PDF Download: Click here
1. Who became the new interim President of Iran?
a. Mohammad Hussaini
b. Mohammad Mokhbar
c. Mesam Latifi
d. Ali Salazegh
Answer: b. Mohammad Mokhbar
– The official announcement of the death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi was made on May 20, 2024, the second day after the helicopter crash.
– Following this, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appointed Mohammad Mokhber as the interim president.
– Prior to this, he was serving as the First Vice President.
– According to the constitution, it is mandatory to conduct an election within 50 days of the president’s death.
– Iranian President Raisi’s helicopter crashed near the Iranian city of Tabriz while he was returning from the Azerbaijan border.
Provision for Multiple Vice Presidents in Iran
– According to Iran’s constitution, in the event of the president’s death or incapacitation, the First Vice President assumes the duties.
– There are several appointed vice presidents in Iran who serve in the Iranian cabinet. – These vice presidents have ranks, and Mohammad Mokhber was the First Vice President.
– He was appointed as the First Vice President by Ebrahim Raisi upon becoming president in 2021.
About Interim President Mohammad Mokhber
– He was born on September 1, 1955.
– He is considered to be close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, similar to Raisi.
– Iran is a major supplier of military drones and missiles to Russia, significantly contributing to Russia’s successful war strategy in Ukraine. Mohammad Mokhber played a key role in completing this drone deal, for which he visited Russia in October 2023.
– Mokhber served as the head of Setad, a powerful economic organization that operates directly under Iran’s Supreme Leader, for 14 years.
– Under Mokhber’s supervision, Setad developed Iran’s own coronavirus vaccine, COVIran Barekat, though its safety and efficacy were questioned.
– In 2010, the European Union included Mokhber on the list of individuals and entities it was sanctioning for alleged involvement in “nuclear or ballistic missile activities.” He was removed from the list two years later.
Why is this a delicate and challenging moment for Iran?
– The late President Raisi was considered a hardline cleric.
– He was seen as a potential successor to Iran’s 80-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
– During his three years in power, President Raisi worked to expand Iran’s influence in the Middle East (West Asia).
– Iran supported armed groups in many countries in the region.
– The nuclear program in Iran was accelerated.
– Under Raisi, Iran emerged as a major supplier of military drones to Russia, significantly contributing to Russia’s successful war strategy in Ukraine.
– Last year, China brokered a historic agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, restoring diplomatic relations between the two countries after decades.
————–
2. On the death of President Dr. Syed Ibrahim Raisi of which country, the Government of India declared state mourning on 21 May 2024 and lowered the national flag?
a. Iraq
b. Iran
c. Qatar
d. Venezuela
Answer: b. Iran
– The Government of India has declared mourning for the death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi.
– A state mourning was declared for the entire day on May 21.
– The crashed helicopter also carried Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province, Malek Rahmati, other officials, and bodyguards.
– Raisi was returning to Tehran from an event with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
What Happened During the State Mourning in India?
– On the day of mourning, the national flag was flown at half-mast on all buildings where the tricolor is regularly hoisted across India.
– No official government entertainment activities were held on this day.
PM’s Condolence Message
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in his message, saying, “I am deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
– His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relations will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. In this time of sorrow, India stands with Iran.”
India-Iran Relations
– The mutual relationship between India and Iran has a history spanning hundreds of years.
– The two countries first signed a friendship treaty on March 15, 1950.
– Subsequently, in September 1959, then Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited Iran.
– The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Iran was made by Narendra Modi in May 2016.
Trade Between India and Iran
– India and Iran are significant trade partners.
In recent years, India has been one of Iran’s top five trade partners.
– Major Indian exports to Iran include rice, tea, sugar, pharmaceuticals, man-made staple fibers, electrical machinery, artificial jewelry, etc., while major Indian imports from Iran include dried fruits, inorganic/organic chemicals, glassware, etc.
– India has developed the Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar, Iran.
– Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated that it was due to the efforts of Ebrahim Raisi that an agreement was signed between the two countries in May 2024 for the operation of this port for 10 years.
– This provides India with a new route to access Central Asia, Russia, and Europe.
S. Jaishankar’s Visit to Tehran in January
– S. Jaishankar visited Tehran in January 2024.
– At that time, he had discussions with President Raisi against the backdrop of the increasing number of attacks by Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea.
– During that visit, he also discussed India-Iran cooperation regarding the Chabahar Port.
