Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 of 29th 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) Recently(Oct’24), the Finance Ministry may prolong the Interest Equalisation Scheme beyond December 31, 2024 if the Commerce Department restructures it to show that it favours Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and supports labour-intensive exports. Which year was the initial implementation?

(a) 2014

(b) 2015

(c) 2016

(d) 2017

(e) 2018

2) In which nation did Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das receive an A+ on the Central Bank
Report Cards 2024?

(a) USA

(b) Denmark

(c) China

(d) Switzerland

(e) Germany

3) Which bank was recognized by the esteemed US financial magazine Global Finance Magazine as the "Best Bank in India for 2024"?

(a) Axis bank

(b) HDFC bank

(c) Punjab National Bank

(d) State Bank of India

(e) Canara bank

4) Which nation has sought an extra loan of 10 billion yuan (about USD 1.4 billion) from China, in addition to the current 30 billion yuan (USD 4.3 billion) trading facility?

(a) Bangladesh

(b) Myanmar

(c) Nepal

(d) Srilanka

(e) Pakistan

5) The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) levied a penalty of how many lakhs on Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd, CEO Radhika Gupta, and fund manager Trideep Bhattacharya for violating mutual fund regulations?

(a) Rs.12lakh

(b) Rs.18lakh

(c) Rs.14lakh

(d) Rs.15lakh

(e) Rs.16lakh

6) In which state did Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus open the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for the C295 military aircraft, making it India's first private sector-led military aircraft production facility?

(a) Gujarat

(b) Goa

(c) Uttar Pradesh

(d) Maharashtra

(e) Kerala

7) According to official data, how much did Indian residents lose in the first quarter of 2024 due to "digital arrest" scams?

(a) Rs 120.30 crore

(b) Rs 110.30 crore

(c) Rs 100.30 crore

(d) Rs 130.30 crore

(e) Rs 150.30 crore

8) Recently (Oct’24), Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched and laid the foundation stone for a number of health sector projects valued at over Rs 12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi on the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the ____________Ayurveda Day.

(a) 7th

(b) 8th

(c) 10th

(d) 9th

(e) 11th

9) Which category of inland vessels' registration, survey, and operation rules were adopted by the Gujarat government in 2024 to guarantee the state's water sports and boating safety?

(a) A

(b) C

(c) B

(d) E

(e) D

10) Which state chief minister started a scholarship program at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University to help Sanskrit students?

(a) Gujarat

(b) Goa

(c) Uttar Pradesh

(d) Maharashtra

(e) Kerala

11) Which IIT alumni, Prabhakar Raghavan, was named Google's Chief Technologist?

(a) IIT Madras

(b) IIT Pune

(c) IIT Bombay

(d) IIT Delhi

(e) IIT Kanpur

12) Recently (Oct’24), How many officers were appointed as joint secretaries in various departments by the Center as part of a major bureaucratic reorganization?

(a) 25

(b) 27

(c) 28

(d) 29

(e) 26

13) Which nation's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, is visiting India on official business from October 28–30, 2024?

(a) Denmark

(b) Finland

(c) Spain

(d) Canada

(e) Hungary

14) How many Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard, totalling ₹387.44 crore, have been purchased by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) under a deal with Chowgule & Company Private Limited., Goa?

(a) 4

(b) 5

(c) 6

(d) 7

(e) 8

15) Suresh Narayanan, the chairman and MD of Nestle India, stressed that the FSSAI's regulatory approach has improved over the last decade. Which year was the banning of Maggi noodles due to alleged excessive lead levels a watershed moment that compelled the FSSAI to enhance its testing and industry monitoring protocols?

(a) 2014

(b) 2015

(c) 2016

(d) 2017

(e) 2018

16) How many million tonnes is the production capacity of Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group firm, expected to expand in the coming years, as stated by CEO Arun Misra?

(a) 1

(b) 2

(c) 3

(d) 4

(e) 5

17) The first half of the fiscal year 2025 (H1 FY25) saw an increase in India's dependency on imported natural gas and crude oil. Dependency on imports of crude oil rose to 88.2% from 87.6% in H1 FY24, and what percentage for FY24 as a whole?

