June CA AFc Flashcards

Question

*Which bank/association has recently (in June ‘24) launched a website named ‘Bank Clinic‘ to guide retail customers about their rights and remedies?* 1) Indian Banks’ Association 2) State Bank of India 3) Indian Overseas Bank 4) All India Bank Employees Association 5) Indian Bank

Answer 1

*Answer-4) All India Bank Employees Association Explanation:* All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), the oldest and largest trade union of bank employees, launched a ‘Bank Clinic‘, an exclusive website, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a complaint redressal platform to guide retail customers about their rights and remedies. • This website is dedicated to promoting financial literacy. It provides customers with information, knowledge, and guidance on policies governing services.

Answer 2

*Answer-4) Singapore Explanation:* According to the latest data released by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India (GoI), India received the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Singapore in FY24 (2023-24) despite FDI equity inflows into the country decreased by about 3.5% in FY24, from USD 46.03 billion (FY23)to USD 44.42 billion(FY24) due to global economic uncertainties. • Though Singapore emerged as the biggest investor in India, FDI from Singapore decreased by around 32% to USD 11.77 billion in FY24. • Mauritius emerged as the 2nd biggest investor in India, with investment of USD 7.97 billion in FY24, followed by United States of America (U.S.A.)(USD 4.99 billion), Netherlands (USD 4.93 billion), Japan (USD 3.17 billion), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (USD 2.9 billion), Germany (USD 505 million), and Cayman Islands (USD 342 million). • India received the highest ever FDI inflows of USD 84.83 billion in FY22 (2021-22).Click here to read more

Answer 3

*Answer-4) Gautam Adani Explanation:* According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Gautam Adani, the Founder and Chairman of the Adani Group is now ranked the 11th richest globally, with a net worth of USD 111 billion. With this, he has reclaimed the title of Asia’s richest person after a surge in the stock prices of his conglomerate’s companies. • This surge enabled him to overtake Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), who ranked 12th with a net worth of USD 109 billion. • According to the index, Bernard Arnault of France ranked 1st, followed by Elon Musk (2nd) and Jeff Bezos (3rd) of the United States (US).

Answer 4

*Answer-3) Ruchira Kamboj Explanation:* On 1st June 2024, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s first Woman Permanent Representative(PR) to the United Nations (UN), retired after over 35 years of distinguished service. • She served as India’s PR to the UN in New York,the United States of America(USA) from August 2022 to June 2024. • Ruchira Kamboj is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer of the 1987 batch. She started her diplomatic career as the 3rd Secretary in India’s Embassy to France(1989 to 1991). • She has served as the Deputy Head of the Office of the Secretary-General at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London(the United Kingdom) and as India’s Chief of Protocol from 2011 to 2014. She was the first and only woman to hold this position.

Answer 5

*Answer-5) Halla Tomasdottir Explanation:* Icelandic businessperson, Halla Tómasdóttir, an Independent Candidate, has became the 7th President of Iceland by winning the 2024 presidential election with 34.3% of the votes. Halla Tomasdottir take over as President of Iceland on 1st August 2024. • She will succeed Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, who has been serving as the 6th President of Iceland since 2016. • She will become the 2nd Woman President of Iceland after Vigdis Finnbogadottir, who was the first woman in the world to be democratically elected as president in 1980.

Answer 6

*Answer-3) Dinesh Karthik Explanation:* India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on June 1,2024 after playing for India for 20 years. • The Tamil Nadu cricketer has represented India in 180 games across three formats in which he scored 3463 runs with a lone Test hundred and 17 half-centuries. He also has 172 dismissals in his name along with a total of 151 catches and 21 stumpings. • Karthik scored 1,752 runs and nine half-centuries in 94 ODI matches. In Tests, he achieved a score of 1,025 runs in 26 Tests. In T20Is, he scored 686 runs in 60 games.

