Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 of 13th 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.

 

Start Quiz

 

1) The Balanced Advantage Fund (BAF), an open-ended dynamic asset allocation fund, has been introduced by Canara Robeco Mutual Fund. When will the new fund offer (NFO) open and close?

(a) July 21,2024

(b) July 22,2024

(c) July 24,2024

(d) July 26,2024

(e) July 28,2024

2) Which bank has an agreement with Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) to offer discounted housing, auto, and school loans to SAIL workers?

(a) Canara bank

(b) Punjab & sind bank

(c) Indian bank

(d) Punjab & National bank

(e) Karnataka bank

3) Which nation's National Bank and NPCI International Payments (NIPL), the latter's international branch, inked a deal to introduce QR-code-based UPI payments?

(a) Poland

(b) Qatar

(c) Saudi Arabia

(d) Ireland

(e) Sudan

4) A Working Group of the Securities and Exchange Board of India suggests lowering the requirements for debtors to comply with regulations. What percentage of debenture holders must attend meetings in order for motions to be passed under current provisions?

(a) 50%

(b) 65%

(c) 75%

(d) 80%

(e) 100%

5) By Using YONO App and Internet Banking (INB), State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced an online borrowing option against mutual fund (MF) units. With this digital solution, customers may apply for loans in a fully paperless, digital procedure that is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. What is the Minimum Amount of a Loan?

(a) Rs.10000

(b) Rs.20000

(c) Rs.15000

(d) Rs.25000

(e) Rs.30000

6) How many million dollars is the green loan that state-run REC Limited obtained from Deutsche Bank AG's GIFT City office, representing a major step toward funding sustainable development in India?

(a) $200 million

(b) $100 million

(c) $300 million

(d) $400 million

(e) $500 million

7) Which nation's container ship "San Fernando" made its debut at India's biggest transshipment port, Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), berthing in Kerala?

(a) Japan

(b) China

(c) USA

(d) Russia

(e) France

8) How many new projects has the military Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) given to private sector enterprises in order to strengthen India's military capabilities?

(a) 5

(b) 6

(c) 7

(d) 8

(e) 9

9) On July 12, 2024, NABARD will celebrate its 43rd Foundation Day, honoring its commitment to rural development and agricultural growth in India. It was founded on July 12, 1982, on the advice of the B. Sivaraman Committee, which was established in which year?

(a) 1978

(b) 1979

(c) 1980

(d) 1977

(e) 1975

10) In July 2024, an India is predicted to reach a tipping point in ______________, when its 1.61 billion people reach twice the number of China's 806 million.

(a) 2080

(b) 2085

(c) 2075

(d) 2070

(e) 2065

11) Over 125 projects will be officially launched by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh during the Fisheries Summer Meet in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. What is the overall investment amount of these efforts, which exceeds one crore, as part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)?

(a) Rs 100 crore

(b) Rs 200 crore

(c) Rs 300 crore

(d) Rs 400 crore

(e) Rs 500 crore

12) In how many nations has the designation of 11 new biosphere reserves been authorized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)?

(a) 10

(b) 9

(c) 11

(d) 13

(e) 15

13) What percentage of corporate guarantee fees will be subject to an annual Goods and Services Tax (GST) beginning on October 23, 2023?

(a) 0.5%

(b) 1.0%

(c) 2.0%

(d) 1.5%

(e) 2.5%

14) The renowned Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity was awarded in Lisbon, Portugal, to farmer Nagendramma Nettem. For the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF), she was named Champion Farmer Coach in which year?

(a) 2015

(b) 2017

(c) 2019

(d) 2016

(e) 2013

15) Which business has been named the official footwear partner of the Indian Olympic team in Paris?

(a) Puma

(b) Nike

(c) Bata

(d) Relaxo

(e) Adidas

16) Who has been appointed by the government to the position of Director (Finance) at Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC)?

(a) Pradeep kumar

(b) Sandeep kumar

(c) Arun kumar

(d) Sampath kumar

(e) Harish kumar

17) Which state's search-cum-selection committees are headed by former Chief Justice of India Uday Umesh Lalit, who was nominated by the Supreme Court to lead the committees responsible for shortlisting candidates for vice-chancellor appointments?

