Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 of 01st & 02nd December 2024. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) In October 2024, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) exceeded 10 billion merchant transactions, representing what percentage year-on-year growth and a record peak in the festive season sales?

(a) 51%

(b) 52%

(c) 53%

(d) 50%

(e) 54%

2) With effect from December 1, 2024, how many basis points has Punjab National Bank (PNB) increased its Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) across all tenors?

(a) 10

(b) 12

(c) 20

(d) 15

(e) 5

3) How many million dollars was the loan deal reached by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Indian government?

(a) $98 million

(b) $92 million

(c) $96 million

(d) $90 million

(e) $94 million

4) On December 6, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024, a magnificent celebration honoring the rich cultural and economic legacy of Northeast India, would get underway. How many states were represented by the mascot "Purvi" when it was unveiled?

(a) 5

(b) 6

(c) 7

(d) 8

(e) 9

5) Recently(Dec’24), India has reaffirmed its active commitment to advancing world peace and stability by winning re-election to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the 2025–2026 term. Since the PBC's founding in which year has India been an active participant?

(a) 2000

(b) 2004

(c) 2005

(d) 2001

(e) 2009

6) The Atal Mission for Urban Transformation and Rejuvenation (AMRUT) 2.0. What was the entire budget outlay in crores?

(a) ₹2,99,000 crore

(b) ₹2,19,000 crore

(c) ₹2,89,000 crore

(d) ₹2,79,000 crore

(e) ₹2,69,000 crore

7) The Amnesty Scheme 2024 was developed by the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) with the intention of promoting employer compliance. The insurance coverage for dependents of dead members was expanded retroactively from April 28, 2024, from ₹2.5 lakh to how many lakh?

(a) ₹7 lakh

(b) ₹5 lakh

(c) ₹6 lakh

(d) ₹8 lakh

(e) ₹10 lakh

8) Under what age is prohibited from using social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, X, TikTok, and Facebook by a law established by the Australian Parliament?

(a) 12

(b) 14

(c) 15

(d) 16

(e) 18

9) In which State will the International Film Festival's 30th edition take place from December 4, 2024, to December 11, 2024.

(a) Kerala

(b) Goa

(c) West Bengal

(d) Tamil Nadu

(e) Maharashtra

10) The world-renowned musician and conductor Daniel Barenboim and the Palestinian peace campaigner Ali Abu Awwad were given the 2023 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development. What was the award's monetary value?

(a) ₹25 lakh

(b) ₹20 lakh

(c) ₹10 lakh

(d) ₹15 lakh

(e) ₹30 lakh

11) The goal of the Kerala government's ambitious SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project is to link Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram with trains that can travel up to _____________________ km/h.

(a) 210

(b) 200

(c) 220

(d) 250

(e) 280

12) Recently(Dec’24), the BrahMos Aerospace has appointed Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi as its new head. Which nation collaborated with India to create BrahMos Aerospace, which produced the BRAHMOS missile, a fast and accurate supersonic cruise missile?

(a) France

(b) China

(c) Japan

(d) Russia

(e) Oman

13) On November 30, 2024, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) inked a contract for the ₹1207.5 crore Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of INS Vikramaditya. Which year was it commissioned into the Indian Navy?

(a) 2011

(b) 2012

(c) 2013

(d) 2014

(e) 2015

14) In order to capture drugs in the Arabian Sea, Indian and Sri Lankan navies worked together. How many kg of crystal methamphetamine were found on two fishing boats?

(a) 400

(b) 450

(c) 350

(d) 500

(e) 300

15) On November 29, 2024, which edition of SAREX (National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise) was carried out by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) off the coast of Kochi?

(a) 9th

(b) 10th

(c) 11th

(d) 12th

(e) 13th

16) Which state hosted the conclusion of the 13th Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024), a bilateral exercise between the Singaporean Armed Forces and the Indian Army?

(a) Maharashtra

(b) West Bengal

(c) Tamil Nadu

(d) Odisha

(e) Karnataka

17) Which city saw the establishment of India's first Operational Technology (OT) Center of Excellence (CoE) by Skylark Information Technologies and Fortinet?

(a) Kolkata

(b) Chennai

(c) Bengaluru

(d) Kochi

(e) Mumbai

18) To operationalize how many million-dollar solar energy projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) signed a Project Implementation Agreement?