Answer 7

*Answer-3) June 2 Explanation:* International Sex Workers’ Day, also known as International Whores’ Day is annually observed across the globe on 2 June to recognise and honour sex workers globally and raise awareness about the issues sex workers face and about their exploited working conditions. • Each year, International Sex Workers’ Day is commemorated by the Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP), focusing on the theme, “Access to Justice.” • Since 1975, the 2nd June of every year is commemorated as the International Sex Workers’ Day in Europe and worldwide.Click here to read more

Answer 8

*Answer-3) National Book Trust Explanation:* The Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India (GoI) has signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Book Trust (NBT) to create an institutional framework for Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, a Digital Library Platform. • This collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility of non-academic books for children and adolescents across India. • The Rashtriya E-Pustakalaya aims to resolve the ‘last mile’ accessibility issue for many states by offering over 10,000 books in more than 100 languages within the next 2-3 years.

Answer 9

*Answer-4) Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya Explanation:* Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) has signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Nokia Corporation, Plasser (India) Private Limited, and Jacobs Solutions Inc. to strengthen the partnership between industry and academia. • The MoU with Nokia will focus on collaboration with research in the domain of 5G/6G communications targeting air, land and sea transportation use cases including Standards development, Smart Factory/Automation, AI/ Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Labs. • Under this MoU, Plasser and GSV will collaborate in the field of research, teaching, and training of students to deepen their understanding on topics related to rail sector. • The MoU with Jacobs will enhance advancement in the field of research, teaching, and training activities pertaining to the transport, rail and semiconductor sectors.

Answer 10

*Answer-2) National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru Explanation:* The 77th World Health Assembly(WHA 77) was held in Geneva, Switzerland from 27th May to 1st June 2024. • The theme of 2024 WHA is “All for Health, Health for All”. • Bengaluru(Karnataka)-based National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) bagged the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024 by WHO. • WHA 77 unanimously adopted various amendments to the International Regulations 2005 (IHR 2005) based on 300 proposals made by member states after COVID-19 Pandemic. • India hosted a side event on Women, Children and Adolescent Health in partnership with Norway, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMCH) in Geneva, Switzerland. • WHO launched new Investment Round aiming to raise USD 7 billion of funds to support countries to tackle global challenges such as: climate change, displacement, poverty and inequality.Click here to read more

Answer 11

*Answer- 5) Saarthi 2.0 Explanation:* On 3rd June 2024, The Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched the “Saa₹thi” (SAARTHI) 2.0” mobile application on personal finance for investors. The app introduced a user-friendly interface with comprehensive tools which aims to simplify complex financial concepts. • The app includes financial calculators and has modules that explain Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, mutual funds, and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). i.SEBI has imposed a penalty of Rs 2.5 lakh on Samco Securities Limited, a SEBI-registered Stock Broker, for alleged discrepancies found in the customer onboarding process and not submitting data to the SEBI’s inspection team. ii. Around 24 online bond platforms formed an association named, the Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPP) Association of India, to represent the industry, promote retail participation in the domestic debt markets and interact with regulators.Aditi Mittal, Co-founder and Director, IndiaBonds, was appointed as the Chairman of the OBPP Association.

Answer 12

*Answer-3) ICICI Bank Explanation:* Adani One and ICICI Bank jointly launched India’s 1st co-branded credit cards with airport-linked benefits in collaboration with a card network Visa. The cards will be available in 2 variants, Adani One ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card and Adani One ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card. • This collaboration aims to offer customers rewards and benefits across the consumer network of the Adani Group while strengthening ICICI Bank’s credit card portfolio. • Benefits include premium lounge access, free air tickets, the Pranaam Meet & Greet service, discounts at duty-free outlets and airports, free movie tickets, and rewards on groceries, etc. • The cards also offer benefits such as buy one, get one on movie tickets, and a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, etc.

Answer 13

*Answer-4) Reserve Bank of India Explanation:* The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the planned auction of 10-year green bonds, as traders refused to pay the ‘greenium’. The cancellation to the absence of a “greenium,” indicates investors’ reluctance to accept lower yields. i.The cancellation of the green bond sale for 2024-25 marks the 1st instance of such an auction since the inception of green bond sales in January 2023. ii.The government plans to issue green bonds worth Rs 12,000 crore in the first half of the current financial year (2024-2025), diverging from the usual practice of issuing bonds in the 2nd half.

