Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 of 07th & 08th 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 improve credit rating agency (CRA) operations, the SEBI has released new guidelines. Under which year are Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India governed by the SEBI (Security Exchange Board of India?

(a) 1998

(b) 1997

(c) 1999

(d) 1992

(e) 1991

2) In July 2024 report, which organization has teamed up with A T Kearney, a consulting firm, to examine and completely revamp its current agency framework?

(a) LIC

(b) GIC

(c) SBI

(d) NIAC

(e) UIIC

3) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) began a quarterly assessment of manufacturing businesses called "order books, inventories, and capacity utilisation" (OBICUS). What year did the RBI begin conducting the quarterly OBICUS survey?

(a) 2007

(b) 2005

(c) 2006

(d) 2008

(e) 2009

4) As per the July 2024 report, how much penalty was levied on YES Bank by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for not exchanging notes with damage?

(a) Rs.20000

(b) Rs.10000

(c) Rs.30000

(d) Rs.15000

(e) Rs.25000

5) In July 2024, Bank of Baroda intends to raise up to Rs 7,500 crore through new Tier-I (AT1) and Tier-II bonds, and the board has authorized raising how much crore through long-term bonds to fund infrastructure initiatives and affordable housing in FY 2024-25?

(a) Rs.20000 crore

(b) Rs.10000 crore

(c) Rs.30000 crore

(d) Rs.15000 crore

(e) Rs.25000 crore

6) The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and TransUnion CIBIL established SEHER, a credit education initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in India with financial literacy and business skills. Who launched the SEHER program?

(a) Atul Kumar

(b) Debadatta Chand

(c) Anna Roy

(d) Prashant Kumar

(e) Gopal Yadhav

7) How many million more rural homes are expected to be built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Gramin in the next five years, according to the Union Budget proposal?

(a) 20 million

(b) 10 million

(c) 25 million

(d) 15 million

(e) 30 million

8) According to the government report, the ISI mark must be present on all stainless steel and aluminum utensils that are mandated by BIS standards. What does the ISI mark's initial "I" stand for?

(a) Institute

(b) Indian

(c) Industry

(d) Implement

(e) International

9) Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister (CM) of Madhya Pradesh (MP), has unveiled the "Lokpath Mobile App." In how many days does this software aim to address road issues while ensuring police accountability?

(a) 6

(b) 5

(c) 10

(d) 3

(e) 7

10) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) generates significant revenue from fixed-wing military aircraft, including the HF-24 Marut and MiG-21 fighters built from Soviet plans. Which form of assembly income is being reduced when the transition from fixed-wing aircraft to helicopter manufacture occurs?

(a) Sukhoi-30MKI

(b) Sukhoi-10MKI

(c) Sukhoi-20MKI

(d) Sukhoi-40MKI

(e) Sukhoi-50MKI

11) In which city did Bajaj Auto release the Freedom 125, the world's first two-wheeler powered by compressed natural gas (CNG)?

(a) Kolkata

(b) Pune

(c) Kochi

(d) Bhopal

(e) Mumbai

12) During a Defence Investiture Ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu presented gallantry medals to six members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), four of whom were posthumously honoured. When was the gallantry award established?

(a) 1949

(b) 1951

(c) 1950

(d) 1953

(e) 1955

13) The DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and NCAER signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. When did DPIIT's Logistics Division publish the paper "Logistics Cost in India: Assessment and Long-term Framework," developed by NCAER?

(a) 2021

(b) 2022

(c) 2023

(d) 2019

(e) 2018

14) From the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris to the 2028 Summer Olympics in _______, BPCL and the Indian Olympic Association will collaborate as the Principal Sponsor for a period of four years.

(a) Melbourne

(b) Rome

(c) Beijing

(d) Los Angeles

(e) Stockholm

15) According to Mercer's Cost of Living City rankings for 2024, these are the world's most expensive cities for expats. Which of these pairs is incorrect?

(a) India: Mumbai ranks overall at 135th place.

(b) South America: Uruguay ranks as the most expensive city (42nd)

(c) Pacific: Sydney is the most expensive city

(d) Middle East: Dubai is the most expensive city (15th)

(e) Africa: Bangui is the most expensive city (14th).

16) The Russian state company Rostec reported that the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture (JV) between India and Russia, had built and supplied 35,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles of __________ to the Indian Ministry of Defence.