(a) 87.8%

(b) 85.8%

(c) 86.8%

(d) 84.8%

(e) 88.8%

18) An MOU has been struck by GAIL (India) Limited and VERBIO India Private Limited to investigate the construction of Compressed Biogas (CBG) facilities in India utilizing agricultural leftovers. In which state may GAIL look at purchasing stock in VERBIO's current CBG plant?

(a) Odisha

(b) Rajasthan

(c) Haryana

(d) Punjab

(e) Tripura

19) As per the report, the India's first space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), is being experimented with by ISRO and DBT. With a target of how many billion by 2030, this partnership is a component of DBT's BioE3 strategy, which aims to stimulate biomanufacturing and support the expansion of India's bioeconomy?

(a) $100 billion

(b) $300 billion

(c) $200 billion

(d) $400 billion

(e) $500 billion

20) At which nation's Para-Badminton International 2024, Indian para-badminton players displayed outstanding achievements and take home a total of 24 medals?

(a) China

(b) Japan

(c) Hong Kong

(d) Switzerland

(e) Norway

21) Renowned physicist and Padma Shri laureate Professor Rohini Godbole died in Bengaluru at the age of 72. In Which year was the Order National du Mérite (France's National Medal of Merit) awarded?

(a) 2019

(b) 2020

(c) 2021

(d) 2022

(e) 2023

22) When was World Stroke Day 2024 observed?

(a) October 27

(b) October 28

(c) October 26

(d) October 29

(e) October 25

23) Which platform has made it possible for content producers to make money from their films by tagging items from well-known e-commerce sites like Flipkart and Myntra as part of its Shopping Affiliate Program in India?

(a) Facebook

(b) Youtube

(c) Whatsapp

(d) Telegram

(e) Instagram

24) A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the Renewable Energy Development Limited of which state and the University of South Wales (UNSW) in Australia to foster innovation and assist start-ups that concentrate on clean and renewable energy technologies?

(a) Madhya Pradesh

(b) Karnataka

(c) Jharkhand

(d) Sikkim

(e) Maharashtra

25) Which nation along with India have inked a number of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen collaboration in a number of areas, such as technology, innovation, and green hydrogen?

(a) Germany

(b) Switzerland

(c) Canada

(d) Denmark

(e) Australia

Answers :

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Finance Ministry may extend the Interest Equalisation Scheme beyond December 31, 2024 if the Commerce Department revamps it to demonstrate that it benefits Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and promotes exports of labour-intensive items.

Initially implemented in April 2015 for five years, it has been extended several times post-2020, recently in August 2024 and September 2024 for MSME manufacturer exporters.

Detailed Explanation:

The Finance Ministry may extend the Interest Equalisation Scheme beyond December 31, 2024 if the Commerce Department revamps it to demonstrate that it benefits Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and promotes exports of labour-intensive items.

Initially implemented in April 2015 for five years, it has been extended several times post-2020, recently in August 2024 and September 2024 for MSME manufacturer exporters.

Objective of the Scheme:Aimed to promote exports by providing bank credit to exporters of 410 identified items and all MSMEs at subsidised interest rates.

Banks are reimbursed by the government for the reduced interest income.

Commerce Department's Role:The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is tasked with revamping the scheme to make it more convincing for the Finance Ministry by ensuring it effectively reaches MSMEs and supports labour-intensive exports.

Fiscal Cap for MSMEs:Each MSME is capped at receiving fiscal benefits up to ₹50 lakh for 2024-25, applicable until December 2024.

2) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das received an A+ grade in the Central Bank Report Cards 2024 for the second consecutive year.

Denmark's Christian Kettel Thomsen, and Switzerland's Thomas Jordan have also been ranked under the 'A+' category of central bankers.

The award was presented by Global Finance in Washington, D.C.

Detailed Explanation:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das received an A+ grade in the Central Bank Report Cards 2024 for the second consecutive year.

Denmark's Christian Kettel Thomsen, and Switzerland's Thomas Jordan have also been ranked under the 'A+' category of central bankers.

The award was presented by Global Finance in Washington, D.C.

Grades were assigned on an “A+” to “F” scale, evaluating success in key areas like inflation control, economic growth targets, currency stability, and interest rate management.

An “A” reflects outstanding performance, while an “F” indicates a clear failure.

Global Finance Report: Since 1994, Global Finance has published annual Central Bank Report Cards, grading governors from nearly 100 countries, regions, and territories, including the EU, Caribbean, and African regions.

Governor Das’s Contributions:Managed economic challenges during the pandemic and the European conflict.

Strengthened the banking sector's resilience, profitability, and capital health.

Foreign Exchange Reserves: Under Governor Das, India's foreign exchange reserves have increased by $311 billion. As of October 11, 2024, reserves saw a $68 billion rise in 2024, positioning India as the second-largest reserve holder globally after China.

Reserve Coverage: The reserves can cover 11.8 months of imports and exceed 101% of India’s total external debt as of June 2024.

3) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The State Bank of India (SBI) was named the "Best Bank in India for 2024" by Global Finance Magazine, a prestigious US-based financial publication.

The award was presented at the 31st Annual Best Bank Awards event, which took place alongside the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington, D.C.

Detailed Explanation:

The State Bank of India (SBI) was named the "Best Bank in India for 2024" by Global Finance Magazine, a prestigious US-based financial publication.

The award was presented at the 31st Annual Best Bank Awards event, which took place alongside the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington, D.C.

SBI Chairman CS Setty accepted the award, which acknowledges SBI’s commitment to delivering quality services and supporting financial inclusion across India.

These awards are recognized globally as a benchmark for evaluating top financial institutions and serve as a reference for corporate decision-makers, especially during economic challenges.

SBI was awarded based on its efforts to build customer trust and promote financial inclusion, aligning with the bank’s mission of providing essential financial services across the nation.

4) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Pakistan has requested an additional loan of 10 billion yuan (approximately USD 1.4 billion) from China, on top of the existing 30 billion yuan (USD 4.3 billion) trade facility.

Pakistan has fully utilized the existing 30 billion yuan facility to repay its debts.

Detailed Explanation:

Pakistan has requested an additional loan of 10 billion yuan (approximately USD 1.4 billion) from China, on top of the existing 30 billion yuan (USD 4.3 billion) trade facility.

Pakistan has fully utilized the existing 30 billion yuan facility to repay its debts.

Currency Swap Agreement: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with China's Vice Minister of Finance, Liao Min, during the IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington, seeking to increase the limits of the currency swap agreement to 40 billion yuan.

Potential Increase: If approved, the total facility would amount to approximately USD 5.7 billion.

Past Requests: This is not the first time Pakistan has sought an increase in its debt limit from China; previous requests have been declined.

Extension of Facility: This request comes shortly after China extended the existing USD 4.3 billion facility for another three years.

5) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) imposed a penalty of ₹16 lakh on Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd, CEO Radhika Gupta, and fund manager Trideep Bhattacharya for mutual fund regulation violations.

Detailed Explanation:

Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) imposed a penalty of ₹16 lakh on Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd, CEO Radhika Gupta, and fund manager Trideep Bhattacharya for mutual fund regulation violations.

Penalty Breakdown: The penalty was divided as follows:

₹8 lakh on Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd.

₹4 lakh each on CEO Radhika Gupta and fund manager Trideep Bhattacharya.

Payment Deadline: The entities have been instructed to pay the penalty within 45 days.

Violation Details: The Edelweiss Focused Equity Fund (EFEF) breached the mutual fund rule of maintaining a maximum of 30 stocks for an open-ended equity scheme on 88 occasions.

Period of Violation: The violations occurred across four months—November 2022, December 2022, January 2023, and February 2023.

6) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for C295 military aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking India's first private sector-led military aircraft manufacturing facility.

The facility will manufacture 40 of the 56 C295 aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF), while the remaining 16 will be imported from Spain.