Answer 14

*Answer-4) EarthCARE Explanation:* On 29th May 2024, The European Space Agency (ESA) launched EarthCARE (Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer) satellite onboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the United States of America (USA). • EarthCARE, a joint venture between ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), will study how clouds and aerosols affect Earth’s climate. • It was designed and built by a consortium of more than 75 companies under Airbus as the prime contractor. • EarthCARE is designed to examine the role clouds and aerosols in reflecting incident solar radiation back out to space and trapping infrared radiation emitted from Earth’s surface. This data is crucial for understanding and mitigating climate change.

Answer 15

*Answer-3) Paraparatrechina neela Explanation:* Researchers have discovered a new ant species named Paraparatrechina neela in Arunachal Pradesh’s remote Siang Valley. The name neela, which signifies the colour blue in most Indian languages, was derived from its unique blue colouration. It is easily distinguishable from all known species of Paraparatrechina by its metallic-blue body. • This discovery marks the 1st new species of Paraparatrechina in 121 years. • The findings of the new species were published in the peer-reviewed journal ZooKeys. • Paraparatrechina is a genus of small ants, measuring 1–2 millimeters (mm) long, in the subfamily Formicinae. • P. neela has an opaque, metallic blue body with exceptions in antennae, mandibles, and legs.

Answer 16

*Answer-5) Claudia Sheinbaum Explanation:* On 3rd June 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo of the Morena party, has been elected as the first Female President of the United Mexican States (Mexico). She will succeed her political mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who has been serving as President of Mexico since 2018. • She will officially sworn-in as the President of Mexico for a 6-year term on 1st October 2024. • She will also become the 1st person of Jewish heritage to become the Head of State of Mexico. • Sheinbaum is also the 1st woman to win a general election in the United States of America(USA), Mexico or Canada.

Answer 17

*Answer-3) Chang’e-6 Explanation:* On 2nd June 2024, the China National Space Administration’s (CNSA) Chang’e-6 lunar probe made a soft landing on the moon’s far side to collect and return samples from the rarely explored far side of the moon, a first of its kind in human lunar exploration history. • Chang’e-6 with the support of the Queqiao-2 relay satellite landed in the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin, specifically the Apollo Basin crater. • China is the only country to achieve a soft landing on the far side of the moon and Chang’e 6 is a robotic, not crewed, mission. • On 4 June 2024, the ascender of the Chang’e-6 probe successfully lifted off from the lunar surface, carrying rock and soil samples collected from the moon’s far side. • A Chinese national flag was unfolded on the far side of the moon for the 1st time after sampling.Click here to read more

Answer 18

*Answer-3) Ministry of Defence Explanation:* The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to facilitate collaboration in operating a special Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) Cell. • Tele MANAS Cell, the National Telemental Health Helpline of MoHFW, is a pilot project for a period of two years at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune (Maharashtra). • Tele MANAS is the digital extension of the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), offering comprehensive, integrated, and inclusive 24/7 tele-mental health services. • This initiative provides toll-free number, 14416, in each State and Union Territory (UT) for easy access to mental health support.

Answer 19

*Answer-2) Justice Hima Kohli Explanation:* On May 31 2024, The Supreme Court of India (SC) re-constituted the Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC). Justice Hima Kohli has been appointed as Chairperson to head the committee. • The committee comprises a total of 12 members from various fields. • The appointments have been made by the chief Justice of India (CJI) Dr. DY Chandrachud in exercise of powers conferred by Clause 4(2) of the Gender Sensitisation & Sexual Harassment of Women at the SC of India (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Regulations, 2013. Click here to read more

Answer 20

*Answer-5) IIT Hyderabad Explanation:* The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad to collaborate on research and training. • The MoU aims to foster innovation and research in developing novel medical devices and addressing health issues specific to soldiers serving in varied terrains. • IIT Hyderabad, with its departments of Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, and Bioinformatics, will provide the necessary technical expertise to tackle the diverse medical challenges faced by the Armed Forces.

