two-day SDF partnership conclave in New Delhi from July 2. Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant would deliver the key note address. SDF, whose Secretariat at Thimphu in Bhutan, was established by the heads of the 8 SAARC member states in April 2010 and its governing council comprises finance ministers of these eight countries.
