July CA AFC Flashcards
Name the portal for rural land records that was launched by the Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), and Department of Space (DoS) in June 2024.
1) NaViGate Bharat
2) Diksha
3) Bhuvan Panchayat
4) eNAM
5) Bhavishya
Answer-3) Bhuvan Panchayat
Explanation:
Union Minister of State(MoS – Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology(MoST); Ministry of Earth Sciences & Department of Space(DOS), launched two advanced Geoportals – ‘Bhuvan Panchayat (Version 4.0)‘ for rural land records and ‘National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Version 5.0)’ for disaster management.
· The Geoportals were developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
· These geospatial tools, meant for visualisation and planning, will provide high-resolution satellite imagery at a 1:10,000 scale for different locations across India.
Which ministry has recently (in June ‘24) launched the ‘Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao’ (SABB) initiative for clean and healthy cities through the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0)?
1) Ministry of Tourism
2) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
3) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
4) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
5) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Answer-4) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Explanation:
i.The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), through Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0(SBM-U 2.0), introduces the ‘Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao’ (SABB) initiative for clean and healthy cities
· Campaign Period: 1st July to 31st August 2024.
· Preparatory phase: 14th June to 30th June 2024.ii.SABB initiative calls for all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to adopt comprehensive interventions that focus on swachhata, advocacy, and inter-departmental convergence.
iii.It also envisages rapid assessments to identify high-risk areas, adoption of Protect Prevent Treat Strategy (PPTS) and coordination & monitoring.
Which of the following Ministry is ‘not’ a part of the Unified Legal and Policy Framework for One Health initiative ?
1) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW)
2) NITI Aayog
3) Ministry of Law and Justice ( MoL&J)
4) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
5) Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH)
Answer-5) Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH)
Explanation:
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), NITI Aayog, Ministry of Law and Justice ( MoL&J), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD) joined hands to initiate Unified Legal and Policy Framework for One Health.
· The Centre for One Health, National Centre for Disease Control, and Directorate General of Health Services organised a two-day National Consultation on Legal Environment Assessment for ‘One Health’ initiative held from 27-28th June 2024 at New Delhi, Delhi.
· The consultation is being organised to generate ideas on the legal and policy views on the core domains of One Health, i.e., IHR, Biosafety and Security, Zoonoses, Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), food-borne illness, and Climate Change and Health, among others.
· ‘One Health’ is a multi-sector and multi-stakeholder initiative, collective and coordinated activity required for its success on the ground level.
In June 2024, the smallest Asian elephant subspecies ‘Bornean elephant(Elephas maximus borneensis)’has been assessed as _________ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
1) Vulnerable
2) Near Threatened
3) Endangered
4) Globally Threatened
5) Critically Endangered
Answer-3) Endangered
Explanation:
The Bornean elephant(Elephas maximus borneensis), the smallest Asian elephant subspecies has been assessed as ‘Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, due to threats from human activities.
· The Bornean elephants has been assessed on the IUCN Red List for the 1st time as a distinct subspecies of Asian elephants.
· The assessment confirms that there are approximately 1,000 Bornean elephants left in the wild, with about 400 being breeding adults.
· Bornean elephants are distinguished by their small size, with males growing to some 2.5 meters (m) in height compared to 3 m on the mainland.
· Borneo has the distinction of being the only island in the world that is shared by 3 countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
In June 2024, the World Bank (WB) approved_________ for ‘Second Low-Carbon Energy Programmatic Development Policy Operation’ to accelerate the development of low-carbon energy in India.
1) USD 2.6 billion
2) USD 1.5 billion
3) USD 9.8 billion
4) USD 3.5 billion
5) USD 6.2 billion
Answer- 2) USD 1.5 billion
Explanation:
On June 29, 2024, The World Bank (WB) approved USD 1.5 billion for the ‘Second Low-Carbon Energy Programmatic Development Policy Operation’ to help India accelerate the development of low-carbon energy.
It is the second in a series of two similar-sized operations, which mainly focuses on enhancing market capabilities for green hydrogen, scaling up renewable energy capacity, and stimulating investments in low-carbon energy sectors.
It will support reforms aimed at increasing green hydrogen production, including the development of electrolyzers which are essential for hydrogen production.
It also intends to incentivize battery energy storage systems and enhance the integration of renewable energy into India’s electricity grid through amendments to the Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC).
In June 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) raised the threshold of the Basic Service Demat Account (BSDA) from the existing limit of Rs 2 lakh to ________.
1) Rs 5 lakh
2) Rs 8 lakh
3) Rs 3 lakh
4) Rs 6 lakh
5) Rs 10 lakh
Answer-5) Rs 10 lakh
Explanation:
On 28th June 2028, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has raised the threshold of Basic Service Demat Account (BSDA) from existing limit of Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. It aims to encourage small investors to participate in the stock market and promote their financial access.
· As per the SEBI circular, the updated regulations will come into effect from 1st September, 2024.
· As per new regulations, in order to be eligible for BSDA, an individual is required to have only one demat account where the person is the sole or 1st holder across all depositories and the value of securities in the account should not exceed Rs 10 lakh for both debt and non-debt securities at any time.
· As per SEBI circular, the annual maintenance charges for a BSDA will be nil for portfolio up to Rs 4 lakh and for portfolio up to Rs 10 lakh, the annual charges will be Rs 100.
In June 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has revised the eligibility criteria for entry and exit of stocks in the __________ segment of exchanges.
1) Equities
2) Derivatives
3) Currencies
4) Commodities
5) Assets
Answer-2) Derivatives
Explanation:
On 28th June 2024, the board of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has revised the eligibility criteria for entry and exit of stocks in the derivatives segment of exchanges.
· As per new rules, the eligibility criteria for exit will be applicable to only those stocks that have been in the derivative segment for minimum 6 months.
· Whereas, the exit criteria for existing stocks in the derivatives segment will be based on their performance and will be applicable 3 months after the date of issuance of circular.
The SEBI has also introduced Product Success Framework (PSF) in single stock Futures & Options(F&O) segment. The new framework will become applicable after 6 months from the date of issuance of the circular.
Which bank has recently (in June ‘24) signed an agreement to provide financial support of over Rs 850 crore for urban infrastructure projects in Mumbai with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority(MMRDA)?
1) Asian Development Bank
2) World Bank
3) KfW Bank
4) Japan International Cooperation Agency
5) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Answer-3) KfW Bank
Explanation:
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has signed an agreement with Frankfurt-based-German state-owned development bank KfW(formerly known as KfW Bankengruppe) to provide financial support of over Rs 850 crore for urban infrastructure projects in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
· As per the agreement, MMRDA will also raise around Rs 365 crore through its own resources as its equity contribution for these sustainable projects.
· The funds provided by KfW and MMRDA through their resources will mainly be allocated towards various sustainable development projects within and around the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in Maharashtra.
Who was recently (in June ‘24) elected as the new President of the European Council?
1) Klaus Schwab
2) Dr.Emmanuelle Soubeyran
3) Ursula von der Leyen
4) Antonio Costa
5) Kaja Kallas
Answer-4) Antonio Costa
Explanation:
António Costa, the Portuguese politician who served as the Prime Minister(PM) of Portugal from 2015 to 2024, was elected as the New President of the European Council.
· He will take office in December 2024 succeeding Charles Michel of Belgium, who has been holding the post since 2019.
· Antonio Costa is Nicknamed “Gandhi of Lisbon” for his frugal lifestyle and his Indian roots. He received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman from then President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. He also holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
i.Ursula von der Leyen of Germany was nominated for a second 5-year term as President of the European Commission, the executive body of EU.
ii.Kaja Kallas, the first woman PM of Estonia, has been chosen as the candidate for High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Name the helicopter that was recently (in June ‘24) de-inducted by the Indian Navy after its 17 years of service.
1) Apache
2) Mi-17 V5
3) Chetak
4) MH 60R Seahawk
5) UH-3H
Answer-5) UH-3H
Explanation:
On 28th June 2024, The Indian Navy bid farewell to the UH-3H helicopter after 17 years of service. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Chief of Staff (COS), Eastern Naval Command (ENC) presided the de-induction ceremony held at INS Dega, the naval air station, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh(AP)
· The UH-3H helicopter will be replaced by the Sea King 42C helicopter in the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 350, to continue and deliver operational power and capability.
· The UH-3H was brought to India in 2007 along with the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Jalashwa and inducted into INAS 350 christened “Saaras” on 24 March 2009.
Name the portal that has been recently (in June ‘24) launched by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to provide real-time data to planners, policy-makers, researchers and the general public.