Answer 21

*Answer-3) Massachusetts Institute of Technology Explanation:* According to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Bombay, Mumbai (Maharashtra) and IIT Delhi, New Delhi (Delhi) are the only two Indian Institutes featured among the top 150 Universities on the ranking. • IIT-Bombay has retained its position as the best higher education Institute in India, with global ranking of 118th in the list. IIT Delhi has improved its rank from 197th (in 2024) to 150th position (in 2025). • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, the United States of America (USA) has topped the list globally for the 13th time (2012 and from 2014 to 2025). • MIT is followed by Imperial College London, the United Kingdom (UK) at the 2nd position and The University of Oxford (UK) and Harvard University (USA) at 3rd and 4th position respectively. • Delhi based Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), formerly known as Indraprastha University (IP university or IPU), has bagged the prestigious “Rising Star” award from the QS World Ranking.

Answer 22

*Answer-2) Geneva, Switzerland Explanation:* i.India participated in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS +20) Forum High-Level Event 2024 held in Geneva, Switzerland from 27th to 31st May 2024. • This marks the 20 years of progress made in the implementation of the outcomes of the WSIS. ii. India also participated in the “AI for Good” Global Summit held at the International Conference Center Geneva (CICG), Geneva, Switzerland from 30th to 31st May 2024. • The summit was organised by ITU in partnership with 40 UN sister agencies and co-convened with the government of Switzerland. • During the Summit, India officially took over the baton of hosting the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2024 (WTSA-24) in New Delhi, Delhi from 15th to 24th October 2024.Click here to read more

Answer 23

*Answer-3) 4.9% Explanation:* According to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO), World Employment and Social Outlook: May 2024 Update, the global unemployment is projected at 4.9% in 2024, slightly lower than the 5.0% in 2023, contrary to the prior projection (World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2024 report) of 5.2%. • The downward trend in joblessness is anticipated to stabilise in 2025, with unemployment persisting at 4.9%. • The ‘jobs gap‘ in 2024 is estimated at 402 million individuals, encompassing 183 million classified as unemployed. • Informal employment has risen from 1.7 billion in 2005 to 2.0 billion in 2024, slowing progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). • Globally, only 45.6% of working-age women are employed in 2024, compared to 69.2% of men.

Answer 24

*Answer-2) Punjab National Bank Explanation:* Punjab National Bank (PNB) and India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide long-term financial assistance for viable infrastructure projects. • The MoU was signed in the presence of Atul Kumar Goel, Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO of PNB, and Padmanabhan Raja Jaishankar, MD of IIFCL. • Under this MoU, the parties can mutually participate through a consortium or multiple lending arrangements, ensuring financial support for prospective borrowers after due diligence.

Answer 25

*Answer- 3) The Netherlands Explanation:* As per the data of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), the Netherlands emerged as the third largest export destination in FY24 after the United States of America (USA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). • India’s exports to the Netherlands increased by 3.5% to USD 22.36 billion in FY24 as compared to USD 21.61 billion in FY23. • In FY24, the bilateral trade between India and the Netherlands fell slightly to USD 27.34 billion, compared to USD 27.58 billion in FY23. • India’s trade surplus with the Netherlands has increased to USD 17.4 billion in FY24 from USD 13 billion in FY23. • During FY24, India received about USD 5 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the Netherlands.

Answer 26

*Answer-1) Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Explanation:* Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah was officially sworn in as the Crown Prince of Kuwait before the Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah(head of state of Kuwait). • The sworn-in ceremony was held following an Emiri order which formally nominated Sheikh Sabah as the Crown Prince of Kuwait. • This nomination also marks the first time a Kuwaiti crown prince is named whose father had not ruled as emir.

Answer 27

*Answer-2) June 5 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN) World Environment Day (WED) is annually observed across the globe on 5 June to emphasise the critical importance of environmental protection and health. • The WED event has been led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the specialised UN agency on environmental issues, since 1973. • The 2024 theme of the WED campaign is, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience” under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.” Host: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the global host of World Environment Day 2024. • The Republic of Korea will host WED 2025 with a focus on ending plastic pollution globally.Click here to read more

Answer 28

*Answer-3) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Explanation:* Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), an autonomous society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day on 5th June 2024 at a special event held in New Delhi, Delhi). • The foundation day event was held under the theme “Positioning Bharat as a Tech Product Nation”. • STPI launched two new web portals, SayujNet, a networking and resource discovery platform, and STPI-Workspace, an STPI Workspace portal. • STPI also announced its new initiative under the brand name “Ananta Krishnan, Secretary (MeitY) released the DeepTech Knowledge Report on “Cutting-Edge Tech Forging India a Software Product Nation”.