(a) AK-203

(b) AK-201

(c) AK-202

(d) AK-204

(e) AK-205

17) In the Financial Year (FY) 2023–2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) attained the highest-ever rise in indigenous defence production in value terms. This represents an increase of what percentage over the defence production of the preceding financial year, 2022–2023?

(a) 16.7%

(b) 16.6%

(c) 16.8%

(d) 16.9%

(e) 16.5%

18) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has selected two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts to go to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. How many days is the estimated duration of Axiom-4 projected to be?

(a) 12days

(b) 10days

(c) 14days

(d) 15days

(e) 16days

19) In which city will Dhruv Sitwala defeat Pankaj Advani to win the Asian Billiards Championship Title in 2024?

(a) Qatar

(b) Riyadh

(c) Rome

(d) Tokyo

(e) Paris

20) When did Gajinder Singh, a 74-year-old wanted terrorist who took over an Indian Airlines (IA) flight to Lahore, pass away in Pakistan?

(a) 1982

(b) 1981

(c) 1983

(d) 1985

(e) 1987

Answers :

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Markets regulator, theSecurities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued new guidelines to streamline operations and enhance the ease of doing business for credit rating agencies (CRAs).

These modifications will be applicable, with effect from August 01, 2024.

CRAs in India are regulated by SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations, 1999, under the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.

Detailed Explanation:

The Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued new guidelines to streamline operations and enhance the ease of doing business for credit rating agencies (CRAs).

These modifications will be applicable, with effect from August 01, 2024.

CRAs in India are regulated by SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations, 1999, under the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.

Specific Timelines :

Companies have 3 working days to request a review or appeal of the rating decision.

Press releases on ratings must be disseminated on the CRA's website and notified to stock exchanges or debenture trustees within 7 working days of the rating committee meeting.

Record Maintenance:

CRAs must maintain records of disclosures for 10 years, which can be shared with debenture trustees upon request.

Disclosures of ratings not accepted by issuers must be maintained for 12 months.

2) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched the 'Jeevan Samarth' agency transformation project to address the evolving needs of customers.

LIC has partnered with consulting firm A T Kearney to review and transform its existing agency framework on an end-to-end basis.

Aim : To future-proof LIC's 14 lakh agent workforce to meet the rapidly changing demands of customers.

Detailed Explanation:

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched the 'Jeevan Samarth' agency transformation project to address the evolving needs of customers.

LIC has partnered with consulting firm A T Kearney to review and transform its existing agency framework on an end-to-end basis.

Aim : To future-proof LIC's 14 lakh agent workforce to meet the rapidly changing demands of customers.

Project Goals:Transform LIC's agency ecosystem to align with the needs of millions of Indian families.

Operational Revamp: The project will revamp agency operations at the Branch, Division, and Zonal levels to establish global best practices in the insurance sector.

Enhancing Agent Skills: The transformation aims to equip agents with more tools and additional skills, strengthening the bond between agents and customers.

3) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a quarterly "order books, inventories and capacity utilisation" (OBICUS) survey of companies in the manufacturing sector.

The RBI has been conducting the OBICUS survey quarterly since 2008.

New Orders: Quantitative data on new orders received during the reference quarter (e.g., April-June 2024).

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a quarterly "order books, inventories and capacity utilisation" (OBICUS) survey of companies in the manufacturing sector.

The RBI has been conducting the OBICUS survey quarterly since 2008.

New Orders: Quantitative data on new orders received during the reference quarter (e.g., April-June 2024).

Order Backlog: Orders pending at the beginning and end of the quarter.

Inventories: Total inventories, including finished goods, work-in-progress, and raw material inventories at the end of the quarter.

Production Data: Item-wise production in terms of quantity and value during the quarter compared to installed capacity.

Capacity Utilisation: The level of capacity utilisation is estimated from the survey responses.

Key Information: The survey collects data on reasons for changes in production and installed capacity during the quarter.

Confidentiality: The RBI ensures that company-level data are treated as confidential and are never disclosed publicly.

4) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a penalty of ₹10,000 on YES Bank for not exchanging mutilated notes.

Reason for Penalty:The penalty was imposed under the "Scheme of Penalties for bank branches including Currency Chests" based on the bank's performance in customer service, specifically regarding the exchange of mutilated notes.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a penalty of ₹10,000 on YES Bank for not exchanging mutilated notes.

Reason for Penalty:The penalty was imposed under the "Scheme of Penalties for bank branches including Currency Chests" based on the bank's performance in customer service, specifically regarding the exchange of mutilated notes.