1) SWATI
2) DigiReady Certification
3) eSankhyiki
4) BhashaNet
5) SARTHI
Answer-3) eSankhyiki
Explanation:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has launched the eSankhyiki portal (https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in/), an online platform which will offer real-time data to planners, policy-makers, researchers and the general public.
It aims to establish a comprehensive data management and sharing system which will easily disseminate the official statistics in India.
The portal was launched by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman, 16th Finance Commission of India on occasion of National Statistics Day (on 29th June, 2024) at an event held in New Delhi, Delhi.
Theme of Statistics Day 2024:** ‘Use of data for Decision making’.**
SWATI - Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI);
Launched by : The Portal is a complete interactive database; and the first-of-its-kind in India which is developed, hosted and maintained by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi.
BhashaNet : The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) unveiled the BhashaNet portal. The portal is designed to establish a multilingual internet environment, where website names and email addresses can be accessed in local languages.
According to the new Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (9th Amendment) Regulations, 2024 by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), how long is the waiting period required after a SIM swap or replacement for a mobile number to become eligible for porting?
1) 20 Days
2) 7 Days
3) 10 Days
4) 15 Days
5) 5 Days
Answer-2) 7 Days
Explanation:
On 28th June 2024, The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications (MoC), Government of India (GoI), has announced that Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (9thAmendment) Regulations, 2024 issued on 14th March, 2024, will come into force from 1st July, 2024.
These new regulations aimed to curb the porting of mobile numbers by way of fraudulent Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) swap or replacement by unscrupulous elements.
TRAI has amended the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulations, 2009 in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 36, read with sub-clauses (i), (iii), and (v) of clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 11, of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
The new regulations has introduced an additional criterion for rejecting the request for allocation of a Unique Porting Code (UPC), the 1st step to changing service providers using Mobile Number Portability (MNP).
It further mandates that the UPC should not be allocated if the request for UPC has been made before the expiry of 7 days (earlier, it was 10 days) from the date of SIM swap or replacement of the mobile number.
Which ministry has recently (in June ’24) constituted a 26-member Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics (ACNAS) chaired by Biswanath Goldar to revise the base year for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data?
1) Ministry of Finance (MoF)
2) Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA)
3) Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
4) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
5) Ministry of Law and Justice(MoL&J)
Answer-4) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
Explanation:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has constituted 26-member Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics (ACNAS) to revise the base year for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data.
The new committee will be headed by Biswanath Goldar, former Professor of Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), as chairman.
ACNAS has been tasked to review the existing databases and advise on inclusion of new data sources for enhancing the estimates of national accounts.
The committee will have tenure of 5 years or until the completion of the next base year revision, whichever is later.
What was the remittance value received by India in 2023 according to the World Bank’s “Migration and Development Brief” released in June 2024?
1) USD 120 billion
2) USD 100 billion
3) USD 31.73 billion
4) USD 111 billion
5) USD 152 billion
Answer-1) USD 120 billion
Explanation:
On June 26, 2024, the World Bank (WB) released a report titled ‘Migration and Development Brief 40 June 2024: Remittances Slowed in 2023,Expected to Grow Faster in 2024‘. As per it, India received USD 120 billion in remittances in 2023, a 7.5% increase.
The reason behind this increase is lower inflation and strong labor markets in the United States of America (USA) and Europe.
Remittances to India are forecasted to grow 3.7% to USD 124 billion in 2024 and 4% to USD 129 billion in 2025.
Remittances from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accounted for 18% of India’s remittances, the second-largest source of India’s remittances after the US
Who has been recently (in June ‘24) appointed as the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)?
1) Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar
2) Gurcharan Singh
3) Vivek Kumar Gupta
4) Ravi Agrawal
5) Nitin Gupta
Answer-4) Ravi Agrawal
Explanation:
Ravi Agrawal has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the administrative body for the Income Tax Department. He is a 1988-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer.
He succeeded Nitin Gupta, whose extended tenure ended on June 30, 2024.
Gupta was appointed as the chairman of CBDT in June 2022 and he was scheduled to retire in September 2023, but he was given a nine-month extension till June 2024.
The CBDT, headed by a chairman and can have six members of special secretary rank.
Who recently (in June ‘24) took charge as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army (IA)?
1) Manoj Pande
2) Upendra Dwivedi
3) Aeratu S. Rajeev
4) Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
5) Raja Subramani
Answer-2) Upendra Dwivedi
Explanation:
On June 30 2024, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, the former Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) took charge as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army (IA).
He succeeded General Manoj Pande, who took charge as COAS in May 2022. Manoj Pande was superannuated on June 30 2024, after completing four decades of distinguished service in the IA.
General Upendra Dwivedi has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)and Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (AVSM), as well as three GOC-in-C Commendation cards for his illustrious service.
On June 30 2024, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani took charge as the new Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) of the IA. He succeeded General Upendra Dwivedi, who was appointed as VCOAS on February 19 2024. He is presently the Chief of Staff in Northern Command.
Name the earth observation satellite that was recently (in July 2024) launched by Japan on its new flagship third H3 Launch Vehicle from the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) in Kyushu, Japan.
1) Chang’e-6
2) DAICHI-4
3) Bandwagon-1
4) Yunhai-3 02
5) Ohsumi-1
Answer-2) DAICHI-4
Explanation:
On 1st July 2024, Japan launched an earth observation satellite named, Advanced Land Observation Satellite-4 “DAICHI-4” (ALOS-4) on its new flagship third H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F3: Flight No.3) from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC), off the coast of Kyushu, Japan.
The satellite was successfully placed to the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO).
It is equipped with an infrared sensor developed the defence ministry of Japan. It is mainly tasked with earth observation and aimed to collect data for disaster response and mapmaking.
H3 rocket was developed by JAXA in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited (MHI).
Who has recently (in June ‘24) won the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix 2024 held in Spielberg, Austria?
1) Lando Norris
2) Charles Leclerc
3) George Russell
4) Max Verstappen
5) Lewis Hamilton
Answer-3) George Russell
Explanation:
On 30 June 2024, Mercedes’ George Russell, a British racing driver, won the Austrian Grand Prix (GP), officially known as the Formula 1(F1) Qatar Airways Austrian Grand Prix 2024, at the Red Bull Ring circuit in Spielberg, Austria.
This marks Russell’s 2nd career win and first career podium finish at the Red Bull Ring.
This also marks Mercedes’ first win since Russel won the 2022 São Paulo Grand Prix, Brazil.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, an Australian racing driver, finished 2nd, and Scuderia Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, a Spanish racing driver, finished 3rd.
The United Nations(UN)’s International Asteroid Day is annually observed across the globe on ________________ to commemorate the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia.
1) April 28
2) July 4
3) March 24
4) May 30
5) June 30
Answer-5) June 30
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) International Asteroid Day (IAD) is a global awareness campaign, annually observed across the globe on 30 June, to raise public awareness about asteroid impact hazards and inform the public about the worldwide crisis communication actions for credible Near-Earth Object (NEO) threats.
The 1st ever IAD was observed on 30 June 2017.
June 30th was chosen to commemorate the Tunguska impact event, which occurred in Siberia, the Russian Federation, in 1908. It is considered Earth’s largest recorded asteroid impact.
When was the United Nations (UN) International Day of Parliamentarism (also known as World Parliament Day) annually observed across the globe?
1) April 9
2) June 30
3) March 1
4) May 16
5) July 2
Answer-2) June 30
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) International Day of Parliamentarism (also known as World Parliament Day) is annually observed across the globe on 30 June to raise awareness of Parliaments globally, and their contribution to serving as the foundation of democracies.
This Day marks the anniversary of the foundation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the 1st political multilateral organisation in the world, in 1889 in Paris, France.
The 2024 observance aims to communicate with the 148th IPU Assembly’s final declaration, “Geneva Declaration: Parliamentary diplomacy: Building bridges for peace and understanding.”
30 June 2024 marks the 135th anniversary of the IPU.
Which ministry has recently (in June’24) celebrated the 9th anniversary of three key initiatives: the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the Smart Cities Mission, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U)?
1) Ministry of Home Affairs
2) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
3) Ministry of Rural Development
4) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
5) Ministry of Labour and Employment
Answer-4) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Explanation:
i.On June 25, 2024, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) celebrated the 9th anniversary of three key initiatives: the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the Smart Cities Mission, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U).
ii.Launched on June 25, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these programs have significantly enhanced urban infrastructure and improved the quality of life for millions in India.
iii.AMRUT 2.0, an extension of the original AMRUT mission, focuses on enhancing urban infrastructure, particularly in water supply, sewerage, and water body rejuvenation.
iv.PMAY-U aims to provide all-weather pucca houses with basic amenities to urban India’s eligible beneficiaries.
v.The Smart Cities Mission has transformed 100 cities through over 8,000 projects totaling approximately Rs 1.6 lakh crore.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) launched the ‘Fauna of India Checklist Portal’ at the event organised to celebrate the 109th Foundation Day of ______________ on 30th June 2024.
1) ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
2) National Safety Council (NSC)
3) Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
4) Forest Research Institute (FRI)
5) Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
Answer-3) Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
Explanation:
On 30th June 2024, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) launched the ‘Fauna of India Checklist Portal,’ the 1st comprehensive document on the faunal species reported from India.
• The checklist was launched during the event organised to mark the celebration of the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• With this, India becomes the 1st country to prepare a comprehensive checklist of its entire fauna, covering 1,04,561 species.
• Union Minister Bhupender Yadav launched ‘Animal Discoveries–2023’ of ZSI, comprising 641 new animal species discovered published by scientists and experts from India during 2023.
• He also launched ‘Plant Discoveries-2023’ of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), comprising 339 taxa discovered in 2023
The report titled ‘Payroll Reporting in India: An Employment Perspective January to April 2024’ released by ________________, highlights a decline in gross new subscribers addition to the EPFO for FY24 by over 4% to 10.9 million as compared to FY23.
1) Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
2) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
3) Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
4) Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
5) Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E)
Answer-2) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
Explanation:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released a report titled ‘Payroll Reporting in India: An Employment Perspective January to April, 2024‘ which highlights a decline in gross new subscribers/members addition to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 (FY24) by over 4% to 10.9 million as compared to FY 2022-23 (FY23).
• EPFO recorded 10,993,119 gross additions of new members FY24 as compared to 11,498,453 in FY23.
• The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) also saw a slight dip in new member additions to 16,760,672 in 2023-24 from 16,773,023 in 2022-23.
• The National Pension Scheme (NPS) saw an increase in new subscribers, rising to 9,37,020 in 2023-24 from 8,24,735 in 2022-23.
Which bank has recently (in July’24) joined Project Nexus, an international initiative that aims to facilitate instant cross-border retail payments by linking domestic Fast Payments Systems (FPSs) through a unified platform?
1) National Housing Bank(NHB)
2) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
3) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
4) Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
5) Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank)
Answer-2) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Explanation:
On July 1, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has joined Project Nexus, a multilateral international initiative aimed at facilitating instant cross-border retail payments by interlinking domestic Fast Payments Systems (FPSs) through a unified platform.
• Project Nexus is conceptualized by the Innovation Hub of the Basel, Switzerland-based Bank for International Settlements (BIS) to streamline and standardize the connection between domestic Instant Payment Systems (IPS) worldwide.
• It is the first BIS project in payments moving towards live implementation.
• It aims to connect the FPSs of Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and India as the founding members, and first mover countries of the platform.
• An agreement for the same was signed by the BIS and the Central Banks of the founding countries viz. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Bank of Thailand (BOT), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the RBI on June 30, 2024, in Basel, Switzerland.
• The platform is expected to go live by 2026, with the potential for future expansion.
Which bank has recently (in July 2024) launched “MSME-Sahaj,” a web-based digital business loan solution for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) invoice financing?
1) YES Bank
2) HDFC Bank
3) Bank of Baroda
4) State Bank of India
5) Bank of India
Answer-4) State Bank of India
Explanation:
State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), has launched “MSME-Sahaj”, web-based digital business loans solutions for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) invoice financing.
• Objective: To offer “on tap” short-term credit to meet the capital needs of MSME units who are part of Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.
• Using MSME Sahaj, the SBI customers can avail finance or loan against their GST-registered sales invoices of up to Rs 1 lakh.
Who has been recently (in June ‘24) selected as the 27th Chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI) by the Financial Services Institution Bureau (FSIB)?
1) Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
2) Sanjeev Nautiyal
3) Nidhu Saxena
4) Amitabh Singh Chaudhry
5) Shanti Lal Jain
Answer-1) Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
Explanation:
Challa Sreenivasulu Setty has been selected as the 27th Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI) by the Financial Services Institution Bureau (FSIB), an arm of the central government of India.
• Setty will succeed current chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara, whose extended term is set to end on August 28 2024.
• Currently, Setty is serving as one of the Managing Directors (MD) of the SBI.
Who has been recently (in July 2024) elected as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO)?
1) Alain Noudéhou
2) Meenesh kumar Champaklal Shah
3) Edward Kieswetter
4) Ashwani Kumar
5) Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi
Answer-3) Edward Kieswetter
Explanation:
South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has been re-elected as the Chairperson of World Customs Organisation (WCO) for 2nd consecutive term (2024-2025).
• He was elected by the WCO Council, the highest decision making body of WCO, during its 143rd/144th sessions held in Brussels, Belgium from 27th June to 29th June, 2024.
• The event witnessed the participation of Directors General (DG) of 186 member nations of WCO.
Which of the following points is/are correct with respect to the release of books about former Vice President Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu by PM Narendra Modi?
A) Biography of the former Vice President titled ‘Venkaiah Naidu – Life in Service’, which was authored by Shri S Nagesh Kumar.
B) ’Celebrating Bharat – The Mission and Message of Shri M Venkaiah Naidu as 13th Vice–President of India’, a Photo chronicle compiled by Sanjay Kishore, Former Secretary to the Vice-President of India.
C) Pictorial biography in Telugu titled ‘Mahaneta – Life and Journey of Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu’, which was authored by Dr. I.V. Subba Rao.
1) Only A
2) Only B
3) Only A & B
4) Only B & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer-1) Only A
Explanation:
On June 30, 2024, The Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi released three books on the life and journey of former Vice President Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu through video conferencing from Delhi on the eve of Naidu’s 75th birthday (July 1, 2024).
i.Biography of the former Vice President titled ‘Venkaiah Naidu – Life in Service’, which was authored by Shri S Nagesh Kumar, former Resident Editor of The Hindu, Hyderabad edition.
ii.’Celebrating Bharat – The Mission and Message of Shri M Venkaiah Naidu as 13th Vice–President of India’, a Photo chronicle compiled by Dr I.V. Subba Rao, Former Secretary to the Vice-President of India.
iii.Pictorial biography in Telugu titled ‘Mahaneta – Life and Journey of Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu’, which was authored by Shri Sanjay Kishore.
iv.In 2024, Venkaiah Naidu received the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award from the President of India Droupadi Murmu.
National Doctor’s Day is annually observed across India on _____________to appreciate and honour the valuable contributions of doctors
1) June 18
2) April 30
3) May 10
4) March 15
5) July 1
Answer-5) July 1
Explanation:
National Doctors’ Day is annually observed across India on 1 July to honour the contributions of doctors and healthcare professionals to society and recognise and appreciate the role of doctors in keeping the nation healthy.
• The day also commemorates the birth and death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (BC Roy), a renowned physician and the 2nd Chief Minister (CM) of West Bengal.
• The annual observance of National Doctor’s Day in India is led by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
• The theme of National Doctors’ Day 2024 is “Healing Hands, Caring Hearts”.
• In India, National Doctor’s Day was 1st celebrated on 1 July 1991, following the recommendations of the IMA.
When was Goods and Services Tax (GST) Day annually observed across India to commemorate the implementation of the GST regime?
1) April 13
2) March 23
3) July 1
4) May 21
5) June 29
Answer-3) July 1
Explanation:
Goods And Service Tax (GST) Day is annually observed across India on 1 July to commemorate the implementation of the GST regime, a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India, which came into effect on 1 July 2017.
• 1 July 2024 marks the observance of the 7th GST Day, commemorating the 7th anniversary of the coming into force of GST.
• The 2024 theme for the GST Day is, “Sashakt Vyapar Samagra Vikas” (Empowered Trade Overall Growth).
• GST was launched on July 1, 2017 in India. The Government of India (GoI) announced the decision to celebrate the 1st July of every year as ‘GST Day’ On 30 June 2018.
With which state, did the Ministry of Defence sign a MoU to establish three advanced testing facilities for Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Electronic Warfare (EW) and Electro Optics (EO) under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS)?
1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Tamil Nadu
3) Gujarat
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer-2) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
On July 2, 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India(GoI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO) to establish three state-of-the-art advanced testing facilities in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS). These are Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Electronic Warfare (EW) and Electro Optics (EO).
The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane in New Delhi, Delhi.
These facilities will aid in boosting the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC) and enhance its testing facilities.
Name the portal that was recently (in July ‘24) launched by the Ministry of Coal and Mines to provide financial support of Rs 1 lakh to eligible candidates preparing for the Union Public Service (UPSC) examination.