Answer 29

*Answer-5) Air-Pravah Explanation:* On the occasion of World Environment Day 2024 (5th June 2024), S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), inaugurated the Indigenous Air Quality Monitoring System (AQ-AIMS) during the event held in New Delhi, Delhi. • He also launched the mobile application “Air-Pravah” for real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring. • The AQ-AIMS and Air-Pravah were developed under MeitY-supported technologies. The government of India (GoI) has designated Bihar’s Nagi Bird Sanctuary and Nakti Bird Sanctuary as wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar convention, taking the total number of RAMSAR sites in India to 82.click here to read more

Answer 30

*Answer-2) Defence Accounts Department Explanation:* The Defence Accounts Department (DAD) of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with four banks to onboard them as System for Pension Administration – Raksha (SPARSH) service centres across 1,128 branches of these banks in India. • The four banks were the Bank of India (BOI), Canara Bank, Central Bank of India (CBI) and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Limited (USFBL). • The SPARSH is a web-based system for processing pension claims and crediting the pension directly into the bank accounts of defence pensioners without any external intermediary.

Answer 31

*Answer-4) Foreign Portfolio Investors Explanation:* On 5th June 2024, The Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a Master Circular for Foreign Portfolio Investors(FPIs), Designated Depository Participants and Eligible Foreign Investors specifying the timelines for disclosure of material changes/events. • To relax the timeline of material changes by FPI, SEBI (FPIs) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, was notified on 3rd June 2024, amending the SEBI (FPIs) Regulations 2019. • SEBI categorised material changes notified by FPIs into 2 groups: Type I & Type II. • Type I includes changes that require FPIs to seek fresh registration, or which affect any privileges or exemptions available to such foreign investors. Type 1 material changes needs to be now informed within seven days and supported documents to be provided within 30 days. • Type II includes all other material changes and needs to be informed within 30 days with supporting documents if any.

Answer 32

*Answer-1) Peru Explanation:* NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has signed an agreement with the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCRP- Banco Central de Reserva del Perú) to introduce Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-like real-time payments system in Peru. • The collaboration makes Peru the first South American (SA) nation to adopt UPI technology. • This also mark’s NIPL’s second partnership with a central bank to deploy the UPI stack in the international market. • In May 2024, NIPL signed an agreement with the Bank of Namibia (BoN), the central bank of Namibia, to develop an instant payment system like UPI in Namibia(an African country)

Answer 33

*Answer-3) Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Limited Explanation:* Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Limited has launched a new theme, ‘Insure today for a safe tomorrow,’ to raise awareness about the importance of insurance in safeguarding against unforeseen risks. i.It offers a wide range of insurance products, including motor, health, personal accident, fire, and burglary insurance. It is dedicated to ensure comprehensive protection for individuals, assets, and businesses. ii.As part of an initiative called ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ Universal Sompo collaborated with Maruti Suzuki Insurance Broking Private Limited to spread insurance awareness in Andhra Pradesh (AP).

Answer 34

*Answer-2) DBS Bank Explanation:* Singapore-based DBS Bank Ltd (formerly known as Development Bank of Singapore Limited) retained its projection for India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at 7% for FY25 (2024-25). • It also projected India’s GDP growth to remain at 7% for Q1 (April to June 2024) of FY25. • GDP growth for Q4(January-March 2024) of FY24 increased to 7.8% year on year(yoy). This figure is revised from 8.6% yoy.

