Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 of 05th July 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) To enhance and fortify India's health system's readiness and ability to respond to pandemics in the future, the Government of India (GoI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have inked a policy-based loan for how many millions of dollars?

(a) $150million

(b) $170million

(c) $180million

(d) $190million

(e) $160million

2) In July 2024, Which bank intends to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore through infrastructure bonds.India Ratings granted a "AA+" grade to the bank's anticipated infra bond issue?

(a) Indian bank

(b) Punjab & National Bank

(c) Canara bank

(d) Bank of India

(e) Indian Overseas bank

3) As per July report, To promote increased retail investor involvement in the corporate bond market, the Sbonds and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) decreased the face value of debt instruments from how many rupees to Rs 10,000?

(a) Rs.50000

(b) Rs.80000

(c) Rs.100000

(d) Rs.200000

(e) Rs.150000

4) According to a July 2024 article, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has introduced new mutual fund lite regulations to streamline criteria for passive fund managers. The recommended minimum net worth is ₹35 crore, which may be decreased to how many crores with 5 years of profit?

(a) Rs.30crore

(b) Rs.20crore

(c) Rs.25crore

(d) Rs.15crore

(e) Rs.10crore

5) A new financial trojan known as 'Snowblind' is targeting Android users in order to steal their banking information, discovered by Promon company. Which nation is the headquarters of cybersecurity business Promon?

(a) Russia

(b) USA

(c) Japan

(d) UK

(e) Norway

6) As of July 2024, The Securities and Exchange Board of India simplifies the public issuance of debt securities. From seven working days to how many days for other issuers?

(a) 6days

(b) 5days

(c) 4days

(d) 3days

(e) 1day

7) As per the report, Hitachi Payment Services has been granted final authorization by the Reserve Bank of India to operate as an online payment aggregator. Which year did HPX launch its Accelerator Program to partner with fintech firms throughout India on digital payment innovation?

(a) 2021

(b) 2022

(c) 2023

(d) 2024

(e) 2019

8) As per the report, NITI Aayog will commence the 'Sampoornata Abhiyan' campaign on July 4, 2024, continuing until September 30, 2024. How many total key performance indicators (KPIs) for Aspirational districts & blocks,will this campaign completely cover (saturate)?

(a) 14

(b) 8

(c) 12

(d) 16

(e) 10

9) The Union Urban Development Ministry's Smart Cities Mission (SCM) has been renewed by the Center until March 31, 2025. Which year marked the commencement of the groundbreaking Smart Cities Mission in India's urban development?

(a) 2014

(b) 2015

(c) 2016

(d) 2017

(e) 2018

10) The sixth meeting of the Ministerial Council for the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) took place in a hybrid format at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Which nation was chosen to serve as Lead Chair for 2024–2025?

(a) Austria

(b) Hong Kong

(c) Serbia

(d) Japan

(e) Switzerland

11) In July 2024,  Under the 'Make in India' campaign, the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are executing the Technology Development Fund (TDF) project, which is a noteworthy effort. How many defense technologies have been created successfully under the program so far?

(a) 24

(b) 25

(c) 27

(d) 29

(e) 23

12) According to the article on Budget 2024, 'Modi 3.0' might see the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) expanded to include older folks in India. This would fulfill the NDA's promise to provide healthcare support to individuals aged _________ and over.

(a) 60

(b) 65

(c) 70

(d) 68

(e) 58

13) As per the report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi oversees six committees, excluding the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Parliamentary Affairs.Which ministry is the isolated member of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Narendra Modi?

(a) Home affairs

(b) Finance Ministry

(c) Rural Development

(d) Agriculture

(e) Defence Ministry

14) Which government has adopted the draft Nodal Investment Region for Manufacturing (Construction) Area Bill (NIRMAN)-2024, and that aims to boost the state into a $1 trillion economy?

