Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 of 28th Sep 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) What is India's growth forecast for FY 2024-2025, as retained by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), attributed to improved agricultural output and increased government spending?

(a) 7%
(b) 6.5%
(c) 6.8%
(d) 7.2%
(e) 6.9%

2) What is the name of the business credit card launched by Axis Bank and Mastercard, designed exclusively for sole proprietors and small business owners?

(a) BusinessPro
(b) MyBiz
(c) SoleBiz
(d) BizMaster
(e) MyBusiness

3) What is the name of the industry-first biometric authentication solution for card payments introduced by PayU?

(a) QuickAuth
(b) BioPay
(c) SecureCard
(d) PayGuard
(e) Flash Pay

4) According to the latest report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), what was India’s net foreign direct investment (FDI) during the April-July period of FY25?

(a) $5.5 billion
(b) $4.5 billion
(c) $3.8 billion
(d) $6.2 billion
(e) $4.8 billion

5) Which life insurance company entered into a bespoke agreement with Metropolis Healthcare and CallHealth, an integrated healthcare platform?

(a) Max Life Insurance
(b) ICICI Prudential LifeInsurance
(c) SBI LifeInsurance
(d) HDFC LifeInsurance
(e) Aditya Birla LifeInsurance

6) Which company entered a co-origination partnership with UGRO Capital to provide affordable loans to MSMEs, and with whom did UGRO Capital previously form a co-lending partnership to support MSMEs?

(a) Mahindra Finance and SIDBI
(b) HDFC Bank and NABARD
(c) ICICI Bank and EXIM Bank
(d) SBI and NITI Aayog
(e) Aditya Birla Finance and RailTel

7) What is the name of the advanced supercomputers unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under India’s National Supercomputing Mission?

(a) Param Ganga
(b) Param Shakti
(c) Param Rudra
(d) Param Brahma
(e) Param Yodha

8) In September 2024, Which of the following statements is wrong regarding the high-performance computing systems launched to enhance meteorological research?

(a) The systems are named ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika.’
(b) They were installed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast (NCMRWF) in Noida.
(c) The total investment for these systems is Rs 1,000 crore.
(d) The systems signify their connection to the Sun.
(e) They aim to enhance meteorological research capabilities.

9) What is the name of the financial literacy initiative organized by the government to promote awareness and protect investors in the context of unclaimed shares and dividends?

(a) Niveshak Sunwais
(b) Financial Literacy Forum
(c) Investor Awareness Program
(d) Niveshak Kendra
(e) Smart Investor Initiative

10) Which of the following is NOT one of the initiatives launched by Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh and Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles Pabitra Margherita to enhance India’s fashion and textile sectors?

(a) “Paridhi 24×25” Fashion Trend Book
(b) VisioNxt Bilingual Web Portal
(c) AI Taxonomy E-Book
(d) Fashion Forward Initiative
(e) NIFT Begusarai Extension Centre

11) What edition of the Joint Ministerial Commission meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal during his visit to Australia?

(a) 17th
(b) 18th
(c) 19th
(d) 20th
(e) 21st

12) What did Atishi announce as her first decision as Chief Minister regarding workers?

(a) A new tax policy
(b) A revision in the minimum monthly wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers
(c) A healthcare initiative
(d) An education reform
(e) A public transportation upgrade

13) What is the purpose of the CM-SATH scheme launched by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha?

(a) To provide free transportation for students
(b) To support meritorious students in higher education
(c) To offer scholarships for vocational training
(d) To promote sports among school students
(e) To fund startup businesses for young entrepreneurs

14) Who co-chaired the 6th Session of the India-Egypt Joint Trade Committee (JTC) held in New Delhi on September 16th-17th, 2024?

(a) Priya P. Nair
(b) Piyush Goyal
(c) Suresh Prabhu
(d) Nirmala Sitharaman
(e) Anurag Thakur

15) Who has been nominated as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of IndiGo, effective from November 1, 2024, subject to regulatory approvals?

(a) Isidro Porqueras
(b) Ronojoy Dutta
(c) Rahul Bhatia
(d) Aditya Ghosh
(e) Vineet Sood

16) What is the name of the lightweight bulletproof jackets developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi?

(a) ARMOR (Advanced Resilient Material for Operational Resistance)

(b) SHIELD (Secure High-Impact Emergency Lightweight Defense)
(c) VIGIL (Vanguard for Improved Guard and Impact Layer)
(d) PROTECT (Personalized Resistance Over Threats and Equipment Compliance Technology)
(e) ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat)

17) Which two organizations jointly organized the 11th Engineers Conclave that commenced on September 26, 2024, in Hyderabad?

(a) Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and National Institute of Technology (NIT)
(b) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE)
(c) Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Council of Scientific Research (ICSR)
(d) Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE)
(e) Ministry of Defence and Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE)

18) Recently (Sep 2024), Who is on a four-day official visit to Greece from September 26 to 29, 2024 to consolidate bilateral defence relations between India and Greece, with a focus on enhancing naval cooperation?