Answer 35

*Answer-1) 6.9% Explanation:* Foreign Brokerage Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., has raised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for the Calendar Year (CY) 2024, by 20 basis points (bps) to 6.9% from the earlier projection of 6.7%. • Goldman Sachs has projected India’s GDP growth at 6.8% for the current fiscal (FY2024-25). • Goldman Sachs expects the Central government to meet the 2024-25 fiscal deficit target of 5.1% of GDP from a higher-than-budgeted dividend from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Answer 36

*Answer-3) Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) Explanation:* The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has won the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society (UN’s WSIS) 2024 ‘Champion’ Award at the WSIS+20 Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. • The award was given for the project ‘Mobile-Enabled Disaster Resilience through Cell Broadcast Emergency Alerting’ which was recognised under Artificial Intelligence (AI), Category – 7 (C-7), E-environment, in the category of ‘Benefits in all aspects of life – E-environment’. • he WSIS+20 Forum 2024 is a High-Level Event which was conducted from 27th to 31st May 2024 by the International Telecom Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland. The AI for Good Global Summit was also organised along with WSIS, from 29th May to 31st May, 2024 at Geneva. • C-DOT demonstrated cutting-edge telecom solutions such as an ITU-Common Alerting Protocol (CAP)- based early warning alert system and cell broadcast technology for disaster management, as well as ASTR (AI and Facial Recognition-powered Solution for Telecom SIM subscriber verification) for detecting Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) used in cyber fraud.

Answer 37

*Answer-2) June 6 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN)’s Russian Language Day is annually observed across the globe on 6th June to highlight the significance of the Russian language as a symbol of national identity and cultural heritage and honour the richness and beauty of the Russian language. • The day marks the birth anniversary of the great Russian poet, novelist, and playwright Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin (1799 to 1837), the father of modern Russian literature. • 6th June 2024 marks the 225th birth anniversary of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin.Click here to read more

Answer 38

*Answer-3) Ministry of Mines Explanation:* The Ministry of Mines (MoM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Tuberculosis (TB) Division of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) for collaborative and convergent action towards elimination of TB in India by 2025. • This partnership aims for collaborative field actions like webinars and other awareness-building initiatives under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) by engaging the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), attached offices, subordinate offices and autonomous bodies of the MoM.

Answer 39

*Answer-3) USD 97 trillion Explanation:* According to the United Nations (UN) assessment report, “ A World of Debt 2024: A Growing Burden to Global Prosperity,” the global public debt (both domestic and external borrowing by governments) has reached USD 97 trillion in 2023, an increase of USD 5.6 trillion compared to 2022. • Developing countries account for 30% of the total global debt, with their debt growth rate doubling that of developed nations. • The report was prepared by the Global Crisis Response Group technical team at the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), under the leadership of Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. • Developing nations paid USD 847 billion in net interest in 2023, a 26% increase from 2021. • 3.3 billion people live in countries where interest payments exceed education or health spending.Click here to read more

Answer 40

*Answer-4) Slovakia Explanation:* On 30th May 2024, Peru and Slovakia officially became the 41st and 42nd nation to sign the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s ‘Artemis Accords’ • The Artemis Accords was jointly launched by NASA and US Department of State in 2020 with an aim of advancing bilateral and multilateral space cooperation between the signatories. • It was formally signed on 13th October 2020 by eight founding countries: Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States of America (USA). • On 19th April 2024, Slovenia became the 39th country to sign the Artemis Accords during a US-Slovenia strategic dialogue in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Answer 41

*Answer-3) Biopharmaceutical Explanation:* India, South Korea, Japan, the United States of America (USA), and the European Union (EU) launched an alliance to put joint efforts to build a resilient supply chain in the Biopharmaceutical sector. • The inaugural meeting of the Biopharmaceutical Alliance, took place in San Diego, California, the USA during the BIO International Convention 2024, the world’s largest Biopharmaceutical exhibition held from 3rd to 6th June 2024. • The representatives and government officials from India, South Korea, the USA, Japan and the EU attended the inaugural meeting.

Answer 42

*Answer-2) Oleg Dmitriyevich Kononenko Explanation:* Oleg Dmitriyevich Kononenko, a Russian Cosmonaut has become the first person to spend 1,000 Cumulative days in space. He currently works at the International Space Station (ISS). • His current trip to the ISS began on September 15 2023, when he launched alongside National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut Loral O’Hara and compatriot Nikolai Chub. • He first took the cumulative space time record in February 2024, when he surpassed the total of 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds set by fellow Russian Gennady Padalka in 2015. • If Kononenko’s mission ends as scheduled September 23 2024, he will have spent a total of 1,110 days in orbit.