(a) Karnataka

(b) Kerala

(c) Andhra Pradesh

(d) Odisha

(e) Uttar Pradesh

15) In June 2024, there was an improvement in the Indian services sector as shown by the HSBC India Services Business Activity Index (services PMI), which increased from ______________ in May to 60.5.

(a) 60.2

(b) 60.1

(c) 60.0

(d) 60.3

(e) 60.4

16) As per the report, the Franklin Templeton intends to provide novel fixed income products. How many loan plans totaling ₹20,215 crore were put on hold because of cash flow problems in April 2020?

(a) 4

(b) 5

(c) 7

(d) 6

(e) 8

17) In accordance with which section of the NMC Act of 2019, was Dr. B.N. Gangadhar appointed as the National Medical Commission (NMC) Chairperson?

(a) Sec 3

(b) Sec 4

(c) Sec 5

(d) Sec 2

(e) Sec 6

18) The current President of the European Council is Antonio Costa, who served as Portugal's prime minister from 2015 until 2024. The President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, and the Head of State or Government of how many EU states make up the European Council?

(a) 25

(b) 24

(c) 26

(d) 27

(e) 29

19) In July 2024, Hardik Pandya becomes the first Indian to take the top place in the ICC T20I all-rounders rankings.Pandya is tied with which country's player for the lead?

(a) Zimbabwe

(b) Sri Lanka

(c) Australia

(d) New Zealand

(e) South Africa

20) Who was an athletics coach with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), saw a historic event when his 24-year-old student, Jyothi Yarraji, became the first Indian woman to qualify for the 100m hurdles at the Paris Olympics?

(a) C. Arun

(b) N. Ramesh

(c) P. Elango

(d) V. Karthik

(e) S. Vijay

Answers :

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Government of India (GoI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $170 million policy-based loan to consolidate and strengthen India's health system preparedness and response capacity to future pandemics.

This loan is a part of the 'Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems Programme (Subprogramme 1)'

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India (GoI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $170 million policy-based loan to consolidate and strengthen India's health system preparedness and response capacity to future pandemics.

This loan is a part of the 'Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems Programme (Subprogramme 1)'

Alignment with Government Initiatives:The programme aligns with key national initiatives including the National Health Policy 2017, Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), and the National One Health Mission.

2) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Bank of India (BOI) plans to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore through infrastructure bonds.

The capital raising committee is scheduled to meet soon to finalize the details of the fundraising plan.

Rating and Market Conditions:The proposed infra bond offering by BOI has been assigned an "AA+" rating by India Ratings.

Detailed Explanation:

Bank of India (BOI) plans to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore through infrastructure bonds.

The capital raising committee is scheduled to meet soon to finalize the details of the fundraising plan.

Rating and Market Conditions:The proposed infra bond offering by BOI has been assigned an "AA+" rating by India Ratings.

The actual amount raised and timing will be contingent upon market conditions.

Infrastructure Loan Book:BOI's infrastructure loan book was reported at Rs 58,860 crore as of March 2024, highlighting its significant exposure in this sector.

Growth Projections:According to CRISIL Ratings, Investments in key infrastructure sectors like renewable energy, roads, and real estate are expected to grow by 38% in FY 2025 and FY 2026, reaching Rs 15 trillion.

3) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reduced the face value of debt securities from Rs 100,000 to Rs 10,000 to encourage greater participation of retail investors in the corporate bond market.

Documentation Requirements:Issuers must update their General Information Document (GID) or issue an addendum to the shelf placement memorandum to reflect the new face value of Rs 10,000.

Detailed Explanation:

The Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reduced the face value of debt securities from Rs 100,000 to Rs 10,000 to encourage greater participation of retail investors in the corporate bond market.

This move aims to enhance liquidity and broaden the investor base in corporate bonds.

Face value is a financial term used to describe a security's nominal or dollar value as given by its issuer.

Credit Enhancements:SEBI allows credit enhancements in these instruments, which could potentially mitigate risk and attract more investor interest.