(a) $2 million

(b) $1 million

(c) $3 million

(d) $4 million

(e) $5 million

19) Recently,India's considerable advancements in network infrastructure, digital capabilities, and technical innovation are demonstrated by its ______ ranking in the NRI 2024, which is an improvement over its 60th place ranking in 2023.

(a) 45th

(b) 46th

(c) 47th

(d) 49th

(e) 48th

20) Which of the following pair is incorrect?

(a) National Pollution Control Day- December 2

(b) World AIDS Day- December 1

(c) World Computer Literacy Day- December 1

(d) International Day for the Abolition of Slavery- December 2

(e) All the above are correct

Answers :

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

In October,2024, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) surpassed 10 billion merchant transactions, showing a 53% year-on-year growth, marking a record peak during the festive season sales.

Record Single-Day Transaction: UPI recorded 644 million transactions on October 31 (Diwali), marking the highest-ever single-day transaction count.

Detailed Explanation:

In October,2024, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) surpassed 10 billion merchant transactions, showing a 53% year-on-year growth, marking a record peak during the festive season sales.

Record Single-Day Transaction: UPI recorded 644 million transactions on October 31 (Diwali), marking the highest-ever single-day transaction count.

Growth of Credit Cards: Credit card transactions grew by 35% in October, reaching 433 million transactions, compared to 320 million in the previous year, with increased usage driven by EMI and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) offerings.

Decline in Debit Card Usage: Debit card transactions decreased by 24%, from 190 million in October 2023 to 144 million in 2024, attributed partly to the lack of EMI offers during the festive season.

Mobile Wallets' Decline: Mobile wallet transactions fell by 17%, from 533 million in October 2023 to 442 million in October 2024, continuing the downward trend as UPI gained popularity.

2) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has raised its Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) by 5 basis points across all tenors, effective December 1, 2024.

Benchmark One Year MCLR: Increased from 8.95% to 9%.

Other MCLR Tenors:

Overnight: 8.35% (up from 8.30%)

One Month: 8.45% (up from 8.40%)

Three Months: 8.65% (up from 8.60%)

Six Months: 8.85% (up from 8.80%)

Three Years: 9.30% (up from 9.25%)

Detailed Explanation:

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has raised its Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) by 5 basis points across all tenors, effective December 1, 2024.

Benchmark One Year MCLR: Increased from 8.95% to 9%.

Other MCLR Tenors:

Overnight: 8.35% (up from 8.30%)

One Month: 8.45% (up from 8.40%)

Three Months: 8.65% (up from 8.60%)

Six Months: 8.85% (up from 8.80%)

Three Years: 9.30% (up from 9.25%)

Bank of India MCLR Revision: Bank of India (BoI) has also increased MCLR for specific tenors, effective December 1, 2024.

One Month Tenor: Increased to 8.45% (up from 8.40%).

Three Months Tenor: Increased to 8.60% (up from 8.55%).

Other Tenors (No Change):

Overnight: 8.20%

Six Months: 8.85%

One Year: 9%

Three Years: 9.10%

Impact on Consumer Loans: The revision in MCLR rates is likely to affect consumer loans, making borrowing slightly more expensive.

3) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan agreement.

Project Name: The project is part of Building India's Clean Plant Programme (CPP), which is aligned with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan agreement.

Project Name: The project is part of Building India's Clean Plant Programme (CPP), which is aligned with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme.

Development of a regulatory framework and institutional systems for effective implementation of the CPP.

Close consultation with private nurseries, researchers, state governments, and growers’ associations.

Climate Change Adaptation: The project supports plant health management to help farmers adapt to climate change, especially rising temperatures and its impact on pest and disease behavior.

Clean Plant Centres: The project will establish clean plant centres that will maintain disease-free foundation materials for planting. These centres will have:

Laboratories with cutting-edge diagnostic testing methods.

Trained experts in clean plant centre operating procedures.

Clean Plant Certification Scheme: The project will roll out a scheme to certify private nurseries and their planting materials for quality and disease-free standards.

4) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024, a grand festival celebrating the rich cultural and economic heritage of Northeast India, will commence on December 6, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Chaired by Union Minister of Communications and Development of the Northeastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the curtain raiser event emphasised the festival's goal of showcasing the Northeast's vibrant culture and economic potential.

The mascot ‘Purvi’, representing all eight Northeastern states, was unveiled.

Purvi symbolizes the diverse culture and aspirations of the region and will continue to serve as a cultural ambassador beyond the festival.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024, a grand festival celebrating the rich cultural and economic heritage of Northeast India, will commence on December 6, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Chaired by Union Minister of Communications and Development of the Northeastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the curtain raiser event emphasised the festival's goal of showcasing the Northeast's vibrant culture and economic potential.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the festival on December 6, 2024.

Shri Scindia underlined that the Northeast symbolizes the essence of "Ashtalakshmi" — Prosperity, Opulence, Purity, Wealth, Knowledge, Duty, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry.

Hosted by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and managed by North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC).

Over 250 artisans and entrepreneurs will showcase traditional handicrafts, handlooms, and agricultural products, including 34 Geographical Indication (GI) tagged items such as indigenous fruits and organic goods.

Special pavilions will feature Eri and Muga Silk and state-specific crafts.

Traditional dances, musical performances, and cultural showcases will run throughout the festival.

Highlights include:

Ashtalakshmi Symphony and Shillong Chamber Choir on Day 1.

Performances by PANGPARI (Mizoram), SOFIYUM (Sikkim), and a grand Fashion Show on Day 2.

BASAV (Manipur), FEATHERHEADS HAOKUI, and Tai Khamti Dance on Day 3.

The mascot ‘Purvi’, representing all eight Northeastern states, was unveiled.

Purvi symbolizes the diverse culture and aspirations of the region and will continue to serve as a cultural ambassador beyond the festival.

The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav aims to be an annual calendar event celebrating the Northeast's cultural wealth and economic opportunities.

The festival aligns with the government’s vision to position the Northeast as an engine for India’s economic growth while preserving its heritage.

5) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India has secured its re-election to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the 2025-2026 term, reaffirming its active commitment to promoting global peace and stability.

Founding Member: India has been an active participant since the PBC's establishment in 2005.

Detailed Explanation:

India has secured its re-election to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the 2025-2026 term, reaffirming its active commitment to promoting global peace and stability.

The announcement was made by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations via social media platform X.

Founding Member: India has been an active participant since the PBC's establishment in 2005.

Contributor to Peacekeeping: As a major contributor to UN Peacekeeping Operations, India’s efforts align with its broader goal of sustaining peace worldwide.

The Permanent Mission of India emphasized India’s dedication to supporting the PBC’s work for peace and stability globally.

6) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Launched on October 1, 2021, AMRUT 2.0 aims to make Indian cities self-sufficient and water-secure by focusing on key urban infrastructure projects, including sewerage management, water body restoration, and expanding green spaces.

Total Budget: ₹2,99,000 crore over five years.

Central Contribution: ₹76,760 crore provided to States and Union Territories (UTs).

Detailed Explanation:

Launched on October 1, 2021, AMRUT 2.0 aims to make Indian cities self-sufficient and water-secure by focusing on key urban infrastructure projects, including sewerage management, water body restoration, and expanding green spaces.

Water Security: Ensure sustainable and equitable access to water in urban areas.

Urban Infrastructure: Improve sewerage systems, restore water bodies, and develop green spaces to enhance urban living standards.

Total Budget: ₹2,99,000 crore over five years.

Central Contribution: ₹76,760 crore provided to States and Union Territories (UTs).

Approved Projects:

Number of Projects: 8,998.

Worth: ₹1,89,458.55 crore.

Mandate: All states and UTs must submit SWAPs within two years of the mission's launch.

Progress:

₹63,976.77 crore approved out of ₹66,750 crore of central assistance.

States like Arunachal Pradesh and Delhi have yet to approve 90% of their allocated funds.

7) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced the Amnesty Scheme 2024, aimed at encouraging compliance among employers.

Insurance cover of ₹2.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh for dependents of deceased members extended retrospectively from April 28, 2024.

Detailed Explanation:

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced the Amnesty Scheme 2024, aimed at encouraging compliance among employers.

This initiative provides a limited-time opportunity for employers to deposit past provident fund dues without penalties.

Objectives and Benefits

Voluntary Compliance: Employers can disclose and rectify past non-compliance without legal or financial repercussions.

Formalization of Workforce: Encourages more employers to bring workers under the formal social security framework.

Ease of Declaration: Requires only a simple online declaration to avail of benefits.

Boost to Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme: Facilitates implementation of ELI announced in the FY25 budget to promote employment generation and job formalization.

Existing Rule: Interest was paid only up to the end of the preceding month for claims settled till the 24th of the month.

New Rule: Interest will now be paid up to the settlement date, resulting in higher financial benefits and reduced grievances.