1) PM-SURAJ
2) Bhavishya
3) SWATI
4) NIRMAN
5) C-CARES
Answer-4) NIRMAN
Explanation:
On 2nd July 2024, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Coal and Mines, Government of India (GoI) launched “Noble Initiative for Rewarding Mains Aspirants of National Civil Services Examination (NIRMAN)”, a web portal in New Delhi, Delhi. This initiative is in alignment with the vision of “Mission Karmayogi” led by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India.
The aim of the scheme is to provide financial support of Rs 1 lakh to eligible candidates of Union Public Service (UPSC) examination.
It is a unique Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme led by the Coal India Limited (CIL) for meritorious youth of its operating districts who have qualified the Preliminary round of UPSC examination (for civil services & Forest Service) in 2024.
To avail the benefits of the scheme, candidates who have qualified the Preliminary round of UPSC should have annual family income less than Rs 8.
The eligible candidates should belong to either Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), female or third gender.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently (in June’ 24) released Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index (AIPI) Dashboard, India has secured the _______ among the 174 countries.
1) 54th Rank
2) 68th Rank
3) 45th Rank
4) 86th Rank
5) 72nd Rank
Answer-5) 72nd Rank
Explanation:
On 25th June 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released an Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index (AIPI) Dashboard which tracks the level of Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness across 174 countries. According to AIPI, India has secured the 72nd Rank among the 174 countries, with a rating of 0.49.
Singapore (0.80) topped the overall index followed by Denmark (0.78) and the United States of America (USA) (0.77) at the 2nd and 3rd position respectively.
The index ranked the countries based on their performance in 4 key areas such as: digital infrastructure, human capital and labour market policies, innovation and economic integration, and regulation and ethics.
It has classified each country into 3 main categories such as: Advanced Economy (AE), Emerging Market Economy (EM), and Low-Income Country (LIC).
India with a rating of 0.49 has been placed in the EM category. India is the 2nd country with the highest rating in the Asia region after China which is ranked at 31st spot with a rating of 0.63.
In June 2024, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Shivalik reached Pearl Harbour, Hawaii in the United States of America (USA) for the 29th edition of the __________________ (Exercise).
1) Tarkash
2) Gagan Shakti-2024
3) DUSTLIK 2024
4) RIMPAC
5) Yudh Abhyas
Answer-4) RIMPAC
Explanation:
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Shivalik, a 6000-tonne indigenously designed and built guided missile stealth frigate, has reached Pearl Harbour, Hawaii (United States of America (USA)), for the 29th edition of the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the world’s largest international maritime exercise.RIMPAC 2024 commenced on 27 June 2024 and will run till 1 August 2024.
The theme of RIMPAC 2024 is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.”
Led by the USA Navy, the RIMPAC multinational exercise involves approximately 29 nations, with 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel.
Which bank has recently (in July ‘24) launched a pre-paid ‘Student Sapphiro Forex Card’ for Indian students heading abroad for higher education?
1) Yes Bank
2) ICICI Bank
3) Bank of India
4) HDFC Bank
5) Axis Bank
Answer-2) ICICI Bank
Explanation:
On July 2, 2024, ICICI Bank launched a pre-paid ‘Student Sapphiro Forex Card’ for Indian students heading abroad for higher education. This Visa-powered prepaid card offers a comprehensive solution for managing education-related expenses such as admission and course fees, as well as everyday costs like travel, dining, and groceries.
This Card can be applied through the official ICICI Bank website or its banking application, iMobile Pay.
The Student Sapphiro Forex card provides currency support for loading and transacting in 15 currencies without any cross-currency mark-up charges
Which bank has recently (in July 2024) signed a co-lending partnership with Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Limited for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Home Loan segments?
1) Yes Bank
2) ICICI Bank
3) Karnataka Bank
4) South Indian Bank
5) Axis Bank
Answer-5) Axis Bank
Explanation:
Axis Bank Limited, a private sector bank, and Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Limited (Piramal Finance), a Non-Banking Financial Company – Housing Finance Company (NBFC-HFC), has entered into a co-lending partnership focusing on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Home Loan segments.i.The partnership aims to boost financial inclusion for underserved borrowers, facilitate easier access to credit for MSMEs to foster business growth.ii.under this partnership, both the lenders will provide loans to the middle and low-income segment customers with focus on rural and semi-urban areas.
Who was recently (in July ‘24) sworn in as the Prime Minister (PM) of the Netherlands?
1) Dick Schoof
2) Simon Harris
3) Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo
4) Luis Filipe Montenegro Cardoso de Morais Esteves
5) Willem-Alexander
Answer-1) Dick Schoof
Explanation:
On 2nd July 2024, Willem-Alexander, the King of the Netherlands swore in Dick Schoof as the New Prime Minister(PM) of the Netherlands at the ceremony held in Huis Ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.
He succeeds Mark Rutte, who served as the PM of the Netherlands from 2010 to 2024. Rutte is set to take over as the New Secretary General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in October 2024.
For the 1st time since World War II, the Netherlands is being led by a PM, who is not affiliated with any political party.
*Who has been recently (in July 2024) appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Life Insurance Corporation of India(LIC)? *
1) Bhupesh Sushil Rahul
2) Rajeev Singhal
3) Sanjay Shukla
4) Siddhartha Mohanty
5) Anand Sen
Answer-4) Siddhartha Mohanty
Explanation:
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), India’s largest Public Sector Insurance Company, has re-designated its Chairman, Siddhartha Mohanty as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with effect from 30th June 2024.
He was appointed as chairman of LIC in April 2023 until 29th June 2024 and was also appointed as MD and CEO of LIC from June 2024 until 7th June 2025.
Name the spacecraft that has recently (in July ‘24) become India’s 1st space-based solar observatory mission to complete its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point 1 (L1) point.
1) XPoSat
2) Aditya-L1
3) Bandwagon-1
4) Astrosat
5) GSAT-30
Answer- 2) Aditya-L1
Explanation:
On 2nd July 2024, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, India’s 1st space-based solar observatory mission at Lagrangian point 1 (L1), completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point. The spacecraft in the Halo orbit takes 178 days to complete one revolution around L1.
During its travel into the halo orbit, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft undergoes Station-Keeping (SK) manoeuvres to maintain its orbit due to various perturbing forces.
A halo orbit is a periodic, three-dimensional (3D) orbit at L1 involving the Sun, Earth, and a spacecraft.
A halo orbit around the L1 of the Sun-Earth system is about 1.5 million kilometers (km) from the Earth on the continuously moving Sun-Earth line with an orbital period of about 177.86 Earth days.
Aditya-L1 is a satellite dedicated to the comprehensive study of the Sun, specifically the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona of the Sun.
International Plastic Bag Free Day is annually observed across the globe on _____________________ to create awareness about the importance of eliminating single use plastic and adopting sustainable alternatives.
1) July 3
2) April 19
3) May 5
4) March 21
5) June 28
Answer-1) July 3
Explanation:
International Plastic Bag Free Day is annually observed across the globe on 3rd July to raise awareness of the environmental impact caused by Single-Use-Plastic (SUP) like plastic bags, which are harmful to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
The day also emphasises eliminating or reducing the use of SUP bags and promotes reusable bags as a more sustainable alternative to disposable plastic bags.
The day serves as a reminder to individuals, communities, and governments worldwide of the urgent need to reduce plastic pollution.
Which state has recently (in June ‘24) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rajasthan for the implementation of the Rs 72,000 crore Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) inter-state river linking project?
1) Punjab
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Haryana
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Gujarat
Answer-2) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
On June 30 2024, Madhya Pradesh (MP) Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav and Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the Rs 72,000 crore Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) inter-state river linking project in Bhopal, MP.
This river link project proposes to provide drinking and industrial water in 13 districts of eastern Rajasthan, Malwa and Chambal regions of MP.
The overall cost of the PKC river link project is Rs 72,000 crore, which includes Rs 35,000 crore for MP and 37,000 crore for Rajasthan.
The centre provides 90% of the funds for the project while states contribute only 10%.
Name the 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise between the Indian Army (IA) and Mongolian Army, which is being held from July 3 to 16, 2024, in Umroi, Meghalaya.
1) Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2024
2) Exercise SHAKTI 2024
3) Exercise Poorvi Lehar (XPOL) 2024
4) Cutlass Express – 24
5) Exercise Varuna 2024
Answer- 1) Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2024
Explanation:
On 3rd July 2024, ‘Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2024’, the 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise, commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.
The bilateral training initiative between the Indian Army (IA) and Mongolian Army will conclude on 16th July 2024.
Indian Contingent led by a Battalion of SIKKIM SCOUTS, comprising 45 personnel from various arms and services.
Mongolian Contingent led by the 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mongolian Army.
Nomadic Elephant is a training event conducted alternatively in India and Mongolia since 2004
Which ministry has recently (in July 2024) signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) to support the Self Help Group (SHG) women-led rural enterprises through the flagship schemes of MoMSME?
1) Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD)
2) Ministry of Finance (MoF)
3) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
4) Ministry of Education (MoE)
5) Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
Answer-5) Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
Explanation:
On 3rd July 2024, The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) to support and formalise the Self Help Group (SHG) women-led rural enterprises through the flagship schemes of MoMSME.
i.The SoI emphasises a whole-of-government approach, facilitating the empowerment of Lakhpati Didis, a SHG member with an annual household income exceeding Rs. 1,00,000.
ii.This SoI will strengthen the collaboration between both ministries, supporting SHG Didis in entrepreneurship through MoMSME’s flagship initiatives like Yeshaswini- Apna Udyam, Apni Pehchaan, and Udyam Assist.
In June 2024, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) extended the deadline for the _______ up to 31st March 2025.
1) Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
2) Swachh Bharat Mission
3) Atma Nirbhar Bharat
4) Smart Cities Mission
5) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
Answer-4) Smart Cities Mission
Explanation:
On 3rd July 2024, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India (GoI) announced that it has extended the deadline for the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) till 31st March 2025, allowing cities to complete ongoing projects, which account for around 10% of the total projects.
This is for the 2nd time that the deadline for the SCM has been extended, which was earlier 30th June, 2024.
According to the official data of MoHUA, as on 3rd July 2024, 100 cities had completed 7,188 projects (90% of total projects) worth Rs 1.44 lakh crore.
GoI has allocated Rs 48,000 crore for the 100 cities under SCM in Union Budget .
Name the military exercise that took place between India and Thailand at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak province of Thailand from July 1–15, 2024.
1) Shanti Prayas IV
2) MAITREE
3) Tiger Triumph
4) IMT-TRILAT
5) LAMITIYE
Answer-2) MAITREE
Explanation:
The 13th India-Thailand joint military exercise ‘MAITREE’ is taking place at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak province of Thailand from July 1 – 15, 2024.
- The Maitree Exercise is a military exercise between India and Thailand which takes place every year since 2006.
- The Indian army contingent, comprising 76 personnel, is represented mainly by a Battalion of Ladakh Scouts and personnel from other arms and services.
- The Royal Thailand Army (RTA) contingent comprises 76 personnel from the 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of 4 Division.
- The previous edition of the exercise was conducted in Umroi, Meghalaya in 2019.
Which country took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) from Belgium for a period of six months, from July to December 2024?
1) Germany
2) Belgium
3) Hungary
4) Norway
5) Denmark
Answer-3) Hungary
Explanation:
On 1 July 2024, Hungary took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) from Belgium, for 6 months (July – December 2024), during the opening cultural event of the 6-month presidency held in Brussels, Belgium. The motto of Hungary’s EU Presidency is “Make Europe Great Again.”
Hungary is assuming the rotating presidency of the Council for the 2nd time, since joining the EU in 2004. Their 1st presidency was in the first half of 2011. Hungary’s EU presidency, led by Prime Minister(PM) Viktor Orbán.
Hungary will hand over the Presidency to Poland on January 1, 2025 and the Polish Presidency will last until June 2025.
EU is a group of 27 European countries and the presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every 6 months.
Which country has recently (in July ‘24) introduced new yen banknotes with 3D hologram technology to combat counterfeiting?
1) Singapore
2) Cambodia
3) Laos
4) Japan
5) Fiji
Answer-4) Japan
Explanation:
On July 3, 2024, Japan introduced its first new yen banknotes in 2 decades, featuring advanced state-of-the-art 3D hologram technology to combat counterfeiting. This historic release includes the 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 1,000 yen bills, showcasing prominent figures who symbolize Japanese capitalism, women’s equality, and scientific innovation. With this Japan became the first country in the world to utilise holography that creates a 3D rotating effect on the portraits, significantly elevating the notes’ security features.
10,000 yen: Features Eiichi Shibusawa, a pioneer of Japanese capitalism. He was known as “the father of Japanese capitalism.
5,000 yen: Depicts Umeko Tsuda, a feminist and educator.
1,000 yen: Shows Shibasaburo Kitasato, a physician and bacteriologist.
*Which of the following has recently (in July ‘24) signed a MoU with Online PSB Loans Limited(OPL) to digitalize the enrolment and claim settlement processes under the Jan Suraksha Schemes (JSS) for all 43 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)?+
1) Reserve Bank of India(RBI)
2) National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD)
3) Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
4) Employees’ State Insurance Corporation(ESIC)
5) Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
Answer-2) National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD)
Explanation:
The National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Online PSB Loans Limited(OPL) to promote financial inclusion through Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
It aims to smoothen and digitalize the enrolment and claim settlement processes under the Jan Suraksha Schemes (JSS) for all 43 RRBs.
Under this initiative, NABARD will integrate all 43 RRBs onto the Jan Suraksha portal to democratise access to financial protection schemes across remote areas of the country.
Jan Suraksha portal : It is an initiative undertaken by Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India (GoI).
It offers digital enrolment and claim settlements for the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
Name the organisation that recently (in July ‘24) in partnership with Blue Origin announced India as a “Partner Nation” in their human spaceflight programme.
1) National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA)
2) Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA)
3) Space Exploration Technologies Corporation(SpaceX)
4) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
5) European Space Agency(ESA)
Answer-2) Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA)
Explanation:
On 1st July 2024, the United States of America (USA)-based Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) in partnership with Blue Origin, the company owned by Jeff Bezos (Founder of Amazon) announced India as a “Partner Nation” in their human spaceflight programme for citizens from countries who have sent a few or no astronauts to space.
Under this strategic partnership, SERA will offer citizens from across the world 6 seats on a future mission of New Shepard, Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket.
Besides India, Nigeria, and the Maldives will each be allotted a seat on the mission of Blue Origin. The mission will celebrate the historic achievement of the first Nigerian citizen to embark on a space voyage.
New Shephard rocket will fly the selected astronauts on an 11-minute journey past the Kármán line, the internationally recognised boundary line of space i.e. 62 miles or 100 Kilometers (km) above the Earth.
Who recently (in June ‘24) won the 37th edition of the Magistral Tournament “Ciudad de León” (Leon Masters) by defeating Jaime Santos Latasa of Spain in the finals?
1) Shyam Nikhil
2) Vaishali Rameshbabu
3) Viswanathan Anand
4) Magnus Carlsen
5) Gukesh
Answer-3) Viswanathan Anand
Explanation:
Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, the 15th World Chess Champion, has won the 37th edition of the Magistral Tournament “Ciudad de León” (Leon Masters) by defeating the Grand Master (GM) Jaime Santos Latasa of Spain (3-1) in the Finals. The tournament was held from 27th June to 1 July 2024 in León, Spain.
He was the first recipient of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India’s highest sports award in 1991-92.
He was first sports person to receive the Padma Vibhushan award in 2007.
Which ministry has organised the “Global IndiaAI Summit” from July 3 to 4, 2024, in New Delhi, Delhi?*
1) Ministry of Education (MoE)
2) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
3) Ministry of Communications (MoC)
4) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
5) Ministry of Science and Technology(MoST)
Answer-4) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) hosted the “Global IndiaAI Summit” from July 3rd to 4th July at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Delhi. The summit was organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), GoI.
The summit aimed to foster collaboration and the knowledge exchange among global AI stakeholders, which reflects India’s unwavering commitment to the responsible development, deployment, and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.
Also, India as the lead chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), hosted the 6th Global Partnership in Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Ministerial Council meeting in a hybrid mode.
In March 2024, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved IndiaAi mission and has allocated budget outlay of Rs 10,371.92 crore(USD 1.25 Billion).
Which of the following has recently (in July ‘24) launched a three-month Campaign named ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ to achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators across all 500 Aspirational Blocks and 112 Aspirational Districts in India?
1) NITI Aayog
2) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
3) Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
4) Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
5) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)
Answer-1) NITI Aayog
Explanation:
NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) launched the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan (Completeness Campaign)’, a 3-month campaign, with an aim to achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators across all Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks (6 each).
Campaign Period: 4th July 2024 to 30th September 2024.
Launch Event: The Sampoornata Abhiyan’s launch events were organised across all the 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks across India.
Objective: To accelerate the development in under developed districts and blocks by achieving saturation in selected indicators of Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme(ABP)
At which Air Force Station (AFS), did Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari recently (in July ‘24) inaugurate the Weapon Systems School (WSS)?
1) Ambala, Haryana
2) Amritsar, Punjab
3) Begumpet, Telangana
4) Leh, Ladakh
5) Palam, Delhi
Answer-3) Begumpet, Telangana
Explanation:
Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), inaugurated the Weapon Systems School (WSS) at Air Force Station (AFS) Begumpet, Hyderabad (Telangana), to recalibrate and transform the IAF into a future-oriented force.