Documentation Requirements:Issuers must update their General Information Document (GID) or issue an addendum to the shelf placement memorandum to reflect the new face value of Rs 10,000.

This ensures transparency and compliance with regulatory standards.

Background:Previously, in October 2022, SEBI had reduced the face value of corporate bonds from Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 1lakh.

4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Securities and Exchanges Board of India (SEBI) has proposed the introduction of Mutual Fund (MF) Lite Regulations in the Mutual Funds segment to simplify the offering of passive funds.

Minimum net worth proposed is ₹35 crore, potentially reduced to ₹25 crore with 5 consecutive years of profit.

Types of Hybrid Passives:MF Lite proposes 3 categories of hybrid passives:

Debt-oriented (Equity: Debt-25:75)

Balanced (Equity: Debt-50:50)

Equity-oriented (Equity: Debt-75:25)

These categories are permitted for launch under the new regulations, providing flexibility in fund offerings.

Detailed Explanation:

The Securities and Exchanges Board of India (SEBI) has proposed the introduction of Mutual Fund (MF) Lite Regulations in the Mutual Funds segment to simplify the offering of passive funds.

Eligibility Routes:Asset Management Companies (AMCs) can choose either the main eligibility route or the alternate eligibility route to offer passive funds under the proposed regulations.

Existing fund houses can establish a separate section dedicated to their passive fund businesses, registered under the MF Lite framework.

Minimum net worth proposed is ₹35 crore, potentially reduced to ₹25 crore with 5 consecutive years of profit.

Types of Hybrid Passives:MF Lite proposes 3 categories of hybrid passives:

Debt-oriented (Equity: Debt-25:75)

Balanced (Equity: Debt-50:50)

Equity-oriented (Equity: Debt-75:25)

These categories are permitted for launch under the new regulations, providing flexibility in fund offerings.

5) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

A new banking malware called ‘Snowblind’ is targeting Android users to steal banking credentials.

Discovered by cybersecurity firm Promon, headquartered in Norway.

Functionality : This malware can take your banking login details and perform unauthorised transactions

Detailed Explanation:

A new banking malware called ‘Snowblind’ is targeting Android users to steal banking credentials.

Discovered by cybersecurity firm Promon, headquartered in Norway.

Functionality : This malware can take your banking login details and perform unauthorised transactions.

Exploitation of Security Features:Snowblind exploits a built-in Android security feature to bypass anti-tamper protections in apps that handle sensitive information.

This allows the malware to operate undetected and compromise sensitive data.

Impact on Security Measures: Snowblind can disable biometric authentication (like fingerprint or facial recognition) and two-factor authentication (2FA).

These security features are commonly used by banking apps to prevent unauthorized access, making Snowblind particularly dangerous.

6) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) decided to streamline the process for public issuance of debt securities to provide faster access to funds for such issuers.

Under this, The period for seeking public comments on draft offer documents was reduced:

From 7 working days to 1 day for issuers with already listed specified securities.

From 7 working days to 5 days for other issuers.

Detailed Explanation:

The Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) decided to streamline the process for public issuance of debt securities to provide faster access to funds for such issuers.

Under this, The period for seeking public comments on draft offer documents was reduced:

From 7 working days to 1 day for issuers with already listed specified securities.

From 7 working days to 5 days for other issuers.

Subscription and Listing Timelines:

Minimum subscription period cut from 3 to 2 working days.

Listing timeline was reduced from T+6 to T+3 working days, initially optional for one year, mandatory thereafter.

Flexibility in Advertising Public Issues:SEBI allowed electronic advertising modes, with QR codes/links in newspapers.

Harmonised application procedures using UPI for individual investors up to Rs 5 lakh, retaining other application modes.

Under this, Sebi has decided to allow Category I and II AIFs to temporarily borrow for up to 30 days to cover temporary investor shortfalls when making investments.

7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Hitachi Payment Services, India’s end-to-end payments and commerce solutions provider, has announced that it has received the final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator, under the Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

HPX Accelerator Program: Launched in 2023 to collaborate with fintech startups across India for digital payment innovation.

Detailed Explanation:

Hitachi Payment Services, India’s end-to-end payments and commerce solutions provider, has announced that it has received the final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator, under the Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

Transaction Volume: Currently processes over 2.5 billion digital transactions annually for leading banks and fintech companies in India.

HPX Accelerator Program: Launched in 2023 to collaborate with fintech startups across India for digital payment innovation.

8) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

NITI Aayog is set to launch the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ campaign on 4th July 2024, running until 30th September 2024.

This campaign aims to achieve complete coverage (saturation) of 6 key performance indicators (KPIs) in 112 Aspirational Districts and 6 key performance indicators (KPIs)500 Aspirational Blocks nationwide.

Detailed Explanation:

NITI Aayog is set to launch the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ campaign on 4th July 2024, running until 30th September 2024.

This campaign aims to achieve complete coverage (saturation) of 6 key performance indicators (KPIs) in 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks nationwide.

The campaign operates under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).

Focus Areas for Aspirational Blocks

The campaign will address the following 6 KPIs in all Aspirational Blocks:

Antenatal Care (ANC) Registration: Percentage of pregnant women registered for ANC within the first trimester.

Diabetes Screening: Percentage of individuals screened for diabetes against the targeted population.

Hypertension Screening: Percentage of individuals screened for hypertension against the targeted population.

Supplementary Nutrition: Percentage of pregnant women regularly receiving supplementary nutrition under the ICDS Programme.

Soil Health Cards: Percentage of Soil Health Cards generated against the soil sample collection target.

Revolving Fund for SHGs: Percentage of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) receiving a Revolving Fund against the total SHGs in the block.

Focus Areas for Aspirational Districts

The 6 KPIs targeted in all Aspirational Districts include:

Antenatal Care (ANC) Registration: Percentage of pregnant women registered for ANC within the first trimester.

Supplementary Nutrition: Percentage of pregnant women regularly receiving supplementary nutrition under the ICDS Programme.

Child Immunization: Percentage of children fully immunized (9-11 months) covering BCG, DPT3, OPV3, and Measles 1.

Soil Health Cards Distribution: Number of Soil Health Cards distributed.

Functional Electricity in Schools: Percentage of secondary-level schools with functional electricity.

Textbook Provision in Schools: Percentage of schools providing textbooks to children within 1 month of the academic session's start.

9) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Centre has extended the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) under the Union Urban Development Ministry till March 31, 2025.

This is the third extension to the mission.

The Mission was to end on June 30, 2024.

The Smart Cities Mission is a pioneering initiative in India’s urban development, launched in June 2015.

Detailed Explanation:

The Centre has extended the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) under the Union Urban Development Ministry till March 31, 2025.

This is the third extension to the mission.

The Mission was to end on June 30, 2024.

The Smart Cities Mission is a pioneering initiative in India’s urban development, launched in June 2015.

This mission has introduced several innovative strategies including:

City Competition: Cities competed to be selected among the 100 smart cities.

Stakeholder-Driven Projects: Projects were chosen based on stakeholder input.

Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs): These were formed for the implementation of smart city projects.

Technology Integration: Use of digital solutions to enhance urban governance.

Third-Party Evaluations: Premier academic and professional institutes conducted impact evaluations.

Project Statistics:

Total Projects: Over 8,000 multi-sectoral projects worth approximately ₹ 1.6 lakh crore.

Completed Projects (as of 3rd July 2024):7,188 projects (90% of total) valued at ₹ 1,44,237 crore.

Ongoing Projects:830 projects worth ₹ 19,926 crore in advanced completion stages.

Financial Overview

GOI Budget Allocation:₹ 48,000 crore for the mission.

Funds Released (as of date):₹ 46,585 crore (97% of the allocated budget).

Utilization of Released Funds:93% utilized by the cities.

Full Financial Support: Provided to 74 out of 100 cities under the mission.

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The 6th meeting of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Ministerial Council was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in a hybrid format.

Chairperson: Shri Jitin Prasada

Key Attendees: Representatives from Japan, Serbia, OECD, UNESCO

Serbia elected as Lead Chair for 2024-25.

Detailed Explanation:

The 6th meeting of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Ministerial Council was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in a hybrid format.

Chairperson: Shri Jitin Prasada

Key Attendees: Representatives from Japan, Serbia, OECD, UNESCO

Key Points Discussed:

AI’s transformative potential and associated risks.

Commitment to trustworthy, human-centric AI.

Reaffirmation of OECD and UNESCO AI recommendations.

Strengthening GPAI’s identity and international cooperation.

Call for inclusivity and equal participation.

Serbia elected as Lead Chair for 2024-25.

Significance: Emphasizes India's leadership in global AI ethics and governance.

11) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme is a significant initiative under the 'Make in India’ campaign, led by the Ministry of Defence and executed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Sanctioned Projects: To date, 77 projects have been sanctioned, with a financial commitment exceeding ₹ 300 crore.

Defence Technologies Realised:27 defence technologies have successfully been developed under the scheme.

Detailed Explanation:

Scheme Name: Technology Development Fund (TDF)

Managing Body: Ministry of Defence, executed by DRDO

Focus: Enhancing capabilities in cutting-edge technology and promoting self-reliance in defence.

Achievements:

Total Projects Sanctioned: 77

Total Commitment: Over ₹ 300 crore

Defence Technologies Realised:27

Notable Start-up Contributions:

Combat Robotics, Pune: Simulator for Unmanned Vehicles

ChiStats Labs, Pune: Virtual Sensors for Aero Gas Turbine Engine Health Monitoring

NewSpace Research and Technologies, Bengaluru: Autonomous Drone for Indoor Operations

Main Objectives:

Financial Support: For Indian industries and institutions.

Engagement: With MSMEs and start-ups for Military Technology development.

Focus Areas: Niche technology development.

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Budget 2024 may witness 'Modi 3.0' expanding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to encompass senior citizens in India, fulfilling the NDA's pledge to extend healthcare support to those aged 70 and above.

Detailed Explanation:

Budget 2024 may witness 'Modi 3.0' expanding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to encompass senior citizens in India, fulfilling the NDA's pledge to extend healthcare support to those aged 70 and above.

Expansion of AB PM-JAY: Proposal to include senior citizens in the upcoming Budget.

Objective: Aligns with NDA's commitment to healthcare for the elderly under the scheme.

Inclusion of Elderly-Focused Hospitals: Planned under PM-JAY framework.

Beneficiary Increase: Consideration to expand AB PM-JAY coverage.

Scheme Details:

AB-PMJAY: Largest publicly funded health insurance globally.

Coverage: Provides Rs 5 lakh annually for secondary and tertiary care to 12 crore families.

Elderly Coverage: Around 20% of those aged 60+ covered by existing health schemes.

Role of State Health Agencies (SHAs): Responsible for hospital inclusion to ensure widespread access.

13) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The eight key Cabinet Committees in India include the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), Appointments Committee of the Cabinet(ACC), Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), Cabinet Committee on Accommodation, Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth, and Cabinet Committee on Skill, Employment, and Livelihood.

Appointments Committee: Narendra Modi heads the Appointments Committee, with Shah as the sole member.

Detailed Explanation:

The eight key Cabinet Committees in India include the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), Appointments Committee of the Cabinet(ACC), Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), Cabinet Committee on Accommodation, Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth, and Cabinet Committee on Skill, Employment, and Livelihood.

Committee Leadership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs six committees, excluding the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.

