Correct Answer :   Rome Statute

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The International Criminal Court was established by the Rome Statute at Hague in Netherlands. The ICC is seeking to look into war crimes in the Gaza and West Bank region. However, Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute and is hence claiming lack of jurisdiction of ICC.

Correct Answer :   Pope Francis

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The applicability of ‘pontifical secrecy’ to sexual abuse of minors was abolished by the current pope, Pope Francis. Pontifical secrecy allows the Roman Catholic Church to keep certain matters in secrecy, like communications between it and papal embassies. This is in accordance with the ‘Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church’.

Correct Answer :   Russia and Germany

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The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is a project between Russia and Germany. The US government recently passed a legislation imposing sanctions on firms aiding the development of this gas connection. Russia is already a major gas supplier to the EU accounting for 40%. The pipeline will increase in the gas exports to the EU.

Correct Answer :   South China Sea

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The Nine Dash Line is a demarcation line in the South China Sea. It is used by China to claim sovereignty over major part of the South China Sea. Malaysia is to contest its claims at the United Nations with reference to the concept of ‘Exclusive Economic Zone’ rights.

Correct Answer :   Netherlands

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The highest court of Netherlands had recently held that the government must cut greenhouse gas emission by 25% by the end of next year. It also upheld that the humans have the fundamental rights to be protected against climate change., making Netherlands the first country to be held responsible by its courts to take action against climate change.

Correct Answer :   Japan and Russia

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The Kuril Islands is a disputed territory between Japan and Russia. It is an archipelago with a population of about 20,000 people. It is located north of Hokkaido and is referred to as Northern Territories by Japan. The two states recently conducted meeting for ways to resolve the conflict.

Correct Answer :   Astronaut capsule

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The Starliner spacecraft of Boeing is an astronaut capsule. It is being developed as a part of NASA’s commercial crew program. The capsule is intended for transferring astronauts to the International Space Station. It is capable of carrying 7 astronauts.

Correct Answer :   Artillery Missile

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Pinaka missile system is an indigenously developed artillery missile system. It was tested by the Defence Research and development Organisation (DRDO) at Chandipur Integrated Test Range in Odisha. The missile has a range of 75 km when striking with high precision.

Correct Answer :   Indian ecology and environment

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The EChO network was recently launched by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Dr. Vijay Raghavan. The EChO network is to improve ‘cross- disciplinary leadership’ for research and creation of knowledge and awareness about Indian ecology and environment.

Correct Answer :   Afghanistan

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The National Department of Regulation of Medicines and Health Products of the Ministry of Public Health of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan recently recognised the official book of standards under India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. The book specifies the standards with respect to identity, strength and purity of the drugs manufactured and marketed in India.