This follows the approval of the Weapon System (WS) branch, a new branch of officers in the IAF, in 2022.
The WSS aims to provide contemporary, effect-based training for the officers of the newly formed WS branch.
According to Mercer’s 2024 “Cost of Living City Ranking” report, which city was identified as the most expensive in India?
1) Delhi
2) Mumbai
3) Chennai
4) Bengaluru
5) Hyderabad
Answer-2) Mumbai
Explanation:
According to Mercer’s latest ”Cost of Living City Ranking 2024” report, Mumbai (Maharashtra) emerged as the costliest city in India, compared to all the Indian cities featured in the report.
Overall, Mumbai has secured the 136th spot in the report, up by 11 spots compared to 2023.
Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region (SAR) (China), Singapore (Singapore) and Zurich (Switzerland) ranked at 1st, 2nd and 3rd spot respectively, emerged as the world’s top3 Costliest Cities in 2024 for 2nd consecutive year.
As per the report, Abuja, Nigeria (226th), Lagos, Nigeria (225th ) and Islamabad, Pakistan (224th ) are the top 3 least expensive cities in the world
Name the country that was recently visited by Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy (IN), from July 1 to 4, 2024.
1) Philippines
2) Bhutan
3) Sri Lanka
4) Indonesia
5) Bangladesh
Answer-5) Bangladesh
Explanation:
Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Indian Navy (IN) made an official 4-day visit to Bangladesh from 1 to 4 July 2024, to consolidate the bilateral defence engagement and explore new areas of maritime cooperation.
This is Admiral Tripathi’s 1st official foreign visit since assuming command as the 26th CNS in April 2024.
He met with the newly-appointed Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army, General Waker–Uz-Zaman in Dhaka, Bangladesh during his visit.
Which country has recently(in July ‘24) become the 10th member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO)?
1) Panama
2) Belarus
3) Comoros
4) Timor-Leste
5) Indonesia
Answer-2) Belarus
Explanation:
The Republic of Belarus officially became the 10th permanent member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a Eurasian political, economic, international security, and defence organization.
i.The other permanent member of SCO are: China, Russia, India, Iran(9th), Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
ii. The Republic of Kazakhstan, the 2024 Chair of the SCO, hosted the 24th SCO-CHS Summit in Astana, capital city of Kazakhstan from 3rd to 4th July, 2024.
Theme: “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue- Striving for Sustainable Peace and Development”.
Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) represented India at the summit.
Which bank celebrated its 69th foundation day on 1st July 2024?
1) Canara Bank
2) Yes Bank
3) State Bank of India
4) Bank of Maharashtra
5) Indian Bank
Answer-3) State Bank of India
Explanation:
On the occasion of its 69th foundation day (1st July 2024), the State Bank of India (SBI) announced 11 new initiatives to enhance the banking experience for its customers and widen the bank’s accessibility. These initiatives span digital advancements, improved customer services, and specialized products for different segments.i.SBI has launched the UPI Tap-and-Pay feature on the BHIM SBI Pay app, which uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for swift and effortless digital payments.Transactions under Rs 500 can be completed without a PIN using Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Lite.
ii.SBI has established 35 new Agricultural Centralized Processing Cells (Agri CPCs) to streamline agricultural loan processing and mitigate risks.
iii.To better serve its NRI (Non-Resident Indian) clients, SBI’s Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara inaugurated its second Global NRI Centre (GNC) in Patiala, Punjab.
Name the insurance company that has recently (in July 2024) launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered health insurance product ‘Elevate’.
1) ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited
2) TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited
3) Life Insurance Corporation of India
4) FutureGenerali India Life Insurance Company Limited
5) Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited
Answer-1) ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited
Explanation:
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited launched ‘Elevate’, a first-of-its-kind revolutionary health insurance product powered by Artificial intelligence (AI).
This aims to provide customized solutions for diverse healthcare needs.
Infinite Sum Insured – addresses the concern of limited coverage and sum insured and ensures that policyholders gets access to infinite coverage.
Infinite Claim Amount – offers comprehensive financial protection with an infinite claim amount for one-time claims during the policy lifetime.
Who has recently (in July ‘24) sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister (CM) of Jharkhand?
1) Mohan Charan Majhi
2) Prem Singh Tamang
3) Pema Khandu
4) Bhajan Lal Sharma
5) Hemant Soren
Answer-5) Hemant Soren
Explanation:
On 4 July 2024, Hemant Soren, the Executive President of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister (CM) of Jharkhand for the 3rd time.
The Governor, CP Radhakrishnan, administered the oath of office and secrecy to Soren at a ceremony organised at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Champai Soren resigned as CM of Jharkhand on 3 July 2024, and he was served as Jharkhand’s 12th CM for 5 months since February 2024.
Who has been recently (in June ‘24) appointed as the Chairman of the National Medical Commission (NMC) by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)?
1) Meenesh kumar Champaklal Shah
2) Nalin Prabhat
3) B.N. Gangadhar
4) Anil Kumar Lahoti
5) Sanjay Behari
Answer-3) B.N. Gangadhar
Explanation:
The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Dr. B.N. Gangadhar,as the Chairman of the National Medical Commission (NMC). He has been the officiating interim Chairman of the NMC since September 2023. Prior to this appointment, he was served as the President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB).
i.Dr Sanjay Behari, Director of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), was appointed as the new President of the MARB.
Name the credit education program that was recently (in July ‘24) launched by the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in partnership with TransUnion CIBIL Limited to empower women entrepreneurs in India.
1) UNNATI
2) START
3) MYUVA
4) ADITI
5) SEHER
Answer-5) SEHER
Explanation:
On July 5, 2024, the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and TransUnion CIBIL Limited (Formerly: Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited) partnered to launch SEHER, a credit education program aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in India with financial literacy, credit education, and business skills to enhance their access to financial tools and drive economic growth.
This program will support India’s USD 5 trillion economy goal by empowering women to start and grow profitable businesses.
The program was launched by Anna Roy, Mission Director of WEP and Principal Economic Adviser, NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India).
As per the Udyam Registration Portal (URP) of the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), India has 63 million MSMEs, with 20.5% being women-owned, employing 27 million people.
In July 2024, the Government of India (GoI) mandated the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) mark for stainless steel and aluminium kitchen utensils to conform to the national quality standards set by the __________.
1) Geographical Indication Registry
2) International Organization for Standardization
3) Competition Commission of India
4) Food Safety & Standards Authority of India
5) Bureau of Indian Standards
Answer-5) Bureau of Indian Standards
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) has mandated the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) mark for stainless steel and aluminium kitchen utensils to conform to the national quality standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The ISI mark developed by the BIS is aimed at assuring product quality and safety, enhancing customer safety.
The ISI mark is now compulsory for these utensils, with non-compliance being punishable.
BIS has formulated 2 Indian Standards: IS 14756:2022 for stainless steel and IS 1660:2024 for aluminium utensils.
In July 2024, Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde released a ___________ commemorative coin in memory of Freedom Fighter Jawaharlal Amolakchand Darda on his 101st birth anniversary.
1) Rs 90
2) Rs 100
3) Rs 250
4) Rs 500
5) Rs 75
Answer-2) Rs 100
Explanation:
On 2nd July 2024, Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister (CM) of Maharashtra, released the Rs 100 commemorative coin marking the birth centenary of Jawaharlal Amolakchand Darda, freedom fighter and Founder-Editor of Lokmat Media Group.
The coin was released on the 101st birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Darda (2nd July 2024) at Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium in Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The ceremony celebrated Jawaharlal Darda’s enduring legacy and Lokmat’s significant role in Maharashtra’s media landscape.
The circular coin made of quaternary alloy weighs 35 grams has a diameter of 44 millimeter(mm).
Which ministry has recently (in July ‘24) signed a MoU with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) to facilitate the “Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs through Electric Bicycles” (STREE) for Self Help Group (SHG) Women?
1) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
2) Ministry of Women and Child Development
3) Ministry of Rural Development
4) Ministry of Electronics and InformationTechnology
5) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Answer-3) Ministry of Rural Development
Explanation:
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), to facilitate the “Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs through Electric Bicycles” (STREE) for Self Help Group (SHG) Women under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
STREE aims to empower the rural economy, especially rural women, by providing access to green mobility through Electric Bicycles.
This partnership is expected to support the economic and social empowerment of rural women and accelerate the creation of “Lakhpati Didis” (women earning one lakh rupees or more annually).
In July 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the _______________ as a part of the first National Space Day (NSpD 2024) celebrations.