Composition Changes: The CCEA will now comprise 11 members, including PM Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and others.

Appointments Committee: Narendra Modi heads the Appointments Committee, with Shah as the sole member.

CCS Stability: The CCS, led by Modi, remains unchanged with members Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S Jaishankar.

Inclusion of NDA Partners: Ministers like Chirag Paswan and Jayant Chaudhary from NDA are appointed to various committees, enhancing coalition representation.

Special Invitee: Jayant Chaudhary serves as a Special Invitee on the Cabinet Committee on Skill, Employment, and Livelihood.

14) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has approved the draft Uttar Pradesh Nodal Investment Region for Manufacturing (Construction) Area Bill (NIRMAN)-2024, aiming to propel the state towards achieving a one trillion dollar economy.

UP became the 4th state to implement such a law, following Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.

Detailed Explanation:

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has approved the draft Uttar Pradesh Nodal Investment Region for Manufacturing (Construction) Area Bill (NIRMAN)-2024, aiming to propel the state towards achieving a one trillion dollar economy.

This draft of the Bill to make a Special Investment Region (SIR) was approved in the cabinet meeting held in Lok Bhavan under chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Special Investment Regions (SIRs):At least 4 SIRs to be created in four geographical areas of UP.

20,000 acres of land bank available for these regions.

SIRs are major investment regions where cluster development takes place and the power vested in the state government or other departments is decentralised at the authority level.

UP became the 4th state to implement such a law, following Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.

15) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

In June 2024, the services sector in India showed improvement with the HSBC India Services Business Activity Index (services PMI) rising to 60.5, up from 60.2 in May.

This increase was driven by a stronger uptick in new orders and an unprecedented expansion in international sales, according to S&P Global.

Detailed Explanation:

In June 2024, the services sector in India showed improvement with the HSBC India Services Business Activity Index (services PMI) rising to 60.5, up from 60.2 in May.

This increase was driven by a stronger uptick in new orders and an unprecedented expansion in international sales, according to S&P Global.

Services PMI: Increased to 60.5 in June from 60.2 in May.

Drivers of Growth: Stronger rise in new orders and record international sales expansion.

Activity Level: Quicker than May and above its long-run average.

Impact on Composite PMI: The composite PMI, combining manufacturing and services, rose to 60.9 in June.

Manufacturing PMI: Also improved, rising to 58.3 in June from 57.5 in May.

16) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Following the abrupt cessation of six debt schemes worth ₹20,215 crore in April 2020 due to a liquidity crisis amid the Covid pandemic, Franklin Templeton Asset Management plans to launch a series of fixed-income schemes.

Avinash Satwalekar, President of Franklin Templeton-India, announced that the fund house aims to enter the fixed-income market within the next three months, with initial preparations already underway.

Detailed Explanation:

Following the abrupt cessation of six debt schemes worth ₹20,215 crore in April 2020 due to a liquidity crisis amid the Covid pandemic, Franklin Templeton Asset Management plans to launch a series of fixed-income schemes.

Avinash Satwalekar, President of Franklin Templeton-India, announced that the fund house aims to enter the fixed-income market within the next three months, with initial preparations already underway.

New Initiatives: Franklin Templeton plans to launch new fixed income schemes.

Background: Six debt schemes worth ₹20,215 crore were halted in April 2020 due to liquidity issues.

Leadership Change: Rahul Goswami, former head of debt investments at ICICI Prudential AMC, was appointed as Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director – Fixed Income.

17) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed various individuals to posts of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Autonomous Boards.

The appointments are for a period of 4 years, until the appointee attains the age of 70 years, or until further orders, whichever is earliest.

Dr. B.N. Gangadhar:

Position: Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC)

Appointment Details: Appointed under Section 4 of the NMC Act, 2019.

Previous Role: President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board

Detailed Explanation:

The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed various individuals to posts of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Autonomous Boards.