(a) Bihar

(b) Uttarakhand

(c) Sikkim

(d) West Bengal

(e) Andhra Pradesh

18) In preparation for Exercise Pitch Black 2024, a force of the Indian Air Force (IAF) touched down at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia. Which year (first time) and 2022 iterations of Exercise Pitch Black did an IAF take part in before?

(a) 2017

(b) 2019

(c) 2016

(d) 2018

(e) 2021

19) Prior to the 2024 season, ____________, a former captain of the Indian cricket team,acquired ownership of the Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing team.

(a) Sachin Tendulkar

(b) Sourav Ganguly

(c) Virender Sehwag

(d) MS Dhoni

(e) Virat Kohli

20) President Droupadi Murmu introduced the Durand Cup, President's Cup, and Shimla Trophy at Rashtrapati Bhavan.The event kicks off which version of the Durand Cup, Indian football's season opener?

(a) 132nd

(b) 131st

(c) 133rd

(d) 135th

(e) 130th

Answers :

1) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Canara Robeco Mutual Fund has launched a Balanced Advantage Fund (BAF), which is an open-ended dynamic asset allocation fund.

The new fund offer (NFO) will open and close on July 26, 2024.

Equity Allocation: The fund will allocate 65% or more towards equities to ensure equity taxation benefits for investors.

Detailed Explanation:

Canara Robeco Mutual Fund has launched a Balanced Advantage Fund (BAF), which is an open-ended dynamic asset allocation fund.

The new fund offer (NFO) will open and close on July 26, 2024.

Equity Allocation: The fund will allocate 65% or more towards equities to ensure equity taxation benefits for investors.

Debt Allocation: Investments in the debt segment will primarily focus on government bonds and AAA-rated corporate papers for stability and liquidity.

Guiding Model: The asset allocation decisions will be guided by a proprietary three-factor model developed by Canara Robeco, which has been back-tested over a 20-year period.

Factors include Trailing P/B’, ‘Equity Risk Premium’, and Forward P/E’, which influence asset allocation under different market conditions.

2) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed a pact with Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) to provide home loans, car loans, and education loans to SAIL employees at concessional rates.

Detailed Explanation:

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed a pact with Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) to provide home loans, car loans, and education loans to SAIL employees at concessional rates.

This strategic partnership aims to enhance the financial well-being of SAIL employees while expanding PNB's customer base within the steel sector.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by PNB General Manager - Business Acquisition and Relationship Management Division Sudhir Dalal, SAIL General Manager - Finance Lavika Jain and SAIL General Manager - HR Bikram Uppal.

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

NPCI International Payments (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, signed an agreement with Qatar National Bank (QNB) to launch QR-code-based UPI payments in Qatar.

The announcement is significant as Indians are the second largest group of international visitors to Qatar.

June 2024: NIPL signed an agreement with the central bank of Peru to develop a UPI-like payment system.

Detailed Explanation:

NPCI International Payments (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, signed an agreement with Qatar National Bank (QNB) to launch QR-code-based UPI payments in Qatar.

The announcement is significant as Indians are the second largest group of international visitors to Qatar.

June 2024: NIPL signed an agreement with the central bank of Peru to develop a UPI-like payment system.

May 2024: NIPL entered into an agreement with the Bank of Namibia (BoN) to develop an instant payment system similar to UPI.

NPCI has expanded UPI to other countries, including France, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Mauritius.

February 2024: NPCI partnered with Lyra, an e-commerce and proximity payments company, to enable UPI acceptance in France.

4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI's) working group is set to recommend a reduction in compliance burden for debenture trustees.

A debenture trustee is an entity appointed by the issuer of debentures to act on behalf of the holders.

Dispute Resolution Challenges:Current provisions require a 75% attendance of debenture holders for meetings to pass resolutions.

Detailed Explanation:

Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI's) working group is set to recommend a reduction in compliance burden for debenture trustees.

A debenture trustee is an entity appointed by the issuer of debentures to act on behalf of the holders.

Responsibilities include:

Protecting the interests of debenture holders.

Monitoring issuer compliance with the debenture agreement.

Holding security on behalf of holders.