Answer 43

*Answer-3) Securities and Exchange Board of India Explanation:* On 6th June 2024, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced a framework for Financial Disincentives For Surveillance Related Lapses (FDSRL) for Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) including stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories in case of surveillance-related lapses in stock markets. • The framework has a provision to impose penalty on MIIs from 1 lakh to Rs 1 crore for each instance of surveillance related lapse during the Financial Year. • The framework will come into effect from 1st July 2024. • The financial disincentives for surveillance –related lapses are decided based on total annual revenue of MIIs and the number of lapses in a Financial Year. • In case of imposition of penalty, the concerned MII is required to deposit the penalty within the 15 days to the Investor Protection and Education Fund (IPEF) of SEBI.

Answer 44

*Answer-4) PhonePe Explanation:* PhonePe, a leading Fintech firm has partnered with PickMe, Sri Lankan ride-hailing platform to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based payments for Indian travellers in Sri Lanka. • PickMe aims to reduce stress for Indian visitors to Sri Lanka by incorporating PhonePe’s UPI-based Quick Response (QR) payment method into their platform. • In May 2024, PhonePe also partnered with LankaPay to enable UPI payments in Sri Lanka and in April 2024, PhonePe inked a pact with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to enable UPI payments for Indian visitors in Singapore.

Answer 45

*Answer-2) Sameer Bansal Explanation:* PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited, a private life insurer has appointed Sameer Bansal as its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will take charge of the post with effect from July 1 2024. • He succeeds Ashish Srivastava, who has been appointed as MD for New York based MetLife Inc.’s Global Shared Services team in India.

Answer 46

*Answer-5) TRISHNA Explanation:* On the occasion of World Environment Day 2024 (5th June), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the details of Mission TRISHNA (Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-Resolution Natural Resource Assessment), a collaborative endeavour with CNES (Centre national d’études spatiales), French space agency. • TRISHNA is a dedicated satellite to monitor Earth’s surface temperatures and mitigate climate change. • The mission, set to be launched in 2025, is designed for a 5-year operational life. • TRISHNA satellite will be equipped with the two primary payloads: Thermal Infra-Red (TIR) and Visible-Near Infra-Red-Short Wave Infra-Red (VNIR-SWIR).

Answer 47

*Answer- 4) Sunil Chhetri Explanation:* On 6th June 2024, Sunil Chhetri(39 years old), legendary Indian Footballer and the captain of the Indian National football Team(nicknamed “the Blue Tigers”) since 2012, retired from international football, after India’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Kuwait. • He ended his 19 year long career representing India with 151 appearances and 94 goals. • With 94 international goals, Sunil Chhetri is the 4-highest goal-scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo(128), Iran’s etired Ali Daei(108) and Lionel Messi(106). • He holds the record as the first Indian player to play in three continents(Asia; America and Europe.

Answer 48

*Answer-2) Visakhapatnam Container Terminal Private Limited Explanation:* According to the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2023, Visakhapatnam Container Terminal Private Limited (VCTPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of JM Baxi Ports & Logistics , in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), is the only Indian Port to be featured into the Top 20 rankings. • VCTPL has overall secured 19th position in the CPPI rankings. • While, Mundra Port, India’s largest Private Port (in Gujarat) was ranked at 27th position, owned by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ). • As per the CPPI 2023, Yangchan Port (China) and Port of Salaah (Oman) ranked at 1st and 2nd position respectively. Both ports retained their previous rankings of 2022. • Only 4 Indian Ports made into Top 50: VCPTL, Mundra Port, Pipavav Port in Gujarat (ranked at 41st position), and Kamarajar Port in Chennai (ranked at 47th position).Click here to read more