Penalty on Punjab National Bank :

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1,31,80,000 on Punjab National Bank (PNB) for non-compliance with certain directions related to 'Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions' and 'Know Your Customer (KYC) Direction, 2016'.

Legal Basis:The penalty has been imposed under the provisions of section 47 A (1) (c) read with sections 46 (4) (i) and section 51(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

5) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Public sector lender Bank of Baroda (BoB) plans to raise up to Rs 7,500 crore through additional Tier-I (AT1) and Tier-II bonds to meet prudential regulator norms and support business growth, with the bank's board of directors approving the raising of this additional capital in suitable tranches by March 31, 2025, and beyond if needed.

Additional Approval : The board approved raising Rs 10,000 crore through long-term bonds for financing infrastructure initiatives and affordable housing during FY 2024-25.

Detailed Explanation:

Public sector lender Bank of Baroda (BoB) plans to raise up to Rs 7,500 crore through additional Tier-I (AT1) and Tier-II bonds to meet prudential regulator norms and support business growth, with the bank's board of directors approving the raising of this additional capital in suitable tranches by March 31, 2025, and beyond if needed.

Stock Performance: BoB's stock price rose 1.35% to Rs 273.7 per share following the announcement.

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR):

CAR: As of March 2024, BoB's Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) stood at 16.31%.

Common Equity Tier-I Ratio: 12.54%.

Additional Tier-I Capital: 1.53%.

Tier-II Capital: 2.24%.

Previous Capital Raising:FY23: BoB raised Rs 2,474 crore in additional Tier-I capital.Tier-II Capital: Rs 5,000 crore issued.

Additional Approval : The board approved raising Rs 10,000 crore through long-term bonds for financing infrastructure initiatives and affordable housing during FY 2024-25.

6) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

SEHER, a credit education program launched by the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and TransUnion CIBIL, aims to empower women entrepreneurs in India with essential financial literacy content and business skills.

The SEHER program was launched by Ms. Anna Roy, Mission Director, WEP and Principal Economic Adviser, NITI Aayog, with several key figures in attendance, including representatives from the Department of Financial Services, Indian Banks’ Association, Reserve Bank of India, Ministry of MSME, and TransUnion CIBIL.

Detailed Explanation:

SEHER, a credit education program launched by the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and TransUnion CIBIL, aims to empower women entrepreneurs in India with essential financial literacy content and business skills.

Program Launch:

Organizers: Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and TransUnion CIBIL

Objective: To provide financial literacy and business skills to women entrepreneurs in India.

WEP's Role and Mission:

Incubation: WEP is a public-private partnership platform incubated at Niti Aayog.

Aim: To create an enabling ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.

Program Inclusion: SEHER is part of WEP’s Financing Women Collaborative (FWC), designed to accelerate access to finance for women entrepreneurs.

Launch Event: The SEHER program was launched by Ms. Anna Roy, Mission Director, WEP and Principal Economic Adviser, NITI Aayog, with several key figures in attendance, including representatives from the Department of Financial Services, Indian Banks’ Association, Reserve Bank of India, Ministry of MSME, and TransUnion CIBIL.

7) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Union Budget is likely to propose the construction of an additional 20 million rural houses over the next five years under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Gramin.

This initiative is in addition to the 10 June Cabinet decision to build 30 million homes for both urban and rural poor under PMAY.

Detailed Explanation:

The Union Budget is likely to propose the construction of an additional 20 million rural houses over the next five years under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Gramin.

This initiative is in addition to the 10 June Cabinet decision to build 30 million homes for both urban and rural poor under PMAY.

New Housing Proposal:

Target: 20 million new rural houses in the next five years.

Context: Part of the Union Budget proposal.

Existing PMAY Initiative:

Cabinet Decision Date: 10 June

Target: 30 million homes for urban and rural poor.

Objective: To address rural economic distress and support housing needs.

Amenities Provided:

All houses constructed under PMAY include:

Toilets

Access to cooking gas

Electricity

Piped water

Integration: With other government schemes to ensure comprehensive amenities.

8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

To enhance kitchen safety, quality, and efficiency, the Government of India has mandated adherence to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)for stainless steel and aluminium utensils.

Mandatory BIS Conformity:

Order Issued by: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Order Date: March 14, 2024.

Requirement: All stainless steel and aluminium utensils must have the ISI(Indian Standard Institute) mark.

Detailed Explanation:

To enhance kitchen safety, quality, and efficiency, the Government of India has mandated adherence to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)for stainless steel and aluminium utensils.

Mandatory BIS Conformity:

Order Issued by: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Order Date: March 14, 2024.