Taking action in case of issuer default.

Major Debenture Trustees in India:Notable entities include Axis Trustee Services, Catalyst Trusteeship, Vistra ITCL, SBICAP Trustee, and IDBI Trusteeship Services.

Dispute Resolution Challenges:Current provisions require a 75% attendance of debenture holders for meetings to pass resolutions.

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

State Bank of India (SBI) launched an online loan facility against mutual fund (MF) units via Internet Banking (INB) and the YONO App.

This digital solution allows consumers to apply for loans from the comfort of their own homes, with a completely paperless and digital process that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Loan Amounts:

Minimum Loan Amount: ₹25,000

Detailed Explanation:

State Bank of India (SBI) launched an online loan facility against mutual fund (MF) units via Internet Banking (INB) and the YONO App.

This digital solution allows consumers to apply for loans from the comfort of their own homes, with a completely paperless and digital process that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Eligibility : The new loan facility is extended at attractive interest rates to mutual fund schemes of all Asset Management Companies (AMCs) registered with CAMS.

Public Sector Bank Milestone : With this launch, SBI has become the first public sector bank (PSB) to offer an end-to-end digital loan on mutual fund schemes.

Loan Amounts:

Minimum Loan Amount: ₹25,000

Maximum Loan Amount:

(a) Equity/ Hybrid/ ETF MF: ₹10 lakhs

(b) Debt/ FMP MF: ₹5 crores

6) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

State-run REC Limited has secured a green loan amounting to JPY 31.96 billion (equivalent to $200 million) from Deutsche Bank AG, GIFT City branch, marking a significant move towards financing sustainable development in India.

This is the first green loan between an Indian government entity and Deutsche Bank.

Detailed Explanation:

State-run REC Limited has secured a green loan amounting to JPY 31.96 billion (equivalent to $200 million) from Deutsche Bank AG, GIFT City branch, marking a significant move towards financing sustainable development in India.

This is the first green loan between an Indian government entity and Deutsche Bank.

REC Limited Financial Performance :In the last financial year, REC Ltd sanctioned loans worth ₹3.59 trillion, out of which ₹1.36 trillion were for renewable energy projects.

Future Plans : REC aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its loan book to 30% by 2030 from the current 10%.

7) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The container ship 'San Fernando' from China berthed at Kerala's Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), marking the first arrival of such a vessel at India's largest transshipment port.

Vessel Details:

San Fernando, a 300-meter-long cargo ship, received a water salute by four tugs that piloted it to the dock.

Detailed Explanation:

The container ship 'San Fernando' from China berthed at Kerala's Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), marking the first arrival of such a vessel at India's largest transshipment port.

Vessel Details:

San Fernando, a 300-meter-long cargo ship, received a water salute by four tugs that piloted it to the dock.

The ship will offload 1,900 containers on Friday.

Inaugural Ceremony:

The port's first phase of operations will be launched by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Dignitaries attending include Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, central and state ministers, officials, and members of the public.

Port Features:

The port is equipped with modern equipment and advanced automation and IT systems.

It boasts natural depths between 20 and 24 meters, with a rocky ocean bottom that negates the need for extensive dredging.

8) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is bolstering India's defence capabilities by awarding seven new projects to private sector companies.

Detailed Explanation:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is bolstering India's defence capabilities by awarding seven new projects to private sector companies.

Indigenous Scenario and Sensor Simulation Toolkit:

Company: Oxygen 2 Innovation Pvt Ltd, Noida.

Purpose: Simulator training for pilots, aiding in full mission planning and large-force engagement simulations.

Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle:

Company: Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd, Pune.

Purpose: Versatile marine battlefield accessory for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

Long-range Remotely Operated Vehicles:

Company: IROV Technologies Pvt Limited, Kochi.

Purpose: Enhance underwater object detection and neutralization capabilities while maintaining a safe distance from key assets.

Ice Detection Sensor for Aircraft:

Company: Craftlogic Labs Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru.

Purpose: Detect in-flight icing conditions to improve aviation safety.

Radar Signal Processor with Active Antenna Array Simulator:

Company: Data Pattern (India) Limited, Chennai.