1) Zero Emission Initiative
2) Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon
3) Indian Space Situational Assessment Report
4) IdeationX
5) Space Marathon
Answer-2) Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon
Explanation:
On 4th July 2024, Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon’ – (Indian Space Hackathon) as part of the first National Space Day (NSpD 2024) celebrations.
The first National Space Day will be celebrated on 23rd August 2024.
ISRO organises the hackathon to create application-driven ecosystems and bring in innovation in space-based applications benefiting both society and the nation.
In June 2024, the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1.31 crore on __________ for non-compliance with its directions on ‘Loans and Advances’ and ‘KYC’.
1) State Bank of India
2) Bank of Maharashtra
3) Canara Bank
4) Punjab National Bank
5) Federal Bank
Answer-4) Punjab National Bank
Explanation:
On 5th July 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that it has penalized 5 banks, including Punjab National Bank (PNB), in the circular issued in the 1st week of July for non-compliance with various RBI directions.
Before PNB, 4 other banks which were penalized by RBI: Gujarat Rajya Karmachari Co-operative Bank, Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Rohika Central Co-operative Bank, Madhubani (Bihar); National Co-operative Bank, Mumbai (Maharashtra); and Bank Employees’ Co-operative Bank, Kolkata (West Bengal).
Name the new health and income protection plan that was recently (in july ‘24)launched by Paytm for its merchant partners.
1) KarmaLife
2) S.A.R.A.H
3) Health Saathi
4) Vantara
5) SmartLock
Answer-3) Health Saathi
Explanation:
Noida (Uttar Pradesh)-based fintech company Paytm, owned by One97 Communications Limited (OCL), has launched ‘Paytm Health Saathi’, a health and income protection plan for merchant partners, available on the ‘Paytm for Business’ app, starting at Rs 35 per month.
‘Paytm Health Saathi’ aims to safeguard the well-being of Paytm’s merchant partners by providing affordable, comprehensive healthcare benefits, ensuring their health and business continuity.
Healthcare Services include unlimited doctor teleconsultation and in-person doctor visits (Outpatient Department (OPD)) within its partner network.
Who has been recently (in July ‘24) appointed as the 58th Prime Minister (PM) of the United Kingdom (UK)?
1) Peter Pellegrini
2) Keir Starmer
3) Luis Abinader
4) Jeremiah Manele
5) Laurent Berger
Answer-2) Keir Starmer
Explanation:
On July 5, 2024, Keir Starmer became the 58th Prime Minister (PM) of United Kingdom (UK) by succeeding Rishi Sunak. He was appointed by the King Charles III, UK’s monarch.
This follows Keir Starmer’s Labour Party win by securing 412 (+211) seats over Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party which received 121 (-250) seats in the 650-seat House of Commons.
The Labour party got 35% votes(412 seats) and the Conservatives got 24% votes.
Keir became the first Labour Party PM since Gordon Brown (2007-2010) i.e. after 14 years.
Which organisation has recently (in July ‘24) increased its state in IDFC First Bank Limited from 0.20% to 2.68% of the paid-up capital?
1) SBI Mutual Fund
2) Tata Sons
3) IndusInd International Holdings
4) Life Insurance Corporation of India
5) Adani Group
Answer-4) Life Insurance Corporation of India
Explanation:
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), India’s largest insurance company, has increased its stake in IDFC First Bank Limited from 0.20% to 2.68% of the paid-up capital.
In terms of number of shares, the holding has increased from a little more than 1.42 crore to over 20.02 crore.
LIC acquired 18,60,34,900 shares in the IDFC First Bank at an average price of Rs 80.63 apiece in a private placement offer. The overall acquisition cost is Rs 1,500 Crore.
When was the 2024 United Nations (UN) International Day of Cooperatives observed across the globe?
1) April 30
2) July 6
3) May 7
4) June 19
5) April 14
Answer-2) July 6
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) International Day of Cooperatives (CoopsDay) is annually observed across the globe on the 1st Saturday of July to increase awareness of cooperatives and promote ideas of international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, and world peace, contributing to the development of the society.
International Day of Cooperatives 2024 falls on 6 July 2024. The theme of International Day of Cooperatives 2024 is “Cooperatives Building a Better Future for All.”
6 July 2024 marks the 102nd International Cooperative Day and the 30th UN International Day of Cooperatives.
The Day also commemorates the establishment of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), one of the oldest Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), and one of the largest organizations by the number of people represented
In July 2024, ______________________________ and the CyberPeace Foundation launched the ‘Digital Shakti 5.0’ campaign to digitally empower and upskill women and girls in cyberspace.
1) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
2) Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
3) National Commission for Women
4) Ministry of Women and Child Development
5) Skill India Digital Hub
Answer-3) National Commission for Women
Explanation:
On July 5, 2024, the National Commission for Women (NCW) and CyberPeace Foundation launched ‘Digital Shakti 5.0’, the 5th phase of the Digital Shakti campaign, during a hybrid event at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Delhi.
This pan-India project aims to digitally empower and upskill women and girls in cyberspace.
Digital Shakti was started at Punjab University, Chandigarh in 2018 on the lines of Digital India. So far, the initiative has trained 6 lakh women on digital safety.
Digital Shakti 5.0, the 5th phase of the initiative, aims to extend this reach to 10 lakh (1 million) women.
Which ministry has recently (in July ‘24) designated as the nodal ministry for the Haj Committee of India (HCoI), a statutory body that organises the Haj pilgrimage for Indian pilgrims?
1) Ministry of External Affairs
2) Ministry of Home Affairs
3) Ministry of Culture
4) Ministry of Minority Affairs
5) Ministry of Civil Aviation
Answer-4) Ministry of Minority Affairs
Explanation:
The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), led by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, has been designated the nodal ministry for the Haj Committee of India (HCoI), a statutory body that organises the Haj pilgrimage for Indian pilgrims. This designation shifts the responsibility from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to the MoMA.
Previously, the MEA managed the Haj pilgrimage, including the administration of the Haj Committee Act of 2002.
The new rules called the Haj Committee (Amendment) Rules, 2024, now assign these duties to the MoMA.
Which ministry has recently (in July ‘24) launched Project PARI (Public Art of India) to create various wall paintings, murals, sculptures, and installations in public places in Delhi?
1) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
2) Ministry of Culture
3) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
4) Ministry of Education
5) Ministry of Tourism
Answer-2) Ministry of Culture
Explanation:
The Ministry of Culture (MoC) has initiated Project PARI (Public Art of India) ahead of the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee(WHC), which is scheduled to be held from 21st July to 31st July, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Delhi.
The first intervention under Project PARI is taking place in Delhi coinciding with the meeting.
For the first time, India is set to chair and host the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s WHC.
The initiative is executed by the Lalit Kala Akademi and National Gallery of Modern Art.
Under this project, More than 150 visual artists from across India have come together to create various wall paintings, murals, sculptures and installation in public spaces.
According to the Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) recent(in July ‘24 ) data, India’s annual domestic defence production was approximately ________in FY24(2023-24).
1) Rs 1.27 lakh crore
2) Rs 2.11 Lakh crore
3) Rs 1.25 lakh crore
4) Rs 2.25 lakh crore
5) Rs 1.52 lakh crore
Answer-1) Rs 1.27 lakh crore
Explanation:
According to the Union Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India(GoI), India’s annual domestic defence production has hit a record high of approximately Rs 1.27 lakh crore i.e. Rs 1, 26,887 crore in FY24(2023-24).
This shows the growth of 16.7% over the defence production compared to Rs 1, 08,684 crore of total Value of Production (VoP) recorded in FY23 (2022-23).
This figure is based on the data received from all Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), other PSUs manufacturing defence items and private companies.
As per MoD, DPSUs/other PSUs; and Private sector contributed about 79.2% and 20.8% of the total Value of Production (VoP) in FY24 respectively.
Who has been recently (in July ‘24) elected as the 9th President of Iran?
1) Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi
2) Masoud Pezeshkian
3) Allamaye Halina
4) Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
5) Abdul Latif Rashid
Answer-2) Masoud Pezeshkian
Explanation:
On 6th July 2024, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian (69 year old), a reformist politician and a heart surgeon, won Iran’s runoff presidential election with 53% of the vote. He became the 9th elected President of Iran.
He will take over from Mohammad Mokhber, who has been serving as the interim president of Iran since the death of Ebrahim Raisi on 19th May 2024.
He became the 2nd reformist President of Iran after his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi.
Who has been recently (in July ‘24) appointed as the Interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bandhan Bank Limited?