(a) Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar
(b) Admiral Sunil Lanba
(c) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
(d) Rear Admiral S. V. Bhokare
(e) Admiral Robin K. Dhowan

19) What is the name of the Missile Cum Ammunition Barge (MCA) that was delivered on September 25, 2024, at Naval Dockyards, Mumbai, for INS Tunir?

(a) INS Talwar
(b) LSAM 13
(c) LSAM 12
(d) INS Vikrant
(e) LSAM 14

20) What is the name of India’s newest airline owned by Shankh Aviation Private Limited that has received approval from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to start operations?

(a) Shankh Air
(b) Skyway Airlines
(c) Indigo Express
(d) Horizon Air
(e) AeroIndia

21) What is the theme for this year’s World Rabies Day, celebrated on September 28th?

(a) Preventing Rabies Together
(b) One Health, Zero Deaths
(c) Breaking Rabies Boundaries
(d) Educate to Eliminate
(e) Together Against Rabies

22) What significant space mission did the Union Cabinet approve, set to be launched by ISRO in March 2028?

(a) India’s first mission to Mars
(b) India’s first mission to the Moon
(c) India’s first mission to Venus
(d) India’s first mission to Jupiter
(e) India’s first mission to Saturn

23) What significant milestone did India achieve in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, as announced by Union Minister Piyush Goyal?

(a) 35th position among 133 global economies
(b) 39th position among 133 global economies
(c) 42nd position among 133 global economies
(d) 45th position among 133 global economies
(e) 50th position among 133 global economies

24) What was India's rank in the IMD World Talent Ranking 2024, and how did it change compared to the previous year?

(a) 56th, improved from 58th last year
(b) 58th, down from 56th last year
(c) 60th, down from 55th last year
(d) 52nd, improved from 54th last year
(e) 59th, unchanged from last year

25) What significant agreement has Tata Electronics finalized with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) of Taiwan?

(a) Rs 50,000 crore agreement for a solar plant
(b) Rs 70,000 crore agreement for a battery manufacturing facility
(c) Rs 91,000 crore agreement for an AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication plant
(d) Rs 100,000 crore agreement for a chip design center
(e) Rs 80,000 crore agreement for a research and development center

Answers :

1) Answer: A

Short Solution:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) retained India’s growth forecast for FY 2024-2025 at 7%, attributing this to improved agricultural output and increased government spending.

Detailed Solution:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) retained India’s growth forecast for FY 2024-2025 at 7%, attributing this to improved agricultural output and increased government spending.

Key Highlights :

Economic Drivers: Key drivers of economic activity identified include:

Enhanced agricultural productivity.

Increased government expenditure.

Exports Performance: ADB noted that exports are projected to exceed earlier estimates, especially due to a rise in services exports.

Previous Fiscal Performance: India’s economy grew at an impressive 8.2% in the previous fiscal year (2023-24).

Current Projection by RBI: The Reserve Bank of India projects a growth rate of 7.2% for the current fiscal year.

Quarterly GDP Growth: GDP growth slowed to 6.7% in the first quarter (April-June) of FY 2024.

Current Account Deficit: ADB forecasts India’s current account deficit to be:

1% of GDP for FY 2024.

2% for the following year, a decrease from a previous estimate of 1.7% for both years.

Factors Influencing Current Account Deficit: Improvements attributed to:

Better export performance.

Lower imports.

Robust remittance inflows.

Consumer Inflation: Expected consumer inflation for FY 2024 is projected at 4.7%, driven by high food prices, despite anticipated agricultural output increases.

2) Answer: B

Short Solution:

Axis Bank, and Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, announced their collaboration to launch MyBiz, a business credit card designed exclusively for sole proprietors and small business owners.

Detailed Solution:

Axis Bank, and Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, announced their collaboration to launch MyBiz, a business credit card designed exclusively for sole proprietors and small business owners.

The new card, part of the World Mastercard category, combines a wide range of business and travel benefits to meet the diverse needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) owners.

Cardholders will be able to gain access to specially curated experiences around culinary, wellness, sports, and more via priceless.com for India-based experiences.

About Axis Bank:

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry

Axis Bank Limited, previously known as UTI Bank, is an Indian multinational banking and financial services company.

3) Answer: E

Short Solution:

PayU, one of India’s leading digital financial services providers, has introduced an industry-first biometric authentication solution for card payments – Flash Pay.

The solution aims to simplify the payment experience, improve transaction success rates, and significantly enhance security for users.

Detailed Solution:

PayU, one of India’s leading digital financial services providers, has introduced an industry-first biometric authentication solution for card payments – Flash Pay.

The solution aims to simplify the payment experience, improve transaction success rates, and significantly enhance security for users.

Flash Pay was unveiled at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2024, a prestigious event in the fintech sector.

The biometric solution offers a seamless payment experience while incorporating robust security measures, aligning with customer desires for convenience and banks’ authentication needs.