Purpose: Deploy multiple target systems for testing short-range aerial weapon systems.

Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-based Timing Acquisition and Dissemination System:

Company: Accord Software and Systems Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru.

Purpose: Indigenize timing systems using Indian satellite constellations.

Graphene-Based Smart and E-textiles:

Company: Alohatech Private Limited, Coimbatore.

Purpose: Develop multifunctional wearable applications using advanced materials.

9) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The 43rd Foundation Day of NABARD commemorates on July 12^th,2024 the dedication to rural development and agricultural growth in India.

It recognizes the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development’s (NABARD) significant contributions to improving rural communities and agricultural productivity.

Established on July 12, 1982, following the recommendation of the B. Sivaraman Committee set up in 1979.

Detailed Explanation:

The 43rd Foundation Day of NABARD commemorates on July 12^th,2024 the dedication to rural development and agricultural growth in India.

It recognizes the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development’s (NABARD) significant contributions to improving rural communities and agricultural productivity.

Establishment and Mission:

NABARD stands for the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Established on July 12, 1982, following the recommendation of the B. Sivaraman Committee set up in 1979.

Its mission is to promote sustainable agricultural and rural development through financial support and innovative solutions.

Role and Impact:

NABARD has been pivotal in transforming the rural economy by implementing policies and programs beneficial to the rural populace.

It provides financial support aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and fostering rural development.

Organizational Structure:

Headquarters located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

NABARD has multiple regional offices to ensure the reach of its initiatives to every part of the nation.

10) Answer: B

Short Explanation:’

Detailed Explanation:

By 2100, India's population is projected to reach around 1.5 billion, more than twice that of China's 633 million.

India is expected to hit an inflection point in 2085 with a population of 1.61 billion, double that of China's 806 million.

The gap between India and China’s population will continue to widen post-2085.

Global Population Rankings in 2100:

Following India and China, the largest populations will be:

Pakistan: 511 million

Nigeria: 477 million

Democratic Republic of the Congo: 431 million

United States: 421 million

The current US population is 345 million.

India’s Current Demographics:

The report estimates India’s current population at 1.451 billion, nine million more than previous projections two years ago.

These estimates are considered authoritative due to the absence of a decadal census since 2011.

The 2021 census has been postponed indefinitely, initially due to the pandemic, with further delays for unspecified reasons.

World Population Prospects (WPP) Report:

The estimates are based on the biennial World Population Prospects (WPP) report released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) Population Division.

11) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will inaugurate more than 125 projects at the Fisheries Summer Meet in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

These initiatives, totaling an investment exceeding Rs 100 crore, are part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

The main motto of PMMSY is ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’ in the fisheries sector.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will inaugurate more than 125 projects at the Fisheries Summer Meet in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

These initiatives, totaling an investment exceeding Rs 100 crore, are part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

The scheme was announced by the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman during her speech in the parliament of India while presenting the Union budget for 2019–20 on 5 July 2019.

The main motto of PMMSY is ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’ in the fisheries sector.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is implementing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana – A scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India at an estimated investment of Rs. 20050 crores for holistic development of fisheries sector including welfare of fishers.

PMMSY is being implemented in all the States and Union Territories for a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has approved the designation of 11 new biosphere reserves in 11 countries.

This includes the first-time designations in Belgium and Gambia.

Two of the new reserves are transboundary biosphere reserves.

Total Area and Network:The newly designated biosphere reserves cover a total area of 37,400 km².

Detailed Explanation:

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has approved the designation of 11 new biosphere reserves in 11 countries.

This includes the first-time designations in Belgium and Gambia.

Two of the new reserves are transboundary biosphere reserves.

Total Area and Network:The newly designated biosphere reserves cover a total area of 37,400 km².

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves now totals 759 sites in 136 countries.

Decision Process:These additions were decided during the 36th session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme.

Goals include designating 30% of the Earth's land and marine surface as protected areas and restoring 30% of the planet's degraded ecosystems by 2030.

Biosphere Reserves in India:As of 2024, India has 18 notified biosphere reserves, with 12 recognized by UNESCO’s MAB programme.

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be applied to 1% of corporate guarantee fees on an annual basis, starting from October 23, 2023.