The first "Make in India" C295 aircraft is expected to roll out by September 2026, with the final deliveries by August 2031.

Detailed Explanation:

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for C295 military aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking India's first private sector-led military aircraft manufacturing facility.

The facility will manufacture 40 of the 56 C295 aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF), while the remaining 16 will be imported from Spain.

The first "Make in India" C295 aircraft is expected to roll out by September 2026, with the final deliveries by August 2031.

TASL has engaged 37 Indian suppliers and certified 21 special processes to produce 13,000 parts locally, boosting employment and technical skills in the region.

Vadodara's industrial base, including MSMEs, makes it a strategic hub for India's aerospace ambitions, which align with India's defence and civil aviation growth.

Modi emphasized India's shift from being import-dependent to an emerging defence manufacturing hub, with exports growing 30 times in the last decade.

7) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

In the first quarter of 2024, Indian citizens lostRs 120.30 crore to “digital arrest” frauds, according to government data.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) revealed that many scams originate from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.

A staggering 46% of reported frauds, amounting to Rs 1,776 crore in losses, originated from these countries between January and April 2023.

Detailed Explanation:

In the first quarter of 2024, Indian citizens lostRs 120.30 crore to “digital arrest” frauds, according to government data.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) revealed that many scams originate from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.

A staggering 46% of reported frauds, amounting to Rs 1,776 crore in losses, originated from these countries between January and April 2023.

From January 1 to April 30, 2023, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) logged 7.4 lakh complaints, contributing to 15.56 lakh complaints recorded throughout the year.

This represents a sharp increase compared to the 9.66 lakh complaints filed in 2022, indicating a growing threat.

I4C CEO Rajesh Kumar identified four major types of scams:

Digital arrest scams

Trading scams (Rs 1,420.48 crore in losses)

Investment scams (Rs 222.58 crore in losses)

Romance/dating scams (Rs 13.23 crore in losses)

8) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various health sector projects worth approximately Rs 12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi.

A significant initiative under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) will expand health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, providing health benefits regardless of income.

Detailed Explanation:

On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various health sector projects worth approximately Rs 12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi.

A significant initiative under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) will expand health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, providing health benefits regardless of income.

PM Modi will inaugurate Phase II of India’s first All India Institute of Ayurveda, featuring:

A Panchakarma hospital

An Ayurvedic pharmacy

A sports medicine unit

A central library

An IT and start-ups incubation centre

A 500-seat auditorium

Three new medical colleges will be inaugurated in Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh.

9) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Gujarat government approved the Gujarat Inland Vessel (Registration, Survey, Operation of Category ‘C’ Inland Vessels) Rules 2024 to ensure safe boating and water sports activities in the state.

Scope of Rules: Applicable to Category ‘C’ inland vessels less than 10 meters in length; individuals who wish to register these vessels must apply through the respective district magistrates.

Detailed Explanation:

The Gujarat government approved the Gujarat Inland Vessel (Registration, Survey, Operation of Category ‘C’ Inland Vessels) Rules 2024 to ensure safe boating and water sports activities in the state.

Scope of Rules: Applicable to Category ‘C’ inland vessels less than 10 meters in length; individuals who wish to register these vessels must apply through the respective district magistrates.

Harni Lake Incident: These rules were implemented following the Harni Lake boat accident in Vadodara, where 14 people, including 12 children, died in January 2024 due to a boat capsizing.

Gujarat Inland Vessels Act, 2021: The rules align with the Gujarat Inland Vessels Act of 2021; the draft was prepared in June, with public feedback incorporated before finalization under the guidance of the Chief Minister.

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath launched a scholarship scheme at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, aimed at supporting Sanskrit students across UP.

A total of ₹586 lakh (₹5.86 crore) will be distributed among 69,195 students pursuing Sanskrit studies.

Detailed Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath launched a scholarship scheme at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, aimed at supporting Sanskrit students across UP.

A total of ₹586 lakh (₹5.86 crore) will be distributed among 69,195 students pursuing Sanskrit studies.