Flash Pay was successfully demonstrated at the GFF 2024 in collaboration with South Indian Bank, which has been a long-standing partner of Wibmo (a PayU subsidiary).

4) Answer: A

Short Solution:

According to the latest report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s net foreign direct investment (FDI) during the April-July period of the current financial year (FY25) rose to $5.5 billion compared to $3.8 billion in the year-ago period.

Detailed Solution:

According to the latest report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s net foreign direct investment (FDI) during the April-July period of the current financial year (FY25) rose to $5.5 billion compared to $3.8 billion in the year-ago period.

The increase was due to an improvement in gross inward FDI, which grew by 23.6 percent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to $27.7 billion during the four months of FY25.

Manufacturing, financial services, communication services, computer services, electricity, and other energy sectors accounted for more than three-fourths of the gross FDI inflows.

The major source countries were Singapore, Mauritius, the Netherlands, the US, Belgium, and Japan.

FDI has three components: equity capital, reinvested earnings and other capital.

Equity capital is the foreign direct investor’s purchase of shares of an enterprise in a country other than its own.

Reinvested earnings comprise the direct investor’s share (in proportion to direct equity participation) of earnings not distributed as dividends by affiliates, or earnings not remitted to the direct investor.

Such retained profits by affiliates are reinvested.

5) Answer: D

Short Solution:

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, has entered into a bespoke agreement with Metropolis Healthcare Limited, a leading Indian diagnostic company, and CallHealth, an integrated healthcare platform respectively.

Detailed Solution:

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, has entered into a bespoke agreement with Metropolis Healthcare Limited, a leading Indian diagnostic company, and CallHealth, an integrated healthcare platform respectively.

This collaboration enables prospects applying for HDFC Life policies to undergo medical tests at Metropolis labs across the country, offering a seamless and convenient experience.

Under this agreement, individuals can choose to visit a Metropolis lab close to their home or go for the home visit option, providing flexibility and ease for all customers.

About HDFC Life :

Founded : 2000

Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra

MD & CEO : Vibha Padalkar

Non-Executive Director & Chairman : Mr. Keki M Mistry

It is a joint venture between Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd (HDFC), one of India’s leading housing finance institutions and Abrdn, a global investment company.

6) Answer: A

Short Solution:

Mahindra Finance has entered into a co-origination partnership with UGRO Capital to provide affordable loans to MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises).

UGRO Capital has also previously formed a co-lending partnership with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to support MSMEs.

Detailed Solution:

Mahindra Finance has entered into a co-origination partnership with UGRO Capital to provide affordable loans to MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises).

The collaboration aims to provide secured business and affordable loans against properties (LAP) to the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector, supporting their business growth.

The partnership aims to improve credit access for MSMEs, offering them timely financial support across various locations.

UGRO Capital has also previously formed a co-lending partnership with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to support MSMEs.

Managing Director & CEO of Mahindra Finance: Raul Rebello

7) Answer: C

Short Solution:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled three advanced supercomputers named Param Rudra as part of India’s National Supercomputing Mission.

Supercomputers’ Placement and Investment

Location: Strategically placed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata.

Investment: Built with a collective investment of Rs 130 crore.

Detailed Solution:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled three advanced supercomputers named Param Rudra as part of India’s National Supercomputing Mission.

Supercomputers’ Placement and Investment

Location: Strategically placed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata.

Investment: Built with a collective investment of Rs 130 crore.

Technological Impact

Transformational Benefits: These supercomputers will accelerate research in fields such as healthcare, space exploration, material science, atomic physics, and cosmology.

Institutions Involved:

Pune: The Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) will use it to study Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena.

Delhi: The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) will enhance research in material science and atomic physics.

Kolkata: The S N Bose Centre will support research in physics, cosmology, and earth sciences.

8) Answer: C

Short Solution:

Launch of Rs 850 crore High-Performance Computing System to enhance meteorological research.

Locations: Installed at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast (NCMRWF) in Noida.

Systems Named: ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika’, signifying their connection to the Sun.

Detailed Solution:

Launch of Rs 850 crore High-Performance Computing System to enhance meteorological research.

Locations: Installed at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast (NCMRWF) in Noida.

Systems Named: ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika’, signifying their connection to the Sun.

Applications: Enhanced prediction models for tropical cyclones, heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, heatwaves, droughts, and other critical weather events.

Prime Minister’s Remarks

Technology for Empowerment: PM Modi emphasized that technology upgradation should empower the common people.

Vision for the Future: Modi stressed the importance of big vision for achieving high goals, and outlined that quantum computing technology will lead advancements in IT, manufacturing, MSMEs, and startups.

Science for Self-Reliance: The government is focused on “science for self-reliance” and building India’s own semiconductor ecosystem, making India a key part of the global supply chain.

Space Research: Modi announced that by 2035, India will have its own space station as part of the Gaganyan Mission.

9) Answer: A

Short Solution:

To expedite the refund process for unclaimed shares and dividends, the government is developing an integrated digital portal, expected to be operational by early 2025.

Portal Features:

User-friendly interface enabling claimants to track the status of unclaimed shares.

Will assist in tracing lost investments, especially for legal heirs.

IEPFA Initiatives:

Launched a call centre and Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) to assist investors.

Organizing NiveshakSunwais to promote financial literacy and protect investors.

Detailed Solution:

To expedite the refund process for unclaimed shares and dividends, the government is developing an integrated digital portal, expected to be operational by early 2025.

This initiative aims to simplify searching for and claiming lost shares, improving efficiency and accessibility for rightful claimants.

Key Points:

Purpose of the Portal:

To facilitate searching and claiming unclaimed shares and dividends.

Expected to speed up the refund process.

Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA):

IEPFA has designed the blueprint for this portal.

Once operational, it will handle refunds directly, eliminating the need for company involvement.

Current Status of Unclaimed Assets:

Over 1.1 billion unclaimed shares, valued at approximately Rs 1 lakh crore.

Unclaimed dividends amounting to Rs 5,700 crore.

Government Shift in Strategy:

The government shelved the earlier plan of assigning the refund responsibility to companies.

The new IT portal will ensure direct refunds from the IEPFA, bypassing corporate intermediaries.

Portal Features:

User-friendly interface enabling claimants to track the status of unclaimed shares.

Will assist in tracing lost investments, especially for legal heirs.

IEPFA Initiatives:

Launched a call centre and Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) to assist investors.

Organizing NiveshakSunwais to promote financial literacy and protect investors.

10) Answer: D

Short Solution:

Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, and Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, launched several significant initiatives to enhance India’s fashion and textile sectors, including:

“Paridhi 24×25” Fashion Trend Book

VisioNxt Bilingual Web Portal

AI Taxonomy E-Book

VisioNxt’s Role

Inauguration of NIFT Begusarai Extension Centre

Detailed Solution:

Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, and Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, launched several significant initiatives to enhance India’s fashion and textile sectors, including:

“Paridhi 24×25” Fashion Trend Book

VisioNxt Bilingual Web Portal

AI Taxonomy E-Book

The event attracted over 150 industry leaders from fashion, textiles, and retail, along with prominent craftsmen and weavers.

Key Highlights

VisioNxt’s Role

Objective: Establish India as a leader in fashion trend prediction.

Focus: Enhance visibility of Indian fashion vocabulary and identity.

Strategy: Reduce reliance on international trend agencies by providing unique insights into local fashion consumers.

Integration: Combine Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human intelligence for effective trend analysis.

Inauguration of NIFT Begusarai Extension Centre

Purpose: Offer a three-day workshop focused on basic tailoring and garment construction skills.

Activities: Minister Singh toured facilities, including pattern-making and garment construction labs, engaging with trainees.

MoU Signing with NSDC

Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NIFT and the National Skill Development Council (NSDC).

Goal: Foster inclusive growth for marginalised communities and cultivate a skilled workforce for the fashion industry.

Vision: Emphasize the centre’s potential as a contributor to India’s economic aspirations.

Successful Workshops

Dates: Conducted from September 17 to 19, 2024.

Participants: 31 women from the Jeevika self-help group trained in cutting and tailoring.

Feedback: Received positive responses for enthusiastic participation and engagement.

Meeting Industry Needs

Background: VisioNxt was established in response to a need identified at the Global Textile Summit 2017 for India-specific trend insights.

Mission: Deliver essential trend insights and forecasts for the Indian fashion market.

Approach: Leverage AI and Emotional Intelligence (EI) to analyze geo-specific trends reflecting India’s cultural diversity.

Access: Comprehensive reports available in Hindi and English via the VisioNxt portal at www.visionxt.in.

11) Answer: C

Short Solution:

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, concluded a 3-day visit to Australia from September 23 to 26, 2024.

The Minister co-chaired the 19th Joint Ministerial Commission meeting with Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism of Australia, on September 25, 2024, at the Government House in Adelaide.

Detailed Solution:

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, concluded a 3-day visit to Australia from September 23 to 26, 2024.

The Minister co-chaired the 19th Joint Ministerial Commission meeting with Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism of Australia, on September 25, 2024, at the Government House in Adelaide.

Key Highlights:

Key topics included:

Areas of cooperation and economic priorities for India and Australia.

Implementation of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).

Progress on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations.

Bilateral Trade Target:Both ministers reiterated the target of achieving AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.

Multilateral Cooperation:Discussions included enhancing cooperation at forums such as G20, IPEF, and WTO, particularly regarding Domestic Services Regulation.

Investment, Trade, Technology, and Tourism Office:Announcement of the opening of an Investment, Trade, Technology and Tourism (ITTT) office in Sydney, which will include representatives from various Indian organizations and industry bodies.

New Grant Announcement:Minister Farrell announced an AUD 10 million grant for Australian entities to enhance cooperation with India, with AUD 5 million allocated for trade and innovation projects and AUD 5 million for scholarships and fellowships.

Visit to the Australian Space Agency:Goyal and Farrell visited the Australian Space Agency, engaging with companies like Space Machine Company, which collaborates with New Space India Limited (NSIL) on the MAITRI mission.

The 10th Anniversary of ‘Make in India’: The visit coincided with the 10th anniversary of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which has aimed to boost domestic manufacturing, create jobs, enhance exports, and improve living standards in India.

12) Answer: B

Short Solution:

Atishi announced a revision in the minimum monthly wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers in her first decision as Chief Minister.

Detailed Solution:

Atishi announced a revision in the minimum monthly wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers in her first decision as Chief Minister.

Key Highlights :

Revised Wage Details:

Unskilled Workers:

Previous Wage: ₹17,494

Revised Wage: ₹18,066

Percentage Increase: 3.2%

Semi-Skilled Workers:

Previous Wage: ₹19,279

Revised Wage: ₹19,929

Percentage Increase: 3.6%

Skilled Workers:

Previous Wage: ₹21,215

Revised Wage: ₹21,917

Percentage Increase: 3.3%

Additional Wage Increases:

Non-Matriculate Workers: Minimum wage increased by 3.6%.

Matriculate Workers: Wage increased from ₹20,903 by 4.85%.

Graduate Workers: Wage increased from ₹23,082 by 3.26%.

13) Answer: B

Short Solution:

The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, launched the CM-SATH scheme to support meritorious students in higher education, fulfilling a pre-poll promise.

The scheme offers financial aid of ₹60,000 (₹5,000 monthly) for a duration of two to three years to 200 selected students based on merit.

Detailed Solution:

The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, launched the CM-SATH scheme to support meritorious students in higher education, fulfilling a pre-poll promise.

The scheme offers financial aid of ₹60,000 (₹5,000 monthly) for a duration of two to three years to 200 selected students based on merit.

Key Highlights :

Targeted Beneficiaries: The financial assistance is aimed at:

100 students at the Madhyamik level.

100 students at the Higher Secondary level.

Selection Criteria: Beneficiaries will be selected based on merit by the District Education Officer in each district, with distributions as follows:

152 students at the block level.

12 students at the Nagar Panchayat level.

26 students at the Municipal Council level.

10 students at the Agartala Municipal Corporation level.

Government Commitment: The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensure that financial constraints do not impede access to quality education and the growth of talent.

Focus on Marginalized Communities: The government aims to enhance educational opportunities for marginalized groups, including the poor, tribals, women, and minorities.

Budget Allocation: The financial plan for the CM-SATH scheme includes:

₹1.20 crore in the first year.

₹2.40 crore in the second year.

₹3 crore from the third year onward.

Overall Educational Goals: The scheme is part of a broader initiative to improve educational policies, ensure quality education, and enhance the learning process in Tripura.

14) Answer: A

Short Solution:

The 6th Session of the India-Egypt JTC was held in New Delhi on 16th-17th September 2024.

The session Co-chaired by Priya P. Nair, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, Government of India, and Mr. Yahya Elwathik Bellah, Deputy Minister of Investment & Foreign Trade of Egypt.

Detailed Solution:

The 6th Session of the India-Egypt JTC was held in New Delhi on 16th-17th September 2024.

The session Co-chaired by Priya P. Nair, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, Government of India, and Mr. Yahya Elwathik Bellah, Deputy Minister of Investment & Foreign Trade of Egypt.

The Egyptian delegation included the Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Wael Mohamed Awad Hamed, and eight delegates from relevant ministries.

India secured necessary approvals to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) of India and the MSME Development Agency (MSMEDA) of Egypt, aiming for early signing and operationalization.

Areas of Focus:Both countries identified multiple sectors for enhancing cooperation, including:Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCEZ), Pharmaceuticals and health, Gems &jewelry, Engineering goods, Petroleum and mining, MSMEs, Customs matters, IT services,Electronics and apparel manufacturing, Renewable energy (green hydrogen), Food security, International trade settlement, Digital payments, Transport and trade disputes

The next JTC meeting is scheduled for 2026 in Egypt.

15) Answer: A

Short Solution:

IndiGo has nominated Isidro Porqueras as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective from November 1, 2024 (subject to regulatory approvals).

He will succeed Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, who is retiring after over seven years in the role.

Detailed Solution:

IndiGo has nominated Isidro Porqueras as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective from November 1, 2024 (subject to regulatory approvals).

He will succeed Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, who is retiring after over seven years in the role.

About Isidro Porqueras:

Porqueras joined IndiGo as Chief of Transformation in April 2024.

He has over 25 years of experience in the aviation sector.

He previously led operations at the Spanish low-cost airline Volotea.

IndiGo’s Operations:

IndiGo operates around 14,000 flights weekly.

As of August 2024, it holds a 62% market share in the domestic airline sector.

Significance of Porqueras’ Role:His appointment as Chief Transformation Officer was strategically important, coinciding with IndiGo’s order for 30 A350-900 wide-body aircraft from Airbus in April 2024.