Requirement: All stainless steel and aluminium utensils must have the ISI(Indian Standard Institute) mark.

Penalty for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with the BIS standards is punishable, reflecting the government's commitment to consumer safety and product integrity.

Development of BIS Standards:

Scope: The BIS has developed a comprehensive range of standards covering essential kitchen items.

Objectives:

Ensure all kitchen utensils meet stringent criteria.

Adhere to quality and safety benchmarks.

Cultural Consideration: The standards aim to uphold cultural diversity in culinary practices.

Consumer Safety and Product Integrity:

Focus: The introduction of these standards underscores the BIS's commitment to promoting superior product performance and consumer safety.

9) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Madhya Pradesh (MP) Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav introduced the ‘Lokpath Mobile App’ in Bhopal, MP.

This app aims to resolve road problems within 7 days, ensuring officer accountability.

The app was developed by Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation Limited.

Detailed Explanation:

Madhya Pradesh (MP) Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav introduced the ‘Lokpath Mobile App’ in Bhopal, MP.

This app aims to resolve road problems within 7 days, ensuring officer accountability.

The app was developed by Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation Limited.

The app allows the public to report road issues by taking photos and submitting them directly to concerned officers.

The scheme will be implemented in 2 phases.

The first phase includes national highways, state highways, and main district roads.

The second phase will cover other district and rural roads.

The app is expected to help improve 40,000 kilometres of roads in the state.

It addresses challenges like excessive rainfall and heavy traffic.

10) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

HAL's Historical Focus: Building HF-24 Marut and assembling MiG-21 fighters.

Current Shift: Transition from fixed-wing aircraft to helicopter production due to diminishing Sukhoi-30MKI assembly income.

Helicopter Production Focus: Over 320 Dhruv ALHs delivered; Prachanda LCH receives initial orders.

Prachanda LCH Orders:

Initial MoD Order: 10 for IAF, 5 for Army.

Future Plans: Total of 162 LCHs planned for IAF and Army.

Detailed Explanation:

Since the early 1960s, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has established a robust income stream from fixed-wing combat aircraft, notably by designing and building the HF-24 Marut and assembling MiG-21 fighters from Soviet blueprints.

HAL's Historical Focus: Building HF-24 Marut and assembling MiG-21 fighters.

Current Shift: Transition from fixed-wing aircraft to helicopter production due to diminishing Sukhoi-30MKI assembly income.

Helicopter Production Focus: Over 320 Dhruv ALHs delivered; Prachanda LCH receives initial orders.

Prachanda LCH Orders:

Initial MoD Order: 10 for IAF, 5 for Army.

Future Plans: Total of 162 LCHs planned for IAF and Army.

Evaluation: LSP order to assess performance and design improvements.

Operational Capabilities: Prachanda LCH operates at altitudes up to 20,000 feet, with proven performance at 15,000 feet in Siachen Glacier.

11) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Bajaj Auto has launched the world's first compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered two-wheeler, the Freedom 125, in Pune.

This marks a significant innovation in the motorcycle market under the brand Bajaj’s bi-fuel motorcycle.

The bike will be available at a starting price of Rs 95,000 (ex-showroom) and comes in six colors and three variants.

The Freedom 125 boasts a range of 330 km and promises 50% lower maintenance costs compared to other bikes.

Detailed Explanation:

Bajaj Auto has launched the world's first compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered two-wheeler, the Freedom 125, in Pune.

This marks a significant innovation in the motorcycle market under the brand Bajaj’s bi-fuel motorcycle.

The bike will be available at a starting price of Rs 95,000 (ex-showroom) and comes in six colors and three variants.

The Freedom 125 boasts a range of 330 km and promises 50% lower maintenance costs compared to other bikes.

Technical Specifications:

Engine: 125cc single-cylinder.

Power and Torque: Generates 9.5 PS of power and 9.7 Nm of torque.

Mileage: Offers 213 km per kg of CNG.

Seat Length: Longest seat in its segment at 785mm.

CNG Tank: Includes a 2 kg CNG tank.

Market Position: Targeting the entry-level segment, which constitutes half of the local motorcycle market.

Event and Remarks:

Attendee: Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.

Operational Cost: Gadkari noted that the operational cost for CNG two-wheelers is approximately Re 1 per kilometer.

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

President Droupadi Murmu honoured six Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, including four posthumously, with gallantry medals during a Defence Investiture Ceremony.

Historical Background of Gallantry Awards:

Instituted: January 26, 1950.