Answer 49

*Answer-4) 7.2% Explanation:* The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on June 5 -7, 2024 and released its second Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy of Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) which raised India’s real Gross Domestic Product growth forecast from 7% to 7.2% for FY25. RBI’s Policy Rates : Category Rate Policy Repo Rate 6.5% Fixed Reverse Repo Rate 3.35% Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)Rate 6.25% Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate 6.75% Bank Rate 6.75% Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 4.50% Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 18% • RBI has projected the real GDP for Q1 at 7.3%, Q2 at 7.2%, Q3 at 7.3% and Q4 at 7.2%. • The repo rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) was kept unchanged at 6.50% for the 8th consecutive time. • Consumer Price Index (CPI) or retail inflation for 2024-25 is projected at 4.5 % with Q1 at 4.9%, Q2 at 3.8%, Q3 at 4.6% and Q4 at 4.5%. • RBI’s report showed that India’s forex reserves jumped USD 4.837 billion to a new all-time high of USD 651.51 billion for the week ended May 31,2024. • RBI has announced the inclusion of auto replenishment facility of FASTag, National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) and United Payments Interface (UPI) Lite wallet balances under the e-mandate facility.Click here to read more

Answer 50

*Answer-4) Philemon Yang Explanation:* The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) elected Ambassador Philemon Yang, former Prime Minister (PM) of Cameroon by acclamation, as President for its 79th session starting on 10 September 2024. • He will succeed Ambassador Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the President of the 78th Session of the UNGA. • The theme for the 79th session of the UNGA is “Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for everyone everywhere”. • The UNGA elected Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for 2-year terms starting on 1 January 2025 and serving till 31 December 2026. Click here to read more

Answer 51

*Answer-5) Kamal Kishore Soan Explanation:* On 31st May 2024, Kamal Kishore Soan, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS)officer assumed the additional charge of Director General (DG) of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India (GoI). · He is also serving as an Additional Secretary and Director General (DG), Labour Welfare in the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Answer 52

*Answer-2) Magnus Carlsen Explanation:* Norwegian Grandmaster (GM) Magnus Carlsen (World No.1) won the 2024 Norway Chess Title beating Fabiano Caruana of the United States of America (USA) in the final round Armageddon tie-breaker. This marks Carlsen’s 6th Norway Chess Title. · Hikaru Nakamura (USA) secured the 2nd spot with 15.5 points despite losing to Indian GM R.Praggnanandhaa, who concluded third with 14.5 points. · Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun (China) won the Women’s Norway Chess title defeating Lei Tingjie (China). · The 12th edition of the Norway Chess super-tournament was held from May 27 to June 7 2024 in Stavanger, Norway.

Answer 53

*Answer-2) Max Verstappen Explanation:* Dutch-Belgian racing driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the Formula 1 (F1) Canadian Grand Prix 2043 (AWS GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2024) title, the 9th round of the 2024 F1 championships at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. • McLaren’s Lando Norris finished second, and Mercedes’s George Russell finished third in the Canadian Grand Prix 2023. • It marks Verstappen’s third consecutive Canadian GP title, previously he won it in 2022 & 2023. • The victory marks Verstappen’s 60th Formula 1 win and his sixth in nine races this season • George Russell achieved Mercedes’s first Grand Prix podium finish for the Formula 1 season 2024.

Answer 54

*Answer-1) 2016 Explanation:* Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, Padma Vibhushan awardee and Chairman of Ramoji Group, passed away at 87 due to prolonged illness. • Rao was honoured with Padma Vibhushan, the 2nd highest civilian honour of India, in 2016 for his contributions to journalism, literature, and education. • He had received National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu(Producer) for ‘Nuvve Kavali’. • He was born on November 16, 1936, in Pedaparupudi, Madras presidency (Present day Andhra Pradesh).

Answer 55

*Answer-5) June 8 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN) World Oceans Day 2024 was observed across the globe on 8 June to raise awareness about the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a global movement for ocean conservation, and unite the world’s population for sustainable ocean management. • World Oceans Day 2024 was hosted by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs (DOALOS) of the UN, in partnership with the non-profit organisation Oceanic Global. • World Oceans Day 2024 was celebrated under the theme “Awaken New Depths.” • The 1st ever World Oceans Day was observed on 8 June 2009. Click here to read more

Answer 56

*Answer- 3) June 8 Explanation:* World Brain Tