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6. Which of the following countries has introduced a new tourist tax recently?
[A] Russia
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Thailand
Correct Answer: A [Russia]
Notes:
A new tourist tax has been introduced across Russia, effective January 1, 2025, replacing the previous resort fee. Tourists who utilize hotels and various forms of accommodation will be obligated to pay an additional charge amounting to 1 percent of their total lodging costs. The primary aim of this tax is to improve the tourism infrastructure at the regional level. This tax was established through modifications to the Russian Tax Code in July 2024, which created a new section titled “Tourist Tax.” This section grants regional authorities the authority to impose the tax as a local fee. Many regions, particularly those with established or emerging tourism industries, have already embraced this initiative. Under the current guidelines, the tourist tax will begin at a rate of 1 percent in 2025, with a scheduled increase to 3 percent by 2027.
7. Recently, which one of the following countries has launched a campaign to end the practice of child marriage?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Nepal
[D] Thailand
Correct Answer: C [Nepal]
Notes:
More than 100 participants, including child rights advocates from Nepal and India, alongside children and civil society representatives, have come together to launch the ‘Child Marriage Free Nepal’ initiative, aligning with Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s pledge to eliminate this pressing issue. The gathering took place in Kathmandu on December 31, 2025, and was led by Kishor Sah Sudi, the Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens of Nepal. He collaborated with Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, the former chief minister of Lumni province and founder of BASE (Backward Society Education) Nepal, as well as Bhuvan Bibhu, a notable child rights activist from India. This initiative has been organized by the Ministry of Women and Children, with support from the Indian organization Just Right for Children and Nepal’s Backward Society Education, as indicated in a press release issued on January 1, 2025.
8. Which country’s court has sentenced Khalid Khurshid Khan, the former chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, to 34 years in prison?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Iraq
[C] Iran
[D] Indonesia
Correct Answer: A [Pakistan]
Notes:
An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan sentenced Khalid Khurshid Khan, the former chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, to 34 years in prison on December 31, 2024, for endangering the security of the region’s agencies. Following a protest in July 2024, Khan faced charges of sedition and terrorism, stemming from allegations that he delivered a menacing speech. In its judgment, the Anti-Terrorism Court No. 1 of Gilgit-Baltistan indicated that the prosecution presented evidence that Khan had issued threats against the Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as police and intelligence personnel, during the protest held on July 26, 2024. The former chief minister allegedly asserted that he would not hesitate to retaliate against anyone if he regained power.
9. Which of the following countries has enforced ‘burqa ban’ recently?
[A] France
[B] Switzerland
[C] UK
[D] Germany
Correct Answer: B [Switzerland]
Notes:
Switzerland is set to introduce a range of substantial reforms effective January 1, 2025, affecting multiple sectors such as legal, economic, and social systems. Key initiatives include the prohibition of facial coverings, modifications to inheritance legislation, enhancements to pension schemes, and initiatives aimed at bolstering the solvency and liquidity of financial institutions. These reforms signify a trend towards greater conformity with European standards and are a reaction to previous financial crises. A ban on facial coverings (burqa) in public places takes effect from January 1, 2025. The ban applies to burqas, niqabs, and other face coverings, with violations punishable by a fine of up to CHF 1,000 ($1,143).
10. Recently, Which of the following countries is currently experiencing a significant increase in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases?
[A] Kenya
[B] North Korea
[C] China
[D] Israel
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
China is presently witnessing a notable surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), raising alarms about a possible health crisis similar to that experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Observations suggest that hospitals are facing overcrowding, with indications that various viruses, such as HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are exacerbating the circumstances. Although there have been assertions regarding a state of emergency, Chinese officials have not provided any formal acknowledgment of such a situation. Symptoms of HMPV: The virus presents symptoms similar to the flu and other respiratory infections, including: Cough, Fever, Nasal congestion and Shortness of breath.