The government plans to revive residential Gurukul-style Sanskrit schools throughout the state, emphasising traditional education.

Significance of Sanskrit: Yogi Adityanath highlighted the importance of Sanskrit, stating it is not only a divine language but also has scientific applications in modern fields like computer science and artificial intelligence.

Inclusivity of the Scheme: The new scholarship initiative expands eligibility to all qualifying students, as opposed to the previous system, which only allowed 300 students with age restrictions.

Direct Fund Transfer: Students have been instructed to open bank accounts for the direct and secure transfer of scholarship funds.

Support for Gurukul Institutions: Additional support will be provided to Gurukul institutions, especially those offering free accommodations and meals. These institutions will have the autonomy to recruit qualified teachers (Acharyas).

11) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Prabhakar Raghavan, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras), has been appointed as Google’s Chief Technologist.

He was previously the Senior Vice President at Google, overseeing various products, including Google Search, Assistant, Geo, Ads, Commerce, and Payments.

Detailed Explanation:

Prabhakar Raghavan, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras), has been appointed as Google’s Chief Technologist.

He was previously the Senior Vice President at Google, overseeing various products, including Google Search, Assistant, Geo, Ads, Commerce, and Payments.

His appointment represents a significant shift in Google’s leadership amidst ongoing core business restructuring.

Raghavan joined Google in 2012 and has held various key roles within the company.

Nick Fox will succeed Raghavan in his previous role, managing Google Search, Assistant, and related products.

12) Answer: D

The Centre appointed 29 officers as joint secretaries in different departments as part of a significant bureaucratic reshuffle.

Officers from various central services, including the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE), Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) and Indian Revenue Service (IRS) among others have been appointed to these key joint secretary (JS)-level posts, as per an order issued by the Personnel Ministry.

Officer's Name	Service/Cadre	Designation	Department/Ministry
Ministry of Home Affairs
Praveen Kumar Rai	IDAS	Joint Secretary	Ministry of Home Affairs
Rakesh Kumar Pandey	IDAS	Joint Secretary	Ministry of Home Affairs
Rajesh Gupta	IRSEE	Joint Secretary	Ministry of Home Affairs
Raj Kumar	IA&AS	Director (Finance)	Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Ministry of Home Affairs
Economic and Cooperative Sectors
Deepak Agarwal	IAS (Uttar Pradesh Cadre)	Managing Director (JS level)	National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED)
Premjit Lal	-	Executive Director	India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO)
Administrative and Personnel Management
Chauhan Sarita Chand	IAS	Joint Secretary	Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances
P Bala Kiran	IAS	Joint Secretary	Department of Personnel & Training
Social Welfare and Women Empowerment
Bhavna Saxena	IPS (Andhra Pradesh Cadre)	CEO	Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), Ministry of Women & Child Development
Petroleum, Commerce, and Corporate Affairs
Anjan Kumar Mishra	IOFS	Secretary	Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Kesang Yangzom Sherpa	IRS (Income Tax Cadre)	Joint Secretary	Department of Commerce
Balamurugan D	-	Joint Secretary	Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Environment and Agriculture
Rajat Agarwal	-	Joint Secretary	Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
Ved Prakash Mishra	-	Joint Secretary	Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
Rama Shankar Sinha	-	Joint Secretary	Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Development of North Eastern Region
Niraj Kumar	Central Secretariat Service (CSS)	Joint Secretary	Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER)

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is on an official visit to India from October 28-30, 2024.

This is the first visit by a Spanish PM to India in 18 years.

Detailed Explanation:

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is on an official visit to India from October 28-30, 2024.

This is the first visit by a Spanish PM to India in 18 years.

Inauguration of C295 Aircraft Facility: The leaders will inaugurate India’s first private military transport aircraft production facility, the Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the C295 aircraft, in Vadodara, Gujarat.

This project is part of the 'Make in India' initiative in aerospace and is a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Defence and Space (Airbus DS).

C295 Aircraft for Indian Air Force (IAF): India has a USD 2.5 billion contract with Airbus for 56 C295 medium-lift tactical transport aircraft to replace the IAF’s aging Avro fleet.

Project Timeline: The first India-made C295 aircraft is scheduled to roll out in 2026, with all 56 aircraft expected to be delivered to the IAF by 2031.

Industrial Ecosystem: This project involves a comprehensive industrial ecosystem for aircraft manufacturing, from production to maintenance, with contributions from public and private sector units like Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bharat Dynamics Ltd, and MSMEs.

14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Chowgule & Company Private. Limited., Goa, for the procurement of six Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of ₹387.44 crore.

The ACVs, commonly known as 'Hovercrafts,' are amphibious vessels capable of operating on various surfaces, including land and water.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Chowgule & Company Private. Limited., Goa, for the procurement of six Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of ₹387.44 crore.

The ACVs, commonly known as 'Hovercrafts,' are amphibious vessels capable of operating on various surfaces, including land and water.

Indigenous Manufacturing: This procurement will mark the first time that these ACVs are indigenously manufactured in India, aligning with the Government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

Impact on Local Industry: The project aims to enhance technical expertise and foster growth in the indigenous ancillary sector, particularly benefiting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

15) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and MD of Nestle India, highlighted a positive shift in FSSAI’s regulatory approach over the last decade.

FSSAI has become more responsive, transparent, and industry-focused since its initial formation in 2008.

The 2015 Maggi noodles ban due to alleged high lead content marked a pivotal moment, pushing FSSAI to strengthen its industry oversight and testing protocols.

Detailed Explanation:

Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and MD of Nestle India, highlighted a positive shift in FSSAI’s regulatory approach over the last decade.

FSSAI has become more responsive, transparent, and industry-focused since its initial formation in 2008.

The 2015 Maggi noodles ban due to alleged high lead content marked a pivotal moment, pushing FSSAI to strengthen its industry oversight and testing protocols.

This crisis brought nationwide attention to FSSAI, significantly enhancing its credibility and prompting structural improvements.

Following the Maggi issue, FSSAI established the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited labs, ensuring more reliable testing and quality control across the food industry.

Narayanan described Nestle’s partnership with FSSAI as “cordial and respectful”, especially during recent challenges, like the nationwide testing of Cerelac due to sugar content concerns.

Earlier this year, the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) dismissed two claims from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs seeking ₹640 crore in damages from Nestle over the Maggi controversy, marking an official end to the dispute.

16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, aims to double its production capacity to 2 million tonnes over the next few years, according to CEO Arun Misra.

The company has engaged consultants and is seeking mining partners to achieve this goal.

Detailed Explanation:

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, aims to double its production capacity to 2 million tonnes over the next few years, according to CEO Arun Misra.

The company has engaged consultants and is seeking mining partners to achieve this goal.

Production targets are set at 1.2 million tonnes by 2025, 1.35 million tonnes by 2026, and 1.8 million tonnes by 2027, with a final goal of reaching 2 million tonnes.

The planned expansion will require an investment of around $2 billion (approximately ₹14,000 crore to ₹17,000 crore).

Misra highlighted that since most of the mining infrastructure is already in place, the additional investment will focus on ramping up production.

Hindustan Zinc is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer.

17) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

India's reliance on imported crude oil and natural gas continued to rise in the first half of the financial year 2025 (H1 FY25).

Crude oil import dependency increased to 88.2%, up from 87.6% in H1 FY24 and 87.8% for the entire FY24.

Natural gas import dependency rose to 51.5% in H1 FY25, compared to 46.8% a year ago and 47.1% for the full FY24, per data from the Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC).

Detailed Explanation:

India's reliance on imported crude oil and natural gas continued to rise in the first half of the financial year 2025 (H1 FY25).

Crude oil import dependency increased to 88.2%, up from 87.6% in H1 FY24 and 87.8% for the entire FY24.

Natural gas import dependency rose to 51.5% in H1 FY25, compared to 46.8% a year ago and 47.1% for the full FY24, per data from the Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC).

India's rising energy demand has driven increased oil and gas imports, making the economy vulnerable to global oil price volatility.