Categories:

Param Vir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Vir Chakra: Wartime bravery awards.

Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra: Peacetime bravery awards.

Detailed Explanation:

President Droupadi Murmu honoured six Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, including four posthumously, with gallantry medals during a Defence Investiture Ceremony.

The event took place at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, recognizing bravery displayed during an anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on April 3, 2021.

Gallantry Awards Conferred:

Kirti Chakra: Posthumously awarded to Inspector Dilip Kumar Das, Head Constable Raj Kumar Yadav, Constables Bablu Rabha, and Shambhu Roy.

Historical Background of Gallantry Awards:

Instituted: January 26, 1950.

Categories:

Param Vir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Vir Chakra: Wartime bravery awards.

Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra: Peacetime bravery awards.

Award Eligibility: Armed forces, paramilitary forces, and civilians.

Selection Process: Recommendations, approved by the Awards Committee, and ratified by the President.

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi.

Previous Initiatives: In December 2023, DPIIT's Logistics Division released the report "Logistics Cost in India: Assessment and Long-term Framework," prepared by NCAER, outlining baseline logistics cost estimates and a framework for long-term logistics cost calculation.

Detailed Explanation:

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi.

The agreement focuses on the Framework & Assessment of Logistics Costs in India, aiming to streamline logistics expenses across various sectors.

Background and Context:

National Logistics Policy (NLP): Launched on September 17, 2022, to reduce logistics costs relative to GDP.

Previous Initiatives: In December 2023, DPIIT's Logistics Division released the report "Logistics Cost in India: Assessment and Long-term Framework," prepared by NCAER, outlining baseline logistics cost estimates and a framework for long-term logistics cost calculation.

14) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Maharatna and Fortune Global 500 company, has proudly announced its role as the official Principal Partner of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for four years, from the Paris Olympics in 2024 to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Detailed Explanation:

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Maharatna and Fortune Global 500 company, has proudly announced its role as the official Principal Partner of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for four years, from the Paris Olympics in 2024 to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Investment in Sports: BPCL is dedicated to investing in sports development across India, encouraging the next generation of athletes.

Sustainability and Community Initiatives: Beyond sports sponsorship, BPCL aims to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040 and is involved in education, skill development, and environmental conservation.

15) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Mercer's Cost of Living City rankings for 2024 reveal that Hong Kong, Singapore, and Zurich remain the world's most expensive cities for expatriates.

Conversely, cities like Islamabad, Lagos, and Abuja are among the cheapest.

Mumbai: Highest ranked Indian city at 136th place.

Detailed Explanation:

Mercer's Cost of Living City rankings for 2024 reveal that Hong Kong, Singapore, and Zurich remain the world's most expensive cities for expatriates.

Conversely, cities like Islamabad, Lagos, and Abuja are among the cheapest.

Indian Cities:

Mumbai: Highest ranked Indian city at 136th place.

Delhi: Moved up 4 spots to 165th place.

Other Indian cities include Chennai (189), Bengaluru (195), Hyderabad (202), Pune (205), and Kolkata (207).

Mercer’s 2024 Ranking Analysis:

Evaluation: Mercer assessed 226 cities globally, analyzing the cost of over 200 items, including housing, transport, food, and entertainment.

Baseline: New York City serves as the baseline, with costs measured in US dollars.

Regional Highlights:

Europe: High costs in London (8th), Copenhagen (11th), Vienna (24th), Paris (29th), and Amsterdam (30th).

Middle East: Dubai is the most expensive city (15th).

South America: Uruguay ranks as the most expensive city (42nd).

North America: New York City is the top city (7th).

Africa: Bangui is the most expensive city (14th).

Pacific: Sydney is the most expensive city.

16) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture (JV) between India & Russia, has produced and transferred 35,000 Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Ministry of Defence, Rostec state corporation of Russia announced.

Cartridge: It is designed to chamber the 7.62×39mm cartridge.

Design Lineage: The AK-203 is one of the latest iterations of the AK series, originally designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov

Detailed Explanation:

The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture (JV) between India & Russia, has produced and transferred 35,000 Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Ministry of Defence, Rostec state corporation of Russia announced.

Cartridge: It is designed to chamber the 7.62×39mm cartridge.

Design Lineage: The AK-203 is one of the latest iterations of the AK series, originally designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov.

IRRPL Establishment: IRRPL was established in 2019 as a collaboration between India’s Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), Munitions India Limited (MIL), and Russia’s Rosoboronexport (RoE) and Kalashnikov Concern of Russia.