This decision was made by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and notified following the GST Council meeting on June 22, 2023.

Detailed Explanation:

Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be applied to 1% of corporate guarantee fees on an annual basis, starting from October 23, 2023.

This decision was made by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and notified following the GST Council meeting on June 22, 2023.

Relief for Companies:

The application of GST on corporate guarantee fees at 1% annually is intended to provide financial relief to companies.

The provision is seen as beneficial for businesses that have been concerned about cash flows.

Deemed Valuation Restriction:

The 1% per annum deemed valuation is restricted to domestic transactions only, which is advantageous for businesses.

According to Abhishek Jain, partner and national head (indirect tax) at KPMG, this restriction is expected to be helpful for companies.

Rectification of GSTR-1:

The CBIC has introduced an enabling provision allowing the rectification of GSTR-1 for businesses.

The prescribed method for rectification should not significantly impact the input tax credit reconciliation process.

14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Nagendramma Nettem, a farmer from Anantapur district, and Vijay Kumar, Executive Vice Chairman of Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), received the prestigious Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity in Lisbon, Portugal.

In 2019, she became a Champion Farmer Coach for the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF).

In 2023, she advanced to Model Master Trainer, mentoring other trainers across the district.

Detailed Explanation:

Nagendramma Nettem, a farmer from Anantapur district, and Vijay Kumar, Executive Vice Chairman of Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), received the prestigious Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity in Lisbon, Portugal.

The award honours significant contributions to climate action and inspiring solutions.

Nagendramma Nettem's Journey:

Motivated by her daughter's vision deficiencies, Nagendramma transitioned to natural farming, avoiding chemical-based agriculture.

She now earns over 50% more than the average income of fellow farmers in her village.

In 2019, she became a Champion Farmer Coach for the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF).

In 2023, she advanced to Model Master Trainer, mentoring other trainers across the district.

APCNF Initiative:

Led by Vijay Kumar, APCNF supports small farmers in transitioning from chemical-intensive agriculture to natural farming.

Practices include using organic residues, minimizing tillage to improve soil health, and reintroducing indigenous seeds.

The initiative covers over 10 lakh small farmers, spanning 5 lakh hectares in Andhra Pradesh.

Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity:

The APCNF shares a €1 million prize with eminent soil scientist Rattan Lal (US/India) and SEKEM (Egypt).

The prize will aid in continuing and scaling their efforts for sustainable and secure food systems.

Award Significance:

Selected from 181 nominations across 117 nationalities.

Instituted by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which promotes quality of life through art, charity, science, and education.

15) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Puma India has been announced as the Official Footwear Partner for the Indian contingent to the Paris Olympics.

The partnership includes a large-scale outdoor campaign titled “See the Game Like We Do.”

Detailed Explanation:

Puma India has been announced as the Official Footwear Partner for the Indian contingent to the Paris Olympics.

The partnership includes a large-scale outdoor campaign titled “See the Game Like We Do.”

Support for Athletes:

Over 100 Indian athletes will receive a range of Puma products, including podium and travel footwear, trolleys, backpacks, sippers, yoga mats, headbands, wristbands, socks, and towels.

These items are designed to maximize the athletes' training and comfort during the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Puma Contingent:

45 of the over 100 Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics will be part of the Puma contingent, making it the largest squad representing a brand from India this year.

16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The government has appointed Sandeep Kumar as Director (Finance) at Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC).

Prior to this appointment, he served as Executive Director (Finance) at PFC since January 1, 2020, and held the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

He played a pivotal role in the successful roll-out of the Rs 1.12 trillion Liquidity Infusion Scheme (LIS) for the power distribution sector, a key initiative under the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat programme.

Detailed Explanation:

The government has appointed Sandeep Kumar as Director (Finance) at Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC).

Prior to this appointment, he served as Executive Director (Finance) at PFC since January 1, 2020, and held the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

He played a pivotal role in the successful roll-out of the Rs 1.12 trillion Liquidity Infusion Scheme (LIS) for the power distribution sector, a key initiative under the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat programme.