High dependency on imported crude oil affects the country's trade deficit, foreign exchange reserves, rupee’s exchange rate, and inflation.

Domestic oil output has not kept pace with growing demand, resulting in an increased need for imports.

Domestic crude oil production in H1 FY25 slightly declined to 14.4 million tonnes, while crude oil imports rose to 120.5 million tonnes from 115.9 million tonnes in H1 FY24.

Gross oil import bill in H1 FY25 surged 12% year-on-year to $71.3 billion.

18) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

GAIL (India) Limited and VERBIO India Private Limited have signed an MoU to explore the development of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants using agricultural residue in India.

Potential GAIL Equity Acquisition: GAIL may explore acquiring equity in VERBIO’s existing CBG plant in Punjab.

Detailed Explanation:

GAIL (India) Limited and VERBIO India Private Limited have signed an MoU to explore the development of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants using agricultural residue in India.

Goal: To combine expertise from both companies to promote sustainable energy solutions and efficiently use agricultural waste.

The collaboration will focus on identifying appropriate locations for setting up greenfield Agri Residue-based CBG plants in a Joint Venture (JV) mode.

Feasibility studies will assess identified projects, and investment approvals will be sought based on these studies.

Potential GAIL Equity Acquisition: GAIL may explore acquiring equity in VERBIO’s existing CBG plant in Punjab.

19) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have signed an agreement to develop and conduct biological and environmental experiments for the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), expected to be operational by 2028-2035.

This collaboration is part of DBT’s BioE3 policy to promote bio-manufacturing and help grow India’s bio-economy, with a target of $300 billion by 2030.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have signed an agreement to develop and conduct biological and environmental experiments for the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), expected to be operational by 2028-2035.

Experiments include studying weightlessness effects on muscles, algae for nutrition and jet fuel production, and radiation’s impact on astronaut health.

These studies aim to advance space-based bio-manufacturing, regenerative medicine, and waste management technologies.

Gaganyaan Mission Priority: Before BAS, Gaganyaan, India’s first crewed space mission, is targeted for 2025-2026.

BAS as a Future Facility: BAS will support microgravity-based research, benefiting materials science, biology, and medicine.

This collaboration is part of DBT’s BioE3 policy to promote bio-manufacturing and help grow India’s bio-economy, with a target of $300 billion by 2030.

20) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Indian para-badminton players showcased remarkable performances at the Japan Para-Badminton International 2024, winning a total of 24 medals.

Medal Tally

6 Gold

9 Silver

9 Bronze

Detailed Explanation:

Indian para-badminton players showcased remarkable performances at the Japan Para-Badminton International 2024, winning a total of 24 medals.

Medal Tally

6 Gold

9 Silver

9 Bronze

Sivarajan Solaimalai

Won gold in men's singles (SH6).

Teamed up with Sudarsan Saravanakumar Muthusamy to clinch gold in men's doubles.

Sukant Kadam

Secured gold in men's singles (SL4), defeating compatriot Tarun.

Won silver in men's doubles (SL3-SL4) with Dinesh Rajaiah.

Nitesh Kumar

The reigning Paralympic champion earned silver in the men's singles (SL3) after a close match against Japan's Daisuke Fujihara.

Manisha Ramdass

Achieved gold in the women’s singles (SU5), defeating Japan's Mamiko Toyoda.

Hardik Makkar & Ruthick Ragupati

Won gold in men’s doubles (SU5).

Hardik and Ruthick also earned silver and bronze in men's singles (SU5).

21) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Professor Rohini Godbole, a well-known physicist and Padma Shri recipient, passed away in Bengaluru at the age of 72.

Godbole Born in 1952 in Pune, Maharashtra.

Awards and Honors:Padma Shri recipient (2019). (For her contribution to the field of science)

Awarded France's National Medal of Merit (Ordre national du Mérite) in 2021.

Detailed Explanation:

Professor Rohini Godbole, a well-known physicist and Padma Shri recipient, passed away in Bengaluru at the age of 72.

Godbole Born in 1952 in Pune, Maharashtra.

She joined the IISc in 1995 and retired as professor in 2018.

Professional Career:Joined Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in 1995, retired as a professor in 2018.

She Continued research at the Centre for High Energy Physics (CHEP), IISc.

Served as a visiting professor at international institutes, including CERN’s theory department.

Contributions to Particle Physics:Pioneer in particle physics in India, with a focus on collider physics, especially top and Higgs physics.

Awards and Honors:Padma Shri recipient (2019). (For her contribution to the field of science)

Awarded France's National Medal of Merit (Ordre national du Mérite) in 2021.

22) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

World Stroke Day 2024 is observed on the 29th of October 2024.

The theme for World Stroke Day 2024 is “#GreaterThanStroke Active Challenge.” The theme has been designated by the World Stroke Organization (WSO).

A stroke also called a brain attack means the blood supply to the brain will be stopped suddenly due to blockage in the blood vessels.

Detailed Explanation:

World Stroke Day 2024 is observed on the 29th of October 2024.

The theme for World Stroke Day 2024 is “#GreaterThanStroke Active Challenge.” The theme has been designated by the World Stroke Organization (WSO).

A stroke also called a brain attack means the blood supply to the brain will be stopped suddenly due to blockage in the blood vessels.

It can be a sudden block or burst of a blood vessel. Mostly blockage of blood vessels will take place due to several reasons over a certain period.

In the 1990s, the European Stroke Initiative came up with the idea of holding a day of awareness.

However, due to financial limitations, the project could only be carried out in Europe.

The European Stroke Organization, which spearheaded the initiative, observes its awareness day on May 10.

23) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

YouTube has launched its Shopping Affiliate Programme in India, allowing content creators to monetize their videos by tagging products from major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Myntra.

This initiative is aimed at diversifying creators' revenue streams and enhancing the shopping experience for viewers.

Detailed Explanation:

YouTube has launched its Shopping Affiliate Programme in India, allowing content creators to monetize their videos by tagging products from major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Myntra.

This initiative is aimed at diversifying creators' revenue streams and enhancing the shopping experience for viewers.

Creators can now tag products in their videos, and they will earn revenue when viewers purchase these products through the associated retailers’ websites.

The programme complements the existing YouTube Shopping feature, which allows creators to promote and sell their merchandise by linking their stores directly to their YouTube channels.

The affiliate programme builds on YouTube’s monetization tools such as Ads revenue, YouTube Premium, Channel Memberships, and Super Chat features.

24) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of South Wales (UNSW) in Australia to promote innovation and support start-ups focusing on clean and renewable energy technologies.

The MoU is effective immediately upon signing and will last for five years, with provisions for extension or termination by either party.

Detailed Explanation:

Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of South Wales (UNSW) in Australia to promote innovation and support start-ups focusing on clean and renewable energy technologies.

This partnership aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy and enhance collaboration between Karnataka and Australian institutions.

To build capacity and support emerging technology start-ups in the clean energy sector.

To foster innovation and incubation for renewable energy technologies.

The MoU is effective immediately upon signing and will last for five years, with provisions for extension or termination by either party.

The Australia-India Business Council (AIBC) played a crucial role in facilitating the MoU, reinforcing the importance of strengthening bilateral trade and investment between India and Australia.

25) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

India and Germany have signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including green hydrogen, innovation, and technology.

According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, bilateral trade between India and Germany reached $33 billion in 2023, with cumulative German investments in India totalling nearly $15 billion.

Detailed Explanation:

India and Germany have signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including green hydrogen, innovation, and technology.

Both nations reiterated their commitment to the Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap, emphasizing sustainable energy collaboration.

An agreement was reached on the exchange and mutual protection of classified information to strengthen security cooperation.

A MoU was signed to promote cooperation in skill development and vocational education and training, focusing on workforce enhancement.

Three joint declarations were exchanged in the following areas:

Employment and labor

Research and development on advanced materials

Green urban mobility partnerships

According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, bilateral trade between India and Germany reached $33 billion in 2023, with cumulative German investments in India totalling nearly $15 billion.