Major Aircraft Orders:In June 2023, IndiGo made a historic order for 500 A320neo family planes from Airbus, marking the world’s largest aircraft order.

Deliveries for these aircraft are expected to occur between 2030 and 2035.

16) Answer: E

Short Solution:

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), along with researchers of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has developed Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets named ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat).

The jackets have been developed at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT, Delhi.

Detailed Solution:

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), along with researchers of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has developed Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets named ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat).

The jackets have been developed at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT, Delhi.

Key Highlights :

Materials Used: The jackets are made from advanced polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material, enhancing their durability and protective capabilities.

Design and Testing: The design was based on the characterization of materials at high strain rates, followed by modeling and simulation in collaboration with DRDO.

The armor plates have passed all necessary R&D trials according to established protocols.

Threat Level Compliance: The jackets are designed to meet the highest threat levels specified by the Indian Army, while also being lighter than the maximum weight limits set in the General Staff Qualitative Requirements.

Weight Specifications: The jackets weigh a minimum of 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg for different Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) levels, providing modular design with front and rear armors for 360-degree protection.

Formation of DIA-CoE: The DIA-CoE was established by modifying the Joint Advanced Technology Center of DRDO at IIT Delhi in 2022 to enhance collaboration between industry and academia for defense R&D.

17) Answer: D

Short Solution:

The 11th Engineers Conclave, organized jointly by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), commenced on September 26, 2024, in Hyderabad.

The aim of the two-day annual conclave is to deliberate on two strategic priorities i.e., ‘Additive Manufacturing for Defence Applications’ and ‘Defence Manufacturing Technologies’.

Detailed Solution:

The 11th Engineers Conclave, organized jointly by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), commenced on September 26, 2024, in Hyderabad.

The aim of the two-day annual conclave is to deliberate on two strategic priorities i.e., ‘Additive Manufacturing for Defence Applications’ and ‘Defence Manufacturing Technologies’.

The event, being held at Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) of DRDO, brings together engineers, scientists, academicians and industry leaders to discuss emerging technologies & advancements in indigenisation.

The conclave was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. Anil Kakodkar, the Former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.

Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, served as the Guest of Honour.

Key Addresses: Other notable figures addressing the gathering include:

Shri G.A. Srinivasa Murthy, Director of DRDL (Hyderabad)

Shri U. Raja Babu, Director General of Missiles and Strategic Systems

Indranil Manna, President of INAE

18) Answer: C

Short Solution:

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), is on a four day official visit to Greece from 26 to 29 Sep 2024.

The visit aims to consolidate bilateral defense relations between India and Greece, with a focus on enhancing naval cooperation.

During the visit, the CNS will engage in bilateral discussions with senior Greek defence officials, including Mr Ioannis Kefalogiannis, Deputy Minister of Defence, Vice Admiral Dimitrios E Kataras, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff (HGNS), Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos, Deputy Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff.

Detailed Solution:

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), is on a four day official visit to Greece from 26 to 29 Sep 2024.

The visit aims to consolidate bilateral defense relations between India and Greece, with a focus on enhancing naval cooperation.

During the visit, the CNS will engage in bilateral discussions with senior Greek defence officials, including Mr Ioannis Kefalogiannis, Deputy Minister of Defence, Vice Admiral Dimitrios E Kataras, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff (HGNS), Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos, Deputy Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff.

The discussions are expected to cover a broad spectrum of defence cooperation areas, particularly maritime security, joint training initiatives, and exploring avenues for future operational collaboration between the two navies.

As part of his visit, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi shall be visiting the Salamis Bay, the base of the Hellenic Naval Fleet as well as the Hellenic Naval Academy.

The Hellenic Navy Chief shall be hosting the Indian CNS onboard the renowned Georgios AVEROF, the Hellenic naval museum ship, offering him a glimpse into Greece’s rich maritime history and naval heritage.

19) Answer: B

Short Solution:

The Missile Cum Ammunition Barge (MCA), LSAM 13 (Yard 81), was delivered on September 25, 2024, at Naval Dockyards, Mumbai, for INS Tunir.

The ceremony was presided over by Commodore C. Rami Reddy, Commanding Officer of INS Tunir.

LSAM 13 is the fifth barge in the project to construct a total of eight Missile Cum Ammunition Barges, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s SECON Engineering Projects Private Limited, Visakhapatnam.

Detailed Solution:

The Missile Cum Ammunition Barge (MCA), LSAM 13 (Yard 81), was delivered on September 25, 2024, at Naval Dockyards, Mumbai, for INS Tunir.

The ceremony was presided over by Commodore C. Rami Reddy, Commanding Officer of INS Tunir.

LSAM 13 is the fifth barge in the project to construct a total of eight Missile Cum Ammunition Barges, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s SECON Engineering Projects Private Limited, Visakhapatnam.

The contract for constructing the eight barges was signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd on February 19, 2021.