Insurance cover of ₹2.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh for dependents of deceased members extended retrospectively from April 28, 2024.

Actuarial valuation shows a surplus of ₹6,385.74 crore ensuring uninterrupted benefits.

8) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Australian Parliament passed a law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram.

The law imposes fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for platforms failing to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts.

Detailed Explanation:

The Australian Parliament passed a law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram.

The law imposes fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for platforms failing to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts.

The law was passed in the Senate with 34 votes to 19 and in the House of Representatives with 102 votes to 13.

The House later endorsed Senate amendments, making the bill law.

Platform Accountability:Social media platforms have one year to implement measures to comply with the ban before penalties are enforced.

The law requires platforms to take responsibility for protecting children's safety and ensuring they don't allow underage users.

9) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) will begin on December 4, 2024 and run until December 11, 2024.

The festival will feature 175 films from 29 countries, showcasing a diverse range of cinematic works.

Detailed Explanation:

The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) will begin on December 4, 2024 and run until December 11, 2024.

The festival will feature 175 films from 29 countries, showcasing a diverse range of cinematic works.

Film Categories:

42 feature-length films.

30 short films and documentaries in competitive categories.

103 films in non-competitive categories.

The festival will include special screenings of classic Indian and international films.

Focus Country: France is the focus country of this year's festival, with a selection of 21 French films.

The French selection includes contemporary films by women directors, French classics, short films, and documentaries.

10) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023 was awarded to Daniel Barenboim, a world-renowned pianist and conductor, and Ali Abu Awwad, a Palestinian peace activist.

Award Details

Monetary Prize: ₹25 lakh.

Accompaniment: A citation acknowledging the recipient’s contributions.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023 was awarded to Daniel Barenboim, a world-renowned pianist and conductor, and Ali Abu Awwad, a Palestinian peace activist.

This prestigious honour highlights their exceptional efforts in fostering peace and non-violence across cultural and political divides.

Daniel Barenboim

For leveraging music as a tool to connect people and heal divisions in areas of conflict.

Ali Abu Awwad

For promoting dialogue and understanding through grassroots efforts, demonstrating the transformative power of non-violence.

About the Indira Gandhi Prize

Purpose and Legacy

Established in 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, the prize honors the legacy of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Recognizes contributions to peace, disarmament, and development that align with her vision of a just and sustainable world.

Award Details

Monetary Prize: ₹25 lakh.

Accompaniment: A citation acknowledging the recipient’s contributions.

11) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Kerala Government's ambitious semi-high-speed rail project, SilverLine, aims to connect Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod with trains operating at speeds up to 220 km/h.

The project is expected to decongest the existing road and rail network and promote urbanization in Kerala.

Centre's Recent Directive:The Ministry of Railways has directed the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) to revise the Detailed Project Report (DPR) according to updated technical standards.

Detailed Explanation:

The Kerala Government's ambitious semi-high-speed rail project, SilverLine, aims to connect Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod with trains operating at speeds up to 220 km/h.

The project is expected to decongest the existing road and rail network and promote urbanization in Kerala.

Centre's Recent Directive:The Ministry of Railways has directed the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) to revise the Detailed Project Report (DPR) according to updated technical standards.

Key revisions include:

Adoption of broad gauge instead of the previously suggested standard gauge.

Integration with the existing rail network at appropriate points in Kerala.

Ensuring speed potential of 160 km/h and provision for KAVACH system, an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system to prevent collisions.

Electrification using a 2x25 kV system and improvements to drainage schemes and ruling gradients.

Exploration of the possibility to run goods trains on the new tracks.

12) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi has been appointed as the new Chief of BrahMos Aerospace, the organization responsible for the development of the world's most powerful supersonic cruise missile system, BrahMos.

Dr. Joshi has a career spanning over three decades, making significant contributions to missile technology, non-destructive testing (NDT), and the professional development of industry experts.

BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia, developed the BRAHMOS missile, a supersonic cruise missile known for its precision and speed.

Detailed Explanation:

Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi has been appointed as the new Chief of BrahMos Aerospace, the organization responsible for the development of the world's most powerful supersonic cruise missile system, BrahMos.

Dr. Joshi has a career spanning over three decades, making significant contributions to missile technology, non-destructive testing (NDT), and the professional development of industry experts.

BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia, developed the BRAHMOS missile, a supersonic cruise missile known for its precision and speed.

The BrahMos missile can strike sea and land-based targets beyond radar horizons with pinpoint accuracy.

In its naval configuration, the missile can be launched from moving or static platforms and has been deployed on the Indian Navy’s Destroyers and Frigates.

BrahMos is considered a “Prime Strike Weapon” for the Indian Navy, significantly enhancing India's maritime strike capabilities.

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on 30th November 2024 for the Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of INS Vikramaditya at a cost of ₹1207.5 crore.

INS Vikramaditya is a 45,000-tonne aircraft carrier, originally built by Admiral Gorshkov in Russia.

It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in November 2013.

After the refit, INS Vikramaditya will rejoin the Indian Navy with upgraded combat capability.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on 30th November 2024 for the Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of INS Vikramaditya at a cost of ₹1207.5 crore.

INS Vikramaditya is a 45,000-tonne aircraft carrier, originally built by Admiral Gorshkov in Russia.

It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in November 2013.

After the refit, INS Vikramaditya will rejoin the Indian Navy with upgraded combat capability.

Importance of the Refit:The refit is crucial for ensuring the aircraft carrier remains seaworthy and operational for further years of service.

It is part of the Indian Navy's maintenance cycle, with major maintenance tasks conducted at regular intervals:

Assisted Maintenance Period (AMP): Conducted annually to maintain the carrier.

Short Refit: A 6-8 month maintenance period every 5 years.

Medium Refit: A 15-18 month dry-docking refit every 10 years.

14) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Indian and Sri Lankan Navies conducted a coordinated operation to seize narcotics in the Arabian Sea.

Approximately 500 kg of crystal methamphetamine were seized from two fishing vessels.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian and Sri Lankan Navies conducted a coordinated operation to seize narcotics in the Arabian Sea.

Approximately 500 kg of crystal methamphetamine were seized from two fishing vessels.

The Indian Navy's long-range maritime patrol aircraft and drones carried out surveillance missions based on inputs from the Sri Lankan Navy.

The operation was initiated based on intelligence about probable narcotics smuggling by Sri Lankan-flagged fishing vessels.

The narcotics were seized on November 25, after the boats were intercepted on November 24 and 25.

Legal Action: The seized narcotics and the crew of the boats are being handed over to Sri Lankan authorities for further legal proceedings.

Information Fusion Centre (IFC): The Indian Navy's Gurugram-based IFC provided vital tracking and operational support.

Operation Impact:The operation highlights the strong partnership between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in countering narcotics smuggling and ensuring maritime security.

15) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The 11th edition of SAREX (National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise) was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) off the Kochi coast on November 29, 2024.

The two-day exercise was inaugurated by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on November 28, 2024 and reviewed by Director General ICG Paramesh Sivamani.

Theme:The theme of SAREX-2024 was ‘Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration’, emphasizing international cooperation in strengthening maritime safety.

Detailed Explanation:

The 11th edition of SAREX (National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise) was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) off the Kochi coast on November 29, 2024.

The two-day exercise was inaugurated by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on November 28, 2024 and reviewed by Director General ICG Paramesh Sivamani.

Theme:The theme of SAREX-2024 was ‘Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration’, emphasizing international cooperation in strengthening maritime safety.

The first day included table-top exercises, workshops, and seminars with participation from senior officials from government agencies, ministries, armed forces, stakeholders, and foreign delegates.

The second day featured a large-scale sea exercise off the Kochi coast with participation from various agencies, including ships and aircraft.

A simulated passenger aircraft crash scenario was conducted, with a passenger aircraft (carrying 250 passengers) facing a severe technical failure, losing communication with air traffic control, and disappearing from radar about 150 nautical miles northwest of Kochi.

16) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The 13th edition of Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024), a bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces, concluded at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali (Maharashtra) on 30th November 2024.

The exercise was conducted from 28th to 30th November 2024.

Singapore Armed Forces: 182 personnel from the Singapore Artillery.

Indian Army: 114 personnel from the Regiment of Artillery.

Detailed Explanation:

The 13th edition of Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024), a bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces, concluded at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali (Maharashtra) on 30th November 2024.

The exercise was conducted from 28th to 30th November 2024.

Singapore Armed Forces: 182 personnel from the Singapore Artillery.

Indian Army: 114 personnel from the Regiment of Artillery.

The aim of XAW-2024 was to maximise mutual understanding of drills and procedures to achieve jointness as a multinational force under the United Nations Charter.

Joint firepower planning, execution, and use of New Generation Equipment by the artillery of both armies.

Coordination and understanding of each other’s capabilities and procedures.