About PFC :

Founded : July 1986

Headquarters : New Delhi, India

Chairman & MD : Parminder Chopra

The PFC is an Indian central public sector undertaking owned by the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

17) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Supreme Court has appointed former Chief Justice of India Uday Umesh Lalit as the chairperson of the search-cum-selection committees for shortlisting names for Vice-Chancellor appointments in West Bengal.

Committee Composition:The chairperson shall preside over every search-cum-selection committee.

Each committee will have a total of five members, including the chairperson.

Detailed Explanation:

The Supreme Court has appointed former Chief Justice of India Uday Umesh Lalit as the chairperson of the search-cum-selection committees for shortlisting names for Vice-Chancellor appointments in West Bengal.

Committee Composition:The chairperson shall preside over every search-cum-selection committee.

Each committee will have a total of five members, including the chairperson.

Nomination Process:The search-cum-selection committee shall create a panel of at least three names for each university.

Timeline:The chairperson is expected to constitute the search-cum-selection committee preferably within two weeks.

Submission of Recommendations:The recommendations made by the search-cum-selection committee shall be submitted to the Chief Minister of West Bengal for necessary consideration.

18) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent landed at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024.

The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 12 July 24 to 02 August 24 (3 Week), and is a biennial, multi- national exercise hosted by the RAAF.

Previous Participation:IAF has previously participated in the 2018 (First time) and 2022 editions of Exercise Pitch Black.

Exercise Pitch Black 2022 was hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and took place from August 19 to September 8, 2022, in Darwin, Australia.

Detailed Explanation:

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent landed at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024.

The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 12 July 24 to 02 August 24 (3 Week), and is a biennial, multi- national exercise hosted by the RAAF.

Exercise Pitch Black 2022 was hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and took place from August 19 to September 8, 2022, in Darwin, Australia.

The name 'Pitch Black' was derived from the emphasis on night time flying over large un-populated areas.

Locations:Primary bases for the exercise are RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory, Australia.

Additional operations will occur from RAAF Base Amberley near Ipswich, Queensland.

Previous Participation:IAF has previously participated in the 2018 (First time) and 2022 editions of Exercise Pitch Black.

Upcoming Participation:Following Exercise Pitch Black 2024, IAF will participate in Ex Udara Shakti 2024 with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) from 05 to 09 August 2024 at Kuantan, Malaysia.

19) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Former India cricket captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has become an owner of the Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing team ahead of the 2024 season.

'Prince of Calcutta': Ganguly, a legendary figure in Indian cricket known as 'Dada,' has joined the Kolkata Royal Tigers as an owner, bringing significant attention and support to the team.

Detailed Explanation:

Former India cricket captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has become an owner of the Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing team ahead of the 2024 season.

Main Championships:

Indian Racing League (IRL)

Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC)

City-Based Teams:

Participating Cities: Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad.

Season Duration: The competition will run from August to November.

Kolkata's Debut:

New Entrant: Kolkata is set to participate for the first time, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.

Sourav Ganguly's Role:

'Prince of Calcutta': Ganguly, a legendary figure in Indian cricket known as 'Dada,' has joined the Kolkata Royal Tigers as an owner, bringing significant attention and support to the team.

20) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the Durand Cup, the President's Cup, and the Shimla Trophy at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The event marks the commencement of the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup, the season opener of Indian football.

Detailed Explanation:

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the Durand Cup, the President's Cup, and the Shimla Trophy at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The event marks the commencement of the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup, the season opener of Indian football.

Tournament Schedule:

The Durand Cup will begin on July 27 and conclude on August 31.

The tournament was announced by HQ Eastern Command of the Indian Army, representing the Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS).

New Host Cities:

This year, Jamshedpur and Shillong join as new host cities.

Kokrajhar in Assam will host the tournament for the second consecutive year, along with Kolkata, which has hosted the event for the last five years.

Team Participation:

A total of 24 teams will compete, including teams from the Indian Super League, I-League, other invitational teams, and the Armed Forces.

International teams are also expected to participate.

Trophy Nationwide Tour:

The three Durand Trophies will embark on a nationwide tour from New Delhi on July 10, reaching Kolkata before the opening game on July 27.

Defending Champions:

Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the defending champions, hold the record for the most wins, having secured their 17th title last year.