Location: The rifles are manufactured at the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh (UP).

Local Production: The joint venture aims to achieve 100% localization of AK-203 rifle production in India.

Significance: India is the first country outside Russia to start the production of AK-200 series assault rifles.

17) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has achieved the highest-ever growth in indigenous defence production in value terms during Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, on the back of the successful implementation of the policies and initiatives of the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, focusing on achieving ‘Atma Nirbharta Or self-reliance.

Growth in Defence Production:As per the data received from all Defence Public Sector undertakings (DPSUs), other public sector units (PSUs) manufacturing defence items and private companies, the value of defence production in the country has gone up to a record-high figure i.e., Rs 1,26,887 crore, reflecting a growth of 16.7% over the defence production of the previous financial year.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has achieved the highest-ever growth in indigenous defence production in value terms during Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, on the back of the successful implementation of the policies and initiatives of the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, focusing on achieving ‘Atma Nirbharta Or self-reliance.

Growth in Defence Production:As per the data received from all Defence Public Sector undertakings (DPSUs), other public sector units (PSUs) manufacturing defence items and private companies, the value of defence production in the country has gone up to a record-high figure i.e., Rs 1,26,887 crore, reflecting a growth of 16.7% over the defence production of the previous financial year.

The value of defence production in FY 2022-23 was Rs 1,08,684 crore.

Contribution by Sectors :Of the total value of production (VoP) in 2023-24, about 79.2% has been contributed by DPSUs/other PSUs and 20.8% by the private sector.

Trend in Production Growth : The value of defence production has grown by more than 60% since 2019-20, when it stood at ₹79,071 crore.

18) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

As a part of the Axiom-4 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shortlisted two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts to travel to the International Space Station (ISS).

It is operated by Axiom Space and uses a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The flight is in collaboration with NASA and will be the 4th flight of Axiom Space after Axiom Mission 1, Axiom Mission 2 and Axiom Mission 3.

Axiom-4 is expected to be a short-duration mission, lasting approximately 14 days.

Detailed Explanation:

As a part of the Axiom-4 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shortlisted two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts to travel to the International Space Station (ISS).

Axiom Mission 4 (or Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the ISS.

It is operated by Axiom Space and uses a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The flight is in collaboration with NASA and will be the 4th flight of Axiom Space after Axiom Mission 1, Axiom Mission 2 and Axiom Mission 3.

Scheduled to launch in 2024, Axiom-4 will continue the company's pioneering efforts to establish a sustainable human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Axiom-4 is expected to be a short-duration mission, lasting approximately 14 days.

Axiom Space's long-term vision includes building the world's first commercial space station.

19) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani fell short in his quest to secure a hat-trick of titles, losing 2-5 to compatriot Dhruv Sitwala in the final of the 2024 Asian Billiards Championship.

Event: 2024 Asian Billiards Championship

Location: Riyadh

Detailed Explanation:

Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani fell short in his quest to secure a hat-trick of titles, losing 2-5 to compatriot Dhruv Sitwala in the final of the 2024 Asian Billiards Championship.

Event: 2024 Asian Billiards Championship

Location: Riyadh

Final Match Result: Dhruv Sitwala defeated Pankaj Advani 5-2

Notable Performances:

Dhruv Sitwala: Strong start with 103 points, maintained lead with consistent 100-point scores.

Pankaj Advani: Improved performance in the third frame with 101 points, scored a perfect 100 in the fourth frame.

Overall Outcome: Dhruv Sitwala won the championship, denying Pankaj Advani a hat-trick of titles.

20) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

74-year-old Gajinder Singh, the wanted terrorist and hijacker of an Indian Airlines (IA) flight to Lahore in 1981, has died of a heart attack at a hospital in Pakistan.

He was also the co-founder of the terrorist outfit Dal Khalsa and actively involved in anti-India activities till recently.

Detailed Explanation:

74-year-old Gajinder Singh, the wanted terrorist and hijacker of an Indian Airlines (IA) flight to Lahore in 1981, has died of a heart attack at a hospital in Pakistan.

Singh was placed on the list of 20 most-wanted terrorists in 2002.

On September 29, 1981, Singh, along with four others-Tajinderpal Singh, Satnam Singh, Jasbir Singh Cheema, and Karan Singh—hijacked an Indian Airlines plane carrying 111 passengers and six crew members.

He was also the co-founder of terrorist outfit Dal Khalsa and actively involved in anti-India activities till recently.