Evolution of a common interface between Indian and Singapore artillery procedures.

Technologies Used:Both sides utilized niche technologies and exchanged best practices during the joint training.

17) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Skylark Information Technologies partnered with Fortinet to establish India’s first Operational Technology (OT) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Chennai.

The CoE aims to provide advanced security solutions specifically tailored for OT environments, supporting industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, utilities, and critical infrastructure like power, oil & gas, and transportation.

The CoE was inaugurated by Vivek Srivastava, Fortinet Country Manager India & SAARC.

Detailed Explanation:

Skylark Information Technologies partnered with Fortinet to establish India’s first Operational Technology (OT) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Chennai.

The CoE aims to provide advanced security solutions specifically tailored for OT environments, supporting industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, utilities, and critical infrastructure like power, oil & gas, and transportation.

The CoE was inaugurated by Vivek Srivastava, Fortinet Country Manager India & SAARC.

The lab will support digital transformation across various industries, addressing cybersecurity challenges arising from the integration of OT and IT systems.

Features of the CoE:The CoE will offer a hands-on lab environment where OT customers can simulate real-world use cases and develop cybersecurity solutions.

It provides a platform to explore integrated cybersecurity measures, reducing complexities in OT security and helping enhance digital transformation efficiency.

Commitment to Industrial Security:Skylark's initiative to open an OT security CoE reflects a commitment to protecting industrial operations and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

18) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in collaboration with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), signed a Project Implementation Agreement to operationalize a $2 million solar energy project in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in collaboration with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), signed a Project Implementation Agreement to operationalize a $2 million solar energy project in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles.

This initiative is part of India's efforts under the Quad Climate Working Group, aiming to address energy and climate challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Partners: MEA and ISA.

Focus: Implementing solar energy projects in four island nations.

Funding: India committed $2 million for these solar initiatives.

The solar projects target key issues in these nations, including:

Cold Storage: Solar-powered systems to reduce agricultural product perishability.

Healthcare: Solarizing healthcare facilities for uninterrupted electricity.

Irrigation: Solar water pumping systems for remote agricultural areas lacking grid access.

19) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

India’s 49th position in the NRI 2024, a leap from 60th in 2023, highlights its significant progress in network infrastructure, digital capabilities, and technological innovation.

The report evaluates 133 economies on their readiness to harness digital networks for economic growth and technological advancement.

Detailed Explanation:

India’s 49th position in the NRI 2024, a leap from 60th in 2023, highlights its significant progress in network infrastructure, digital capabilities, and technological innovation.

The report evaluates 133 economies on their readiness to harness digital networks for economic growth and technological advancement.

Ranking Progress: Climbed 11 spots, from 60th in 2023 to 49th in 2024.

Score Improvement: Increased from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024, reflecting better digital infrastructure and services.

India ranked:

1st in:

AI Scientific Publications

AI Talent Concentration

ICT Services Exports

2nd in:

FTTH/Building Internet Subscriptions

Mobile Broadband Internet Traffic

International Internet Bandwidth

3rd in Domestic Market Scale.

4th in Annual Investment in Telecommunication Services.

Top 10 Countries in NRI 2024

1. United States
2. Singapore
3. Finland
4. Sweden
5. Republic of Korea
6. Netherlands
7. Switzerland
8. United Kingdom
9. Germany
10. Denmark

20) Answer: C

World AIDS Day 2024 is observed on the 1st of December 2024.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2024, 'Take the Rights Path: My health, my right!'

World AIDS Day was first initiated in 1998 and observed on December 1.

The World AIDS Campaign was registered as a nonprofit organization in 2004 in the Netherlands.

National Pollution Control Day 2024 is observed on the 2nd of December 2024.

It is nationally observed for the remembrance of an Industrial accident that took place in Bhopal which took thousands of lives in 1984.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024 is observed on the 2nd of December 2024.

ILO has adopted a legally binding Protocol designed to strengthen global efforts to eliminate forced labour, which entered into force in November 2016.

U.N. Working Group on Slavery submitted a report that tendered the date for consideration as the World Day for the Abolition of Slavery in 1985.

World Computer Literacy Day 2024 is observed on the 2nd of December.

World Computer Literacy Day was launched in 2001 by an Indian company called N.I.I.T. to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The Company was founded in 1981 by Rajendra Singh Pawar and Vijay K. Thadani. N.I.I.T stands for National Institute of Information Technology, is a skills and talent development company.