– On May 13, India signed a significant long-term agreement with Iran for the 10-year operation of the Chabahar Port.
————–
3. Name the helicopter manufactured by America 45 years ago, whose crash resulted in the death of Iranian President Raisi?
a. AH-64 apache
b. Bell YAH-63
c. UH-1Y Venom
d. Bell 212
Answer: d. Bell 212
– This is a utility helicopter capable of transporting people and cargo.
– It can also be equipped with weapons.
– It was manufactured by the American aerospace company Bell Textron.
– The company is headquartered in Texas.
– It was designed for passenger carriage.
– This helicopter can carry up to 15 people including crew members.
– It is a twin-engine helicopter.
– The maximum speed is 205 kilometers per hour.
– It can operate at altitudes of up to 17,400 feet.
– The helicopter was produced from 1968 to 1998. Production ceased thereafter.
– It is used for both civilian and military purposes.
Iran’s Use of 45-Year-Old Helicopters:
– Iran utilizes various types of helicopters, most of which are American-made. However, these helicopters are over 45 years old, dating back before the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
– During the Islamic Revolution, the king of Iran, who was very close to America, had to flee the country.
– Subsequently, international sanctions were imposed, preventing Iran from acquiring new helicopters and aircraft, as well as their parts.
– Consequently, the military and top leaders in Iran have to rely on old and worn-out helicopters.
– Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, there have been more than 1,755 aircraft and helicopter crashes.
– These incidents have resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 Iranians.
– From the year 2000 to the present, there have been 22 crashes.
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has accused American sanctions for the death of the President:
– Mohammad Javad Zarif, the former Foreign Minister of Iran, has stated that American sanctions are responsible for the death of President Raisi.
– Zarif mentioned that due to American sanctions, Iran could not access essential equipment for its aviation industry.
– Consequently, the country faced difficulties in acquiring necessary resources, leading to the helicopter crash and the death of the President.
————–
4. Which country’s ‘Bayraktar Akıncı’ drone found the crashed helicopter of Iranian President Raisi?
a. USA
b. Russia
c. Turkiye
d. Israel
Answer: c. Turkiye
– Iranian President Raisi’s helicopter crashed near the Iranian city of Tabriz on May 19, 2024, as they were returning from the Azerbaijan border.
– Iranian military and rescue teams had been searching for the wreckage of President Raisi’s helicopter for more than 12 hours, but eventually, Turkey’s Bayraktar Akıncı drone came to the rescue.
– The Akıncı not only located the wreckage but also guided the entire rescue team to the crash site, allowing them to reach the scene easily.
It was difficult to reach due to the bad weather.
– Indeed, at the location of the helicopter accident between Iran and Azerbaijan’s border, there was fog all around, making it difficult for the rescue teams to locate the exact spot of the incident.
– Amid this crisis, Turkish President Erdogan instructed the deployment of the Akıncı drone.
– This Akıncı drone released video footage and indicated the exact location where the helicopter wreckage was scattered.
– The entire area is mountainous, and due to the mist, there were difficulties in rescue and relief efforts.
– This drone is equipped with powerful equipment to detect fire and heat.
– It managed to locate the helicopter crash site from above the clouds.
Akinci can drop missiles and bombs
– Akinci is counted among the most capable drones in its category.
– It operates at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet.
During flight, its weight can reach up to 5500 kilograms.
– This drone possesses formidable destructive capabilities in warfare.
– It can be equipped with guided missiles, laser-guided bombs, air-to-ground missiles, and small smart bombs.
– Due to its unmatched power, this drone is capable of targeting even moving vehicles.
It is also proficient in neutralizing enemy air defense systems.
– The wingspan of this drone is 20 meters. It is powered by two turboprop engines and has the ability to stay in the air for extended periods.
– It is being used in the conflict in Ukraine.
– Many countries, including Pakistan, have purchased this drone.
– In response, India has procured MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States, which outweigh Turkey’s drone in capabilities.
————–
5. India and which of these countries agreed on visa free tourist entry by the end of 2024?
a. Russia
b. Japan
c. America
d. France
Answer: a. Russia
– To strengthen tourism ties, both countries have agreed to grant visa-free tourist entry to each other’s citizens.
– Final negotiations between Russia and India on visa-free tourism will begin in June.
– Both countries are expected to sign the agreement by the end of this year.
What did the Russian official say?
– Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects Department at the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, stated that making travel convenient between India and Russia is essential.
– The announcement was made during the “Russia-Islamic World Kazan Forum 2024 International Economic Forum” held in Kazan, Russia, by the Russian Minister.
– Discussions on this issue will take place for the first time between Moscow and New Delhi in June.
– There are possibilities of signing the agreement by the end of this year.
Russia’s free visa entry with China and Iran
– Russia also aims to continue visa-free entry and free travel with China and Iran.
– The free visa tourist program between Russia and China started on August 1, 2016, and it has been ongoing since then.
– Now, Russia also wants to propose this for India.
Henley Passport Index 2024 (issued in January, February)
– According to this index, India ranks 85th.
Indian citizens can travel visa-free to 62 countries.
– Indian citizens only need a passport to travel to these countries.
Russia:
– Capital: Moscow
– President: Vladimir Putin
– Prime Minister: Mikhail Mishustin
– Currency: Ruble
—————
6. When is Anti-terrorism day observed?
a. 21 May
b. 22 May
c. 23 May
d. 24 May
Answer: a. 21 May
– Terrorism Prevention Day has been declared on the auspicious occasion of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s death anniversary.
– He was assassinated on May 21, 1991, in the village of Sriperumbudur near Madras (now Chennai).
– The purpose behind observing Terrorism Prevention Day is to keep people away from terrorism and violence.
————-
7. Who became the first Indian tourist to go to space?
a. Sudhanshu Shukla
b. Sunita Williams
c. Gopi Thotakura
d. Marath Gopi
Answer: c. Gopi Thotakura
– Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, sent six people to space aboard the New Shepard rocket on May 19, 2024, through his space company Blue Origin.
– This mission by Blue Origin is named NS-25.
Among these missions, 30-year-old Gopi Thotakura from Andhra Pradesh is also included.
– He became the first Indian and the second Indian to go to space as a tourist.
– Former Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force, Rakesh Sharma, was the first Indian citizen to travel to space in 1984.
– The entire journey from liftoff to landing of Blue Origin’s mission lasted for about ten minutes, during which the spacecraft reached a maximum altitude of approximately 105 kilometers from the Earth.
About Gopi Thotakura
– Gopi Thotakura is a pilot and entrepreneur.
Despite working in the United States, Gopi has retained his Indian passport.
– – According to Blue Origin, Gopi is a pilot and aviator who learned to fly before driving a car.
He has worked as an international medical jet pilot.
– Besides commercial jets, Gopi Thotakura also flies aerobatic aircraft, gliders, and hot air balloons.
– The space tourist team included Meson Angel, Silven Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, Carol Schaller, and former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight, who was selected by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 as the country’s first African American astronaut candidate.
– Jeff Bezos founded the space company Blue Origin in the year 2000.
————-
8. Who became the oldest person to travel to space, who traveled to space in May 2024 at the age of 90?
a. Ed Dwight
b. Sylvain Chiron
c. Gopi Bush
d. None of these
Answer: a. Ed Dwight
– Ed Dwight (90) is now the oldest person slated to go into space.
– He was selected as the country’s first African American astronaut candidate by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, but he never got the opportunity to fly.
– According to Blue Origin’s official website, with this mission, New Shepard has now sent 37 people into space, including today’s team.
————–
9. Menstruation Festival started on 21 May 2024, in how many countries is it being celebrated this time?
a. 10
b. 11
c. 15
d. 16
Answer: b. 11
– This festival’s program will be held in 15 states of the country, with the participation of 33 organizations.
– This is the 8th edition this time.
– In the year 2024, it will be celebrated in 11 countries.
Festival Objective:
– The monthly festival is a week-long celebration.
– Its aim is to destigmatize periods through sports, art, and cultural programs.
————–
10. In which country has the world’s highest competition swimming pool been opened?
a. India
b. Bhutan
c. USA
d. Nepal
Answer: b. Bhutan (Thimphu)
– The World Aquatics and Bhutan Aquatics Federation inaugurated Bhutan’s first competition swimming pool in Thimphu through the Pool for All program.
– Situated at an altitude of 8200 feet, this facility is the world’s highest competition swimming pool.
Bhutan:
– Capital: Thimphu
– Official Language: Dzongkha
– King: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
– Prime Minister: Lotay Tshering
– Currency: Ngultrum
– Population: 777,000
PDF Download: Click here