The induction of these barges will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy (IN) by facilitating the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles and ammunition to IN platforms at jetties and outer harbours.

The barges are designed and built in compliance with the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping.

Model testing for the barge was conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam during the design phase.

20) Answer: A

Short Solution:

Shankh Air, India’s newest airline owned by Shankh Aviation Private Limited, has got approval from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to start operations.

The No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to the airline is valid for 3 years.

However, Shankh Air will also need clearance from the aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), before starting flights.

Shankh Air will be the first scheduled airline to launch from Uttar Pradesh.

Detailed Solution:

Shankh Air, India’s newest airline owned by Shankh Aviation Private Limited, has got approval from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to start operations.

The No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to the airline is valid for 3 years.

However, Shankh Air will also need clearance from the aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), before starting flights.

Shankh Air will be the first scheduled airline to launch from Uttar Pradesh.

It will set up its hub in Lucknow and Noida to facilitate connections to all major cities.

The airline will “operate both inter- and intra-state routes, especially focusing on cities with high demand and limited direct flight options.”

Shankh Aviation is spearheaded by entrepreneur and chairman Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma.

Shankh Air is set to launch its flight services with a fleet of new-generation Boeing 737-800NG narrow-body aircraft.

With more than 60% of the Indian aviation market, IndiGo is the market leader.

The second-biggest airline in the nation is called Air India.

21) Answer: C

Short Solution:

World Rabies Day is celebrated on 28th September of every year.

This year’s World Rabies Day theme is: “Breaking Rabies Boundaries”

The Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) established World Rabies Day in 2007.

This day was recognized by the World Health Organization(WHO).

Detailed Solution:

World Rabies Day is celebrated on 28th September of every year.

This year’s World Rabies Day theme is: “Breaking Rabies Boundaries”

The Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) established World Rabies Day in 2007.

This day was recognized by the World Health Organization(WHO).

They chose the date 28th September to observe World Rabies Day in order to remember the French Scientist Louis Pasteur.

In 1895, the French Scientist Louis Pasteur passed away on this day (28th September) created the vaccination for rabies

World Rabies Day is observed in order to raise awareness about the impact of rabies on animals and humans.

22) Answer: C

Short Solution:

The Union Cabinet approved India’s first mission to Venus, set to be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in March 2028.

The total budget for the Venus Orbiter Mission is ₹1,236 crore, with ₹824 crore dedicated to spacecraft development.

This will be India’s second interplanetary mission, following the successful Mars Orbiter Mission launched in 2013.

Detailed Solution:

The Union Cabinet approved India’s first mission to Venus, set to be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in March 2028.

The total budget for the Venus Orbiter Mission is ₹1,236 crore, with ₹824 crore dedicated to spacecraft development.

This will be India’s second interplanetary mission, following the successful Mars Orbiter Mission launched in 2013.

The Venus mission is meant to study the planet from an orbit around it.

The mission will carry scientific instruments from India and abroad to examine the surface and sub-surface of Venus, its atmosphere, its ionosphere, and its interaction with the Sun.

Key Features :

The spacecraft will carry approximately 100 kilograms of scientific instruments, including contributions from international collaborators.

After launch, the spacecraft will use a slingshot maneuver to reach Venus in about 140 days, entering a highly elliptical orbit of 500 km by 60,000 km around the planet.

The mission will employ aerobraking, a first for India, allowing the spacecraft to skim through Venus’s atmosphere to create drag and reduce its orbit.

The payload features a synthetic aperture radar for imaging Venus’s surface, a thermal camera for studying temperature variations, and instruments to analyze atmospheric composition, structure, and variability.

Characteristics of Venus:

Venus is similar to Earth in mass, density, and size, earning the nickname “Earth’s twin.”

However, it has extreme surface temperatures of around 462°C and much higher atmospheric pressure than Earth.

The atmosphere of Venus consists of 96.5% carbon dioxide, with clouds of sulfuric acid.

Venus rotates very slowly on its axis, taking approximately 243 Earth days for one complete rotation.

Venus missions launched by other countries : There have been several missions to Venus in the past by the United States, the erstwhile USSR, Japan, and a collaborative mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) with Japan.

Recently, several space agencies have announced Venus missions:

NASA’s DaVinci in 2029 and Veritas in 2031

ESA’s EnVision mission (planned for early 2030s)

Russia’s Venera-D mission (under development)

23) Answer: B

Short Solution:

India has achieved a significant milestone by climbing to the 39th position among 133 global economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, as announced by Union Minister Piyush Goyal.

This advancement highlights India’s leadership in the Central and Southern Asia region and its dominance among lower-middle-income economies.

Top Rankings:

1st in the Central and Southern Asia region.

1st among lower-middle-income economies.

4th in the WIPO’s Science & Technology Cluster Rankings.

Detailed Solution:

India has achieved a significant milestone by climbing to the 39th position among 133 global economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, as announced by Union Minister Piyush Goyal.

This advancement highlights India’s leadership in the Central and Southern Asia region and its dominance among lower-middle-income economies.

Key Achievements:

Top Rankings:

1st in the Central and Southern Asia region.

1st among lower-middle-income economies.

4th in the WIPO’s Science & Technology Cluster Rankings.

Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai rank in the global top 100 S&T clusters.

7th globally in intangible asset intensity.

Historical Progress:

India was ranked 81st in 2015 and has now risen to 39th, driven by a thriving innovation ecosystem powered by entrepreneurs, startups, and public-private partnerships.

Global Performance Overview:

In the Central and Southern Asia region, India (39th) continues to lead, advancing by one spot:

Iran is ranked 64th (down two places).

Kazakhstan holds the 78th position.

Uzbekistan remains at 83rd.

Fast Climbers:

Countries such as China, Turkey, Vietnam, and the Philippines have shown significant improvement over the last decade.

Global Rankings of Top Innovators:

Switzerland

Sweden

United States

United Kingdom

Singapore

Finland

Netherlands

Germany

Denmark

Republic of Korea

24) Answer: B

Short Solution:

The IMD World Talent Ranking 2024 has revealed significant insights into global talent hubs,

with Switzerland maintaining its lead in investment, development, and appeal factors.

The IMD World Talent Ranking 2024 shows the overall ranking for 67 economies.

India’s Performance:

Global Rank: 58th, down from 56th last year and 52nd in 2022, with a talent score of 40.47.

Declining Metrics:

Readiness Score: Dropped from 18 in 2022 to 25 in 2024.

Investment and Development Score: Fell from 61 in 2022 to 66 in 2024.

Urgent Need for Improvement: India must enhance its investment climate and talent development strategies to boost its competitiveness in the global talent arena.

Detailed Solution:

The IMD World Talent Ranking 2024 has revealed significant insights into global talent hubs, with Switzerland maintaining its lead in investment, development, and appeal factors.

The IMD World Talent Ranking 2024 shows the overall ranking for 67 economies.

The economies are ranked from the most to the least competitive, and the change from the Previous year’s rankings is also shown.

The ranking evaluates countries based on their ability to develop, retain, and attract highly qualified domestic and international talent.

Key Highlights:

Top Talent Hubs:

Switzerland: Excels in quality of life, health infrastructure, educational attainment, statutory minimum wage, and foreign personnel attraction.

Singapore: Climbed from 18th in 2014 to 2nd, noted for its rich talent pool, low discrimination, and strong skilled labour availability.

Luxembourg

Sweden

Denmark

Iceland

Norway

Netherlands

Hong Kong SAR: Reinforces Asia’s competitive presence.

Austria

Rankings

Europe-Middle East-Africa

Switzerland

Singapore

Luxemburg

Sweden

Denmark

Asia-Pacific

Singapore

Hongkong

Australia

Taiwan

Korea Republic

India

The Americas

Canada

USA

Porto Rico

Chile

Columbia

Investment & Development Factor 

Switzerland

Luxembourg

Norway

Iceland

Israel

Appeal Factor

Switzerland

Ireland

Netherlands

Luxembourg

Singapore

Readiness Factor 

Singapore

UAE

Switzerland

Hong Kong SAR

Denmark

US Decline:

The United States fell six spots to 21st due to rising living costs and personal income tax rates, affecting its overall appeal.

European Dominance:

European countries dominate the rankings, with Switzerland leading due to its exceptional talent competitiveness.

India’s Performance:

Global Rank: 58th, down from 56th last year and 52nd in 2022, with a talent score of 40.47.

Declining Metrics:

Readiness Score: Dropped from 18 in 2022 to 25 in 2024.

Investment and Development Score: Fell from 61 in 2022 to 66 in 2024.

Urgent Need for Improvement: India must enhance its investment climate and talent development strategies to boost its competitiveness in the global talent arena.

25) Answer: C

Short Solution:

Tata Electronics has finalised a Rs 91,000 crore ($11 billion) Definitive Agreement with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) of Taiwan, marking a significant step toward building India’s first AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat.

Detailed Solution:

Tata Electronics has finalised a Rs 91,000 crore ($11 billion) Definitive Agreement with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) of Taiwan, marking a significant step toward building India’s first AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat.

Key Points :

Investment and Job Creation:

Total investment: Rs 91,000 crore (USD 11 billion).

Expected to generate over 20,000 skilled jobs initially, with a multi-fab vision potentially creating 1,00,000 skilled jobs.

Fab’s Capacity and Technology:

The Fab will have a manufacturing capacity of up to 50,000 wafers per month.

It will employ next-gen factory automation using data analytics and machine learning for maximum efficiency.

PSMC’s Role:

PSMC will provide design, construction, and engineering support.

Transfer of licensed technologies and expertise to India, advancing India’s semiconductor self-reliance.

Strategic Importance:

The Fab will help meet chip demand for domestic and global customers.

First AI-enabled, state-of-the-art greenfield Fab in India, focusing on sustainability and quality standards.