Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 of 23rd October 2024. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) In an effort to greatly boost their economy, which nation's president, Mohamed Muizzu, has started the process of implementing India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?

(a) Mauritius

(b) Morocco

(c) Maldives

(d) Madagascar

(e) Mexico

2) How many more nationalized banks have Chief General Manager positions approved by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman?

(a) 4

(b) 5

(c) 6

(d) 3

(e) 7

3) Which bank intends to issue perpetual, subordinated, unsecured, non-convertible Additional Tier I (AT-I) bonds that comply with Basel III in order to raise ₹5,000 crore in the domestic debt capital market?

(a) Canara bank

(b) State Bank of India

(c) HDFC bank

(d) Punjab National Bank

(e) Axis bank

4) To start the "Account Aggregator" business, PB Fintech's wholly-owned subsidiary, PB Financial Account Aggregators Private Limited, has received a "Certificate of Registration" (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). When was the subsidiary founded by PB Fintech?

(a) January 2022

(b) February 2022

(c) March 2022

(d) April 2022

(e) June 2022

5) The digital rupee, also known as the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), is the subject of a pilot project being carried out by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). With more than 50 lakh subscribers, how many banks are involved in the present digital rupee pilot?

(a) 15

(b) 16

(c) 17

(d) 12

(e) 10

6) Despite the present slackness, the Reserve Bank of India reports optimism about the economic boost from the upcoming festive season. What percentage of consumers are expected to spend more during the Dussehra-Diwali festival season than they did the year before, thanks to both offline and internet shopping channels?

(a) 20%

(b) 15%

(c) 10%

(d) 25%

(e) 30%

7) Which Government has received a fresh INR 487.60 Crore Line of Credit from India to fund a project to repair a water pipeline?

(a) Mauritius

(b) Morocco

(c) Maldives

(d) Singapore

(e) Denmark

8) What is the duration of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) plan extension that Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced?

(a) 5years

(b) 3years

(c) 10years

(d) 12years

(e) 15years

9) New Delhi's "eShram – One Stop Solution" was unveiled by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Labor & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports. How many employees are signing up for the eShram platform every day, according to Dr. Mandaviya, suggesting that more people are becoming confident in the project?

(a) 50,000 to 60,000

(b) 60,000 to 90,000

(c) 80,000 to 60,000

(d) 70,000 to 60,000

(e) 1,00,000 to 60,000

10) In which state did the government-run district hospital and medical college in Datia install 'pink alarms' as a first-of-its-kind initiative?

(a) Maharashtra

(b) Uttar Pradesh

(c) Arunachal Pradesh

(d) Madhya Pradesh

(e) Himachal Pradesh

11) In January 2025, Odisha will host the ______ PravasiBharatiya Divas (PBD), which recognizes the contributions of the abroad Indian population to the country's progress.

(a) 15th

(b) 16th

(c) 17th

(d) 18th

(e) 19th

12) Which Indian stockbroker fintech startup launched the TBT Engine (Tick-by-Tick Engine), a notable development in retail trading?

(a) Angelone

(b) Upstox

(c) Bajaj finance

(d) Infibeam avenues

(e) Kfin technologies

13) According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027. Currently, it ranks fifth with a GDP of around how many trillion dollars?

(a) $3.9 trillion

(b) $3.7 trillion

(c) $3.6 trillion

(d) $3.8 trillion

(e) $3.5 trillion

14) In fiscal year 2025 (FY25), the Indian government is expected to receive around Rs 65,000 crore in dividends from central public-sector enterprises (CPSEs), exceeding its objective of how much crores?

(a) Rs 56,260 crore

(b) Rs 55,260 crore

(c) Rs 54,260 crore

(d) Rs 52,260 crore

(e) Rs 51,260 crore

15) Recently (Oct’24), Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, an IAS officer from the 1993 batch (AGMUT Cadre), has been appointed Secretary of which department?

(a) Civil Aviation

(b) Coal

(c) MSME

(d) Finance

(e) Agriculture

16) Who has been appointed as the next chairman of the Staff Selection Commission?

(a) S Gopalakrishnan

(b) S Shriram

(c) S Srinivasan

(d) S Harish Kumar

(e) S Mahendran

17) Recently, James Gorman, currently an executive at Morgan Stanley, has been named the new chairman of The Walt Disney Company, beginning January 2, 2025. Gorman will replace whom as chairman, who is resigning after nine years on the Disney board?

(a) Mark Parker

(b) Kantha Rao

(c) Leena Nandan

(d) Tanmay Kumar

(e) Vikram Dev

18) Which nation has seen Prabowo Subianto take over as president, leading the third-largest democracy in the world?

(a) Switzerland

(b) Indonesia

(c) Germany

(d) Ireland

(e) Maldives

19) When is the Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, also called World Iodine Deficiency Day, observed?

(a) October 21

(b) October 20

(c) October 22

(d) October 23

(e) October 19

20) On what day is World Development Information Day 2024 observed?

(a) October 21

(b) October 20

(c) October 22

(d) October 23

(e) October 24

21) Recently (Oct’24), Vasant Anant Gadgil, a renowned Sanskrit scholar, passed dead. In what year did he earn the Mahakavi Kalidas Sanskrit-Vrati National Award?

(a) 2011

(b) 2012

(c) 2013

(d) 2014

(e) 2015

22) Which nation hosted the Archery World Cup Final 2024, where Deepika Kumari won the silver medal in the women's recurve event?

(a) Mauritius

(b) Morocco

(c) Maldives

(d) Singapore

(e) Mexico

23) In Which Grand Prix saw Charles Leclerc put on an incredible display that resulted in Ferrari's first victory there since 2018?

(a) US

(b) France

(c) Italy

(d) Morocco

(e) Belgium

24) For how many crores does Adar Poonawalla pay Karan Johar for a 50% share in Dharma Productions?

(a) Rs.500crores

(b) Rs.1000crores

(c) Rs.1500crores

(d) Rs.2500crores

(e) Rs.2000crores

25) The Indian Coast Guard conducts 'Sagar Kavach' exercises along the coasts of Maharashtra and also in which state?

(a) Gujarat

(b) Goa

(c) Kerala

(d) Odisha

(e) Uttar Pradesh

Answers :

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has initiated steps to introduce India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the country, aiming to significantly benefit the Maldivian economy.

UPI is developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and serves as an instant real-time payment system facilitating inter-bank transactions via mobile phones.

Detailed Explanation:

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has initiated steps to introduce India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the country, aiming to significantly benefit the Maldivian economy.

UPI is developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and serves as an instant real-time payment system facilitating inter-bank transactions via mobile phones.

Consortium Formation:PresidentMuizzu established a consortium to implement UPI in the Maldives, appointing TradeNet Maldives Corporation Limited as the leading agency.

The consortium is expected to include participation from local banks, telecom companies, state-owned enterprises, and fintech companies.

Economic Benefits:The introduction of UPI is projected to enhance financial inclusion, improve transaction efficiency, and bolster the digital infrastructure of the Maldivian economy.

Tourism's Economic Role:Tourism is a crucial economic driver for the Maldives, contributing nearly 30% to the GDP and accounting for over 60% of foreign exchange earnings.

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved the establishment of Chief General Manager posts in 5 additional nationalized banks: Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, and UCO Bank.

Prior to this approval, CGM posts existed in 6 out of 11 nationalized banks.

Increase in CGM Positions: The Finance Minister has also sanctioned an increase in the number of existing CGM positions in banks that already have CGM-level posts.

Detailed Explanation:

The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved the establishment of Chief General Manager posts in 5 additional nationalized banks: Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, and UCO Bank.

Prior to this approval, CGM posts existed in 6 out of 11 nationalized banks.

Increase in CGM Positions: The Finance Minister has also sanctioned an increase in the number of existing CGM positions in banks that already have CGM-level posts.

Role of CGM: The CGM position serves as an important administrative and functional layer between the General Manager (GM) and the Executive Director (board level) in nationalized banks

Enhanced Capability: The increase in CGM posts will improve the banks' ability to monitor critical areas such as digitalization, cybersecurity, fintech, risk management, compliance, rural banking, and financial inclusion.

Targeted Strategies: The additional CGMs will facilitate the development of more targeted strategies and enhance overall performance across various banking sub-domains like retail credit, agricultural credit, and MSME credit.

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

State Bank of India (SBI) plans to raise ₹5,000 crore in the domestic debt capital market through non-convertible, perpetual, subordinated, unsecured Basel III-compliant Additional Tier I (AT-I) bonds.

Issue Size and Green Shoe Option: The base issue size is ₹2,000 crore, with a green shoe option of ₹3,000 crore, allowing flexibility to raise the total amount up to ₹5,000 crore.

Detailed Explanation:

State Bank of India (SBI) plans to raise ₹5,000 crore in the domestic debt capital market through non-convertible, perpetual, subordinated, unsecured Basel III-compliant Additional Tier I (AT-I) bonds.

Issue Size and Green Shoe Option: The base issue size is ₹2,000 crore, with a green shoe option of ₹3,000 crore, allowing flexibility to raise the total amount up to ₹5,000 crore.

These are perpetual bonds with equity-like characteristics.

Call Option: The bonds come with a call option on October 24, 2034, which allows the bank to repurchase the bonds 10 years after issuance.

Bond Ratings: The AT-I bonds have been rated AA+ by domestic rating agencies CRISIL and CARE.

Purpose: SBI is raising this amount to replace existing bonds, aligning with its capital restructuring strategy.

Core Capital Augmentation: AT-I bonds are used by banks to augment core equity capital, which helps maintain regulatory capital requirements under Basel III norms.

Previous Fundraising: In September 2024, SBI had raised ₹7,500 crore through Tier-II bonds to strengthen its capital base.

4) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a ‘Certificate of Registration’ (CoR) to PB Fintech's wholly-owned subsidiary, PB Financial Account Aggregators Private Limited, allowing it to commence the ‘Account Aggregator’ business.

PB Fintech established the subsidiary in February 2022 and applied for the CoR as an NBFC-AA.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a ‘Certificate of Registration’ (CoR) to PB Fintech's wholly-owned subsidiary, PB Financial Account Aggregators Private Limited, allowing it to commence the ‘Account Aggregator’ business.

PB Financial Account Aggregators will operate as a non-banking financial institution (NBFC) without accepting public deposits, subject to conditions set by the RBI in the CoR.

The CoR is valid from October 18, 2024.

Parent Company:PB Fintech operates as a parent entity for insurance aggregator Policybazaar and credit marketplace Paisabazaar.

Previous Approvals:InJanuary 2023, RBI granted in-principle approval for PB Financial Account Aggregators to establish its account aggregator business.

PB Fintech established the subsidiary in February 2022 and applied for the CoR as an NBFC-AA.

Role of Account Aggregators:Account aggregators enable clients to accept various payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, cardless EMIs, UPI, bank transfers, e-wallets, and e-mandates.

5) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is conducting a pilot project for the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), known as the digital rupee.

CBDC Pilot Scale: The current digital rupee pilot has over 50 lakh users and includes 16 participating banks.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is conducting a pilot project for the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), known as the digital rupee.

The RBI is considering collaborating with the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) to ensure the successful implementation of the digital rupee.

It is also expanding its partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a cross-border CBDC pilot in the next one to two years.

CBDC Pilot Scale: The current digital rupee pilot has over 50 lakh users and includes 16 participating banks.

The pilot aims to assess the role of digital currencies in reducing transaction costs and enhancing the global status of the Indian rupee.

Future Outlook: The RBI aims to establish the digital rupee as one of the most important instruments for international trade.

It plans to push for necessary legislation to support the digital rupee’s full-scale rollout in the future.

6) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI's) report indicates a slowdown in certain high-frequency indicators but maintains confidence in a recovery due to anticipated consumption demand during the festive season.

Consumer Spending:Consumer spending during the Dussehra-Diwali festival season is projected to be about 25% higher compared to the previous year, driven by both offline and online retail channels.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI's) report indicates a slowdown in certain high-frequency indicators but maintains confidence in a recovery due to anticipated consumption demand during the festive season.

Aggregate demand is expected to rebound as festival demand increases and consumer confidence improves.

Indicators of Slackness:Notable slack in Goods & Services Tax (GST) collections, auto sales, bank credit growth, merchandise exports, and the manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) was reported.

The slowdown in Q2 FY25 is partly attributed to unusual weather conditions, specifically heavy rains in August and September.

Rural Demand:An improved agricultural outlook is expected to boost rural demand, contributing to economic recovery.

Consumer Spending:Consumer spending during the Dussehra-Diwali festival season is projected to be about 25% higher compared to the previous year, driven by both offline and online retail channels.

7) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

India has provided a new Line of Credit of INR 487.60 Crores to the Government of Mauritius for financing a water pipeline replacement project.

This is the first-ever ₹ denominated Line of Credit extended by India for project financing under the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS).

The project involves replacing approximately 100 km of obsolete water pipelines in Mauritius.

Detailed Explanation:

India has provided a new Line of Credit of INR 487.60 Crores to the Government of Mauritius for financing a water pipeline replacement project.

This is the first-ever ₹ denominated Line of Credit extended by India for project financing under the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS).

The project involves replacing approximately 100 km of obsolete water pipelines in Mauritius.

The Line of Credit, supported by the Government of India (GOI), will be financed by the State Bank of India on concessional terms.

This initiative reflects India's commitment to the socio-economic development of countries in the Global South, emphasizing that India’s development projects are driven by the aspirations and needs of its partner countries.

8) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced the extension of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for another 10 years.

Originally launched on October 21, 2016, the scheme aims to improve regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for common citizens.

Detailed Explanation:

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced the extension of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for another 10 years.

Originally launched on October 21, 2016, the scheme aims to improve regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for common citizens.

Subsidies for airlines operating on unserved and underserved routes.

Focus on improving air connectivity in smaller cities and remote areas.

Connecting smaller cities and remote regions to major hubs, enhancing economic opportunities.

Facilitating the growth of tourism and boosting local economies.

Airfare caps on regional routes to make flying more accessible for citizens previously dependent on surface transport.

601 air routes operationalized and 71 airports made fully functional under the scheme.

The number of operational airports doubled from 74 in 2016 to 157 by 2024.

Growth of regional airlines in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, creating thousands of jobs in aviation, tourism, and related sectors.

UDAN has provided reliable transport options for remote and hilly regions, especially in the northeast and islands.

9) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, introduced the “eShram – One Stop Solution” in New Delhi.

This event was attended by Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, and other senior officials from the Ministry.

Growing Trust in eShram: Dr.Mandaviya noted that 60,000 to 90,000 workers are joining the eShram platform daily, indicating rising confidence in the initiative.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, introduced the “eShram – One Stop Solution” in New Delhi.

This event was attended by Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, and other senior officials from the Ministry.

Growing Trust in eShram: Dr.Mandaviya noted that 60,000 to 90,000 workers are joining the eShram platform daily, indicating rising confidence in the initiative.

Simplified Registration Process: The One Stop Solution aims to streamline the registration for unorganised workers and enhance their access to government welfare schemes, serving as a vital link to various benefits.

Encouragement to Register: He urged all unorganised workers to register on the eShram portal to benefit from the government’s social security initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and ensuring well-being.

Sushri Shobha Karandlaje emphasized the importance of integrating State Governments’ portals with eShram to ensure last mile connectivity and identify potential beneficiaries who may have been overlooked.

10) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

In Madhya Pradesh, in a first of its kind of initiative, `pink alarms’ have been installed at the government-run district hospital and medical college in Datia.

Concept Origin: The pink alarm system was developed by District Collector Sandeep Makin.

Detailed Explanation:

In Madhya Pradesh, in a first of its kind of initiative, `pink alarms’ have been installed at the government-run district hospital and medical college in Datia.

Concept Origin: The pink alarm system was developed by District Collector Sandeep Makin.

Functionality: Pressing the pink alarm will trigger a siren, alerting security personnel who will respond within five minutes.

Installation Locations:Strategic Placement: The alarms are installed in the staff duty room on all three floors of the Maternity Ward, Trauma Center, and New OPD Block.

Significance:State's First Facility: This is the first government hospital in Madhya Pradesh to provide such a facility aimed at enhancing the security of women.

11) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Bhubaneswar, Odisha will host the 18th PravasiBharatiya Divas (PBD), which marks the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of the country, in January 2025.

The chief minister has approved the proposal sent by the Ministry of External Affairs for hosting the three-day event beginning from January 8.

Detailed Explanation:

Bhubaneswar, Odisha will host the 18th PravasiBharatiya Divas (PBD), which marks the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of the country, in January 2025.

The chief minister has approved the proposal sent by the Ministry of External Affairs for hosting the three-day event beginning from January 8.

The state government has decided to organise the event at Janata Maidan.

The first day of the conference will be observed as ‘Youth PravasiBharatiya Divas’.

The second day will host the main event and the third day will be the closing ceremony.

PravasiBharatiya Divas is a significant Central programme recognising Indian immigrants’ contributions to the country’s development.

It commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa on January 9.

Since 2003, it has been held annually, and since 2015, biennially, with 17 events held so far.

The 17th edition took place in Indore of Madhya Pradesh in 2023

12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Upstox, one of India's leading stockbroker fintech firms, has introduced the TBT Engine (Tick-by-Tick Engine), marking a significant advancement in retail trading.

Following the success of TBT-powered charts in 2023, the TBT Engine aims to offer institutional-grade trading tools to retail investors, enhancing their market precision and decision-making.

Detailed Explanation:

Upstox, one of India's leading stockbroker fintech firms, has introduced the TBT Engine (Tick-by-Tick Engine), marking a significant advancement in retail trading.

Following the success of TBT-powered charts in 2023, the TBT Engine aims to offer institutional-grade trading tools to retail investors, enhancing their market precision and decision-making.

Provides detailed information on price, volume, and timestamps for every trade, ensuring no data point is missed.

Improves pattern recognition and accuracy in identifying price triggers.

Offers real-time market insights by allowing retail traders to track the live positions of their limit orders.

In-depth order tracking enhances trading strategies in fast-moving markets.

Enables traders to see a comprehensive view of market activity, particularly useful in Futures and Options (F&O) segments, helping them identify opportunities.

Provides critical data on key price levelswhere buying and selling interests are concentrated, aiding in informed decision-making.

Solves the issue of missed Good-Till-Triggered (GTT) orders by using TBT data to ensure precise execution of trades.

13) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India is likely to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027, currently standing as the fifth largest with a GDP of approximately $3.9 trillion.

Investment Opportunities: Speaking at the Roundtable on 'Investment Opportunities in India' at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Sitharaman emphasized India's potential for sustained growth and its significant contribution to global economic recovery.

Detailed Explanation:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India is likely to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027, currently standing as the fifth largest with a GDP of approximately $3.9 trillion.

Investment Opportunities: Speaking at the Roundtable on 'Investment Opportunities in India' at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Sitharaman emphasized India's potential for sustained growth and its significant contribution to global economic recovery.

Policy Reforms: The Finance Minister highlighted various policy reforms aimed at enhancing long-term investment opportunities, including:

The National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) to strengthen infrastructure.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to bolster the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

The PM GatiShakti program, utilizing technology for real-time policy impact assessments.

Electronics and Semiconductor Initiatives: The $10 billion India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) aims to boost India's position in global electronics value chains, with increased cooperation with the US Department of State.

14) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Indian government is projected to surpass its target of Rs 56,260 crore in dividend receipts from central public-sector enterprises (CPSEs) for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), with expectations of receiving around Rs 65,000 crore.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian government is projected to surpass its target of Rs 56,260 crore in dividend receipts from central public-sector enterprises (CPSEs) for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), with expectations of receiving around Rs 65,000 crore.

Current Dividend Collection: As of October 21, 2024, the Centre has already collected Rs 28,913 crore from CPSEs, which accounts for over 50% of the budget estimate for FY25.

Comparison with Previous Year: For FY24, the revised estimate for dividend receipts from CPSEs was Rs 50,000 crore, yet the actual receipts amounted to Rs 63,749 crore, marking it as the highest yield from CPSEs to date.

15) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, a 1993-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, has assumed charge as the Secretary of the Ministry of Coal.

Previously, he served as the Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Detailed Explanation:

Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, a 1993-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, has assumed charge as the Secretary of the Ministry of Coal.

Previously, he served as the Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

He succeeds Shri VL Kantha Rao, the current Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, who held additional charge 1of the Ministry of Coal.

Before Rao, Shri Amrit Lal Meena, a 1989-batch IAS officer, served as the Coal Secretary. Meena was later repatriated to his home cadre in Bihar, where he was appointed as the Chief Secretary.

India's Power Demand:India's power demand is growing annually by 6-7%.

16) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

S Gopalakrishnan, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has been appointed the new chairman of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).

Gopalakrishnan will assume the role on October 31, 2024, following the voluntary retirement of current chairman Rakesh Ranjan.

Manoj Soni, the chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), resigned in July 2024, despite his term being until May 15, 2029.

Detailed Explanation:

S Gopalakrishnan, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has been appointed the new chairman of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).

Gopalakrishnan will assume the role on October 31, 2024, following the voluntary retirement of current chairman Rakesh Ranjan.

Manoj Soni, the chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), resigned in July 2024, despite his term being until May 15, 2029.

V Umashankar (1993-batch) has been appointed as Secretary in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Vikram Dev Dutt, previously Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is now Coal Secretary.

Tanmay Kumar, currently Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, will take over as Secretary in December 2024 after Leena Nandan's retirement.

Subrata Gupta (1990-batch) will become Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, following the retirement of the current secretary, Anita Parveen.

17) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

James Gorman, currently an executive at Morgan Stanley, has been appointed as the new chairman of The Walt Disney Company, effective January 2, 2025.

Gorman will succeed Mark Parker as chairman, who is leaving after nine years on Disney's board.

Detailed Explanation:

James Gorman, currently an executive at Morgan Stanley, has been appointed as the new chairman of The Walt Disney Company, effective January 2, 2025.

Disney plans to announce the successor to current CEO Bob Iger in early 2026.

The timeline allows for a coordinated transition between Iger and his successor before Iger’s contract expires on December 31, 2026.

Gorman will succeed Mark Parker as chairman, who is leaving after nine years on Disney's board.

Gorman is the chair of Disney's succession planning committee and will step down from his position as executive chairman at Morgan Stanley by the end of this year.

18) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Prabowo Subianto has assumed office as the President of Indonesia, marking his leadership of the world's third-largest democracy.

He is officially the eighth president of Indonesia, which is recognized as the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation.

Detailed Explanation:

Prabowo Subianto has assumed office as the President of Indonesia, marking his leadership of the world's third-largest democracy.

He is officially the eighth president of Indonesia, which is recognized as the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation.

Prabowo Subianto, aged 73, won the presidential election held on February 14, securing nearly 60% of the votes.

His campaign included popular policies, such as providing free meals for school children.

19) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, is observed on 21st October every year.

Iodine is essential in thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are crucial for metabolism and fetal and infant development.

It is commonly found in foods and iodized salt, primarily in the form of iodide, quickly absorbed by the body.

Detailed Explanation:

World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, is observed on 21st October every year.

Iodine is essential in thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are crucial for metabolism and fetal and infant development.

It is commonly found in foods and iodized salt, primarily in the form of iodide, quickly absorbed by the body.

The National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) was launched in 1962 by the Government of India, later expanded and renamed the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) in 1992.

WHO and UNICEF have supported universal salt iodization since 1993, leading to over 120 countries adopting iodization programs. Despite these efforts, around 1.88 billion people are still at risk of iodine deficiency globally.

20) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

World Development Information Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of October 2024.

The United Nations General Assembly conducted a conference on Trade and Development on 17th May 1972.

Detailed Explanation:

World Development Information Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of October 2024.

The United Nations General Assembly conducted a conference on Trade and Development on 17th May 1972.

In that, they gave a proposal to develop and reduce conflicts between nations by asking for public opinion through Information Technology.

The Resolution was passed on 19th December 1972.

From 24th October 1973 next year, World Development Day has been celebrated.

The Celebration work for World Development Information Day 2024 has been started. The Development of Informed Technology has solved many international issues, trading has been improved across nations.

21) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Sanskrit scholar and the founder of Sharda Gyan Peetham, Vasant Anant Gadgil, passed away in Pune, Maharashtra at the age of 94.

In 2012, he was honored by then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

He received the Mahakavi Kalidas Sanskrit-Vrati National Award for his efforts in Sanskrit propagation, research, and development from Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University.

Detailed Explanation:

Sanskrit scholar and the founder of Sharda Gyan Peetham, Vasant Anant Gadgil, passed away in Pune, Maharashtra at the age of 94.

Gadgil studied Sanskrit at Tilak Maharashtra University and learned ancient Sanskrit texts like the Vedas and the Upanishads.

He traveled to the US and Africa to promote the Sanskrit language.

He was well-versed in ancient Sanskrit texts, including the Vedas and Upanishads.

Under his 'Sharada Gaurav Granthamala' series, the first Sanskrit biography of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, titled Bhimayanam, was published in 2010.

In 2012, he was honored by then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

He received the Mahakavi Kalidas Sanskrit-Vrati National Award for his efforts in Sanskrit propagation, research, and development from Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University.

22) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Deepika Kumari secured the silver medal in the women’s recurve event at the Archery World Cup Final 2024 held in Tlaxcala, Mexico.

The accomplished Indian archer faced a challenging match against Li Jiaman of China, ultimately losing 6-0 in the final.

Detailed Explanation:

Deepika Kumari secured the silver medal in the women’s recurve event at the Archery World Cup Final 2024 held in Tlaxcala, Mexico.

The accomplished Indian archer faced a challenging match against Li Jiaman of China, ultimately losing 6-0 in the final.

Deepika defeated Li Jiaman’s teammate, Yang Xiaolei, in the quarter-finals with a commanding 6-0 victory.

She then overcame Alejandra Valencia of Mexico, winning 6-4. Valencia is notable for winning a mixed team bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a women's team bronze at Paris 2024.

This silver medal marks Deepika's sixth medal at the Archery World Cup Finals but her first since becoming a mother in 2022.

Her previous finishes included runners-up in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2024, along with a bronze in 2018.

23) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Charles Leclerc delivered a stunning performance at the United States Grand Prix, marking Ferrari's first win at the event since 2018.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen of Red Bull solidified his position in the F1 season championship with a podium finish, benefiting from a late penalty handed to McLaren's Lando Norris.

Detailed Explanation:

Charles Leclerc delivered a stunning performance at the United States Grand Prix, marking Ferrari's first win at the event since 2018.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen of Red Bull solidified his position in the F1 season championship with a podium finish, benefiting from a late penalty handed to McLaren's Lando Norris.

Norris' Strategy Backfires: Norris aimed to create a gap of over five seconds to negate his penalty but fell short at 4.1 seconds. He stated, “He defends by going off-track, he overtakes by going off-track. But I’m not going to complain. Max drove well.”

Hamilton's Disappointing Weekend: Lewis Hamilton faced a dismal race, retiring after spinning into gravel on the second lap. This marked his first race failure in the U.S., following a disqualification from his second-place finish last year.

24) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Serum Institute of India, has announced a ₹1,000 crore investment in Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment through his company, Serene Production.

Detailed Explanation:

Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Serum Institute of India, has announced a ₹1,000 crore investment in Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment through his company, Serene Production.

The deal involves Poonawalla's Serene Production acquiring a 50% stake in Dharma Productions, while Karan Johar will retain the remaining 50%.

Karan Johar will continue to serve as the Executive Chairman of Dharma Productions, with Apoorva Mehta remaining as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ensuring continuity in the company's leadership structure.

25) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in co-ordination with other agencies has undertaken two-day 'Sagar Kavach' exercise along the coast of Goa and Maharashtra to protect the country's maritime interests and to test the agencies' collective response to security threats.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in co-ordination with other agencies has undertaken two-day 'Sagar Kavach' exercise along the coast of Goa and Maharashtra to protect the country's maritime interests and to test the agencies' collective response to security threats.

The Coast Guard is conducting the exercise in co-ordination with the Indian Navy, Customs, Coastal Police, Central Industrial Security Force, Mormugao Port Authority and the Goa government's Fisheries and Captain of Ports departments.

Objective:The goal is to strengthen and enhance coastal and maritime security by engaging various maritime agencies and stakeholders.

The exercise tests collective response to threats such as infiltration, smuggling, piracy, and natural disasters.