The appointments are for a period of 4 years, until the appointee attains the age of 70 years, or until further orders, whichever is earliest.

Dr. B.N. Gangadhar:

Position: Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC)

Appointment Details: Appointed under Section 4 of the NMC Act, 2019.

Previous Role: President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board

Dr. Sanjay Behari:

Position: President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board

Appointment Details: Appointed under Section 17(2) of the NMC Act, 2019.

Previous Role: Director of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram

Dr. Anil D’Cruz:

Position: Whole-time member of the Post-Graduate Medical Education Board

Appointment Details: Appointed under Section 17(2) of the NMC Act, 2019.

Previous Role: Director (Oncology) of Apollo Hospital, Mumbai

Dr. Rajendra Achyut Badwe:

Position: Part-time member of the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board

Duration: 2 years, until he attains the age of 70 years, or until further orders, whichever is earliest.

Previous Role: Professor Emeritus at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai

18) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Antonio Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal (2015-2024), has been elected as the new President of the European Council.

He will replace Charles Michel of Belgium.

The European Council consists of the Head of State or Government of the 27 EU members, the European Council President, and the European Commission President.

The President is elected for a term of 2.5 years and can be re-elected once, for a maximum tenure of 5 years.

Detailed Explanation:

Antonio Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal (2015-2024), has been elected as the new President of the European Council.

He will replace Charles Michel of Belgium.

The European Council also selected Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as the next High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The President of the European Council is elected by a secret ballot.

The European Council consists of the Head of State or Government of the 27 EU members, the European Council President, and the European Commission President.

The President is elected for a term of 2.5 years and can be re-elected once, for a maximum tenure of 5 years.

A European Summit held in Brussels at the Rue de la Loi in the buildings of the Council of the European Union on 27 and 28 June 2024.

19) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Hardik Pandya climbed two places to become the first Indian cricketer to reach the number one spot in the ICC's T20I all-rounders' rankings, buoyed by India's recent World Cup victory.

Ranking: Pandya shares the top spot with Sri Lanka's WaninduHasaranga.

Detailed Explanation:

Hardik Pandya climbed two places to become the first Indian cricketer to reach the number one spot in the ICC's T20I all-rounders' rankings, buoyed by India's recent World Cup victory.

Achievement: Hardik Pandya achieves first-ever number-one ranking for an Indian in ICC's T20I all-rounders' list.

Performance: Pandya was pivotal in the T20 World Cup final, taking 3/20 against South Africa.

Ranking: Pandya shares the top spot with Sri Lanka's WaninduHasaranga.

Jasprit Bumrah: India's Jasprit Bumrah, awarded Player of the Tournament for his 15 wickets, rose 12 spots to 12th in the rankings.

Mohammad Nabi: Nabi dropped four spots outside the top five in the T20I all-rounders' rankings.

T20I Bowling Rankings: South Africa's Anrich Nortje climbed seven places to a career-best second position, just behind Adil Rashid with 675 rating points.

20) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Jyothi Yarraji is set to be the first Indian 100m hurdler to compete in the Olympics while shot putter Abha Khatua made a surprise cut through world rankings for the upcoming Paris Games.

N. Ramesh, an athletics coach with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), experienced a significant moment when his trainee, 24-year-old Jyothi Yarraji, became the first Indian woman to qualify for the 100m hurdles at the Paris Olympics.

Detailed Explanation:

Jyothi Yarraji is set to be the first Indian 100m hurdler to compete in the Olympics while shot putter Abha Khatua made a surprise cut through world rankings for the upcoming Paris Games.

N. Ramesh, an athletics coach with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), experienced a significant moment when his trainee, 24-year-old Jyothi Yarraji, became the first Indian woman to qualify for the 100m hurdles at the Paris Olympics.

Her achievement places her 34th in the world ranking quota list, with 40 athletes set to compete in the event in Paris.

The final revised list will be published by WA on July 7.