1) Jaideep Hansraj
2) Lakshmi Kanth Rao
3) Ratan Kumar Kesh
4) Hitesh Kumar Sethia
5) Nitin Agarwal
Answer-3) Ratan Kumar Kesh
Explanation:
On July 6, 2024, The Board of the Bandhan Bank Limited approved the appointment of Ratan Kumar Kesh as its Interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with effect from 10th July 2024 for three months or until an appointment of regular MD and CEO, whichever is earlier.
He is currently serving as the Executive Director (ED) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Bandhan Bank (since March 2023).
He is set to succeed Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, the founder and incumbent MD & CEO of the Bandhan Bank who is set to retire on 9th July 2024.
Name the battle tank that has recently (in July ‘24) undergone successful trials by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Hazira, Gujarat.
1) Zorawar
2) Akashteer
3) ABHYAS
4) RudraM-II
5) Arjun
Answer-1) Zorawar
Explanation:
India’s largest research organisation, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted successful trials of the indigenous Light Battle Tank ‘Zorawar’ in Hazira, Gujarat. It was reviewed by DRDO chief Dr Samir V Kamat. It is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army (IA) by the year 2027 after the completion of all the trials.
i.The light tank Zorawar with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time a fresh tank has been developed and made ready for trials in such a short time. The tank was designed in collaboration with Larsen and Toubro Limited (L&T).
ii.The DRDO and L & T have integrated Unmanned surface vehicles(USVs) in loitering munitions in the tank learning lessons from the Russia and Ukraine conflict.
Name the organisation that has recently (in July ‘24) delivered 1st batch of 35,000 Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Army.
1) Adani Defence and Aerospace
2) Munitions India Limited
3) Kadet Defence Systems Limited
4) Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited
5) Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited
Answer-4) Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited
Explanation:
On 5th July 2024, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a Joint Venture (JV) between India and Russia, delivered 1st batch of 35,000 Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Army. This development came just ahead of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia.
These rifles were produced at the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh(UP) and the production of these rifles in India is in full compliance with the PM’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Abhiyan” initiatives.
The main features of the project include complete technology transfer and to achieve 100% localization of AK-203 assault rifles production.
In May 2024, IRRPL handed over 27,000 AK-203 assault rifles, with 25% of localization to Indian Army.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to launch a telescope named _____________________ in 2040 to find proof of extraterrestrial life (aliens) and inhabited planets beyond the solar system.
1) Habitable Worlds Observatory
2) PREFIRE
3) SR75
4) FLOAT
5) AstroSat
Answer-1) Habitable Worlds Observatory
Explanation:
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to launch the ‘Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO)’ in 2040 to find proof of extraterrestrial life (aliens) and inhabited planets beyond the solar system.
HWO is a unique telescope, dubbed “Super Hubble”, capable of detecting a range of ‘biosignatures’ emitted by living organisms and discovering inhabited planets by 2050.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shortlisted 2 of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Only one of the shortlisted astronauts will go on the mission, which is set to be launched by October 2024 at the latest.
The Gaganyaan astronauts are Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair Group Captain Ajit Krishnan Group Captain Angad Pratap and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.
Who has recently (in July ‘24) won the Formula One (F1) British Grand Prix 2024 held in England, the United Kingdom (UK)?
1) Max Verstappen
2) Lando Norris
3) Lewis Hamilton
4) Oscar Piastri
5) Fernando Alonso
Answer-3) Lewis Hamilton
Explanation:
British Formula One (F1) Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the F1 British Grand Prix 2024 held on 7th July 2024 at Silverstone Circuit in England, the United Kingdom (UK).
He has become the first F1 driver to have won this race for the 9th time extending the record, which he previously shared with Michael Schumacher.
This was the 104th Grand Prix win of Lewis Hamilton’s career and has also extended a record run for podiums at the same race to 12.
Three-time World Champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull) finished 2nd in the race followed by McLaren’s Lando Norris in the 3rd spot
According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) Measuring Productivity at the Industry Level-India KLEMS database, India’s employment rate provisionally grew at ______ in FY24 from a growth of 3.2% in FY23 (2022–23).
1) 8%
2) 7%
3) 6%
4) 10%
5) 5%
Answer-3) 6%
Explanation:
On 8th July 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released Measuring Productivity at the Industry Level- The India KLEMS (Capital (K), Labour (L), Energy (E), Material (M) and Services (S)) Database. As per RBI’s data, India’s employment rate provisionally grew at 6% in the fiscal year ended on 31st March, 2024 from a growth of 3.2% in FY23 (2022-23).
RBI data showed that employment in the country increased by 4.67 crore (46.7 million) to 64.33 crore (provisional) in FY24 (2023-24) from 59.67 crore in FY23. This number is much higher than the estimates by private surveys that point out the country’s high unemployment rate.
RBI’s KLEMS database highlighted that the total number of employed people as a ratio of the total population has increased from 34.7% in FY18 (2018-19) to 44.2% in FY24.
As per RBI database, the employment in sectors like: agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing increased from 24.82 crore in FY22 to 25.3 crore in FY23
In July 2024, the Union Cabinet of India approved the signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement or ‘High Seas Treaty’ under ________.
1) United Nations Forum on Forests(UNFF)
2) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
3) Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
4) UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
5) United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
Answer-5) United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
Explanation:
On July 2, 2024, the Union Cabinet of India, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement or ‘High Seas Treaty’, an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will lead India’s implementation of the agreement, thus, enhancing India’s role in marine conservation, and its strategic presence in areas beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The BBNJ Agreement, agreed upon in March 2023, is open for signature for 2 years starting September 2023. It will become a legally binding international treaty 120 days after the 60th ratification. As of June 2024, 91 countries have signed, and 8 countries have ratified the agreement.
This agreement aims to conserve and sustainably utilize marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, known as the High Seas.
With which organization did the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed a MoU for the development of a framework and assessment of logistics costs in India?
1) World Bank
2) National Council of Applied Economic Research
3) International Monetary Fund
4) Asian Development Bank
5) National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development
Answer-2) National Council of Applied Economic Research
Explanation:
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry(MoCI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) for the development of framework and assessment of logistics cost in India.
Under this MoU, NACER and DPIIT will collaborate to
i.Develop a detailed framework for assessment of Logistics Cost in India.
ii.Create a comprehensive study for assessment of logistics cost for 2023-24.
iii.Identify cost differentials across various factors and sectors like routes, modes, products, types of cargo, and service operations, etc.
iv.Identify the major determinants along with influence on the logistics in different sectors, etc.
EXIM Bank has recently(in July ‘24) signed an agreement with _______________to provide an India-supported Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 2.50 million.
1) Mauritius
2) Zimbabwe
3) Guyana
4) Nepal
5) Bhutan
- Answer-3) Guyana
Explanation:*
The Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) signed an agreement with the Government of Guyana to provide India-supported Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 2.50 million for installing a solar photovoltaic(PV) power plant at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri, Guyana.
The agreement under the LoC was signed on 29th February 2024 and effective from 24th June 2024.
This agreement aligns with Guyana’s efforts to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy solutions.
Which company has recently (in July ‘24) launched India’s 1st tourism index fund?
1) Groww Mutual Fund
2) Tata Asset Management Private Limited
3) SBI Mutual Fund
4) Motilal Oswal Financial Services Limited
5) ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund
Answer- 2) Tata Asset Management Private Limited
Explanation:
On 8th July 2024, Tata Asset Management Private Limited (TAMPL) launched India’s 1st tourism index fund, Tata Nifty India Tourism Index Fund. The New Fund Offer (NFO) for the scheme will be open for subscription on 8th July, 2024 till 19th July, 2024.
The scheme will reopen for continuous sale and repurchase on or before 29th July, 2024. This is the first domestic fund focused on the tourism theme.
The fund will be managed by Kapil Menon, a Fund Manager-Equities at Tata Asset Management Private Limited.
It is an open-ended index fund which will monitor the Nifty India Tourism Index, which consists 17 companies (as of 21st June, 2024) operational in the tourism sector, with a maximum stock level capping limit of 20% in the index.
Name the Indian Businesswoman, who has been recently (in July 2024) honoured with France’s highest civilian Award – the “Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur” (Knight of the Legion of Honour).
1) Roshni Nadar Malhotra
2) Sudha Murty
3) Falguni Nayar
4) Isha Ambani
5) Savitri Jindal
Answer-1) Roshni Nadar Malhotra
Explanation:
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies Limited (HCLTech), Indian multinational information technology (IT) consulting company, has been honoured with France’s highest civilian Award – the “Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur” (Knight of the Legion of Honour).
The award recognises her contributions to the business; her efforts to strengthen economic ties between France and India; and her commitment to social and environmental causes.
Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India presented the award on behalf of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, at a ceremony held at the Residence of France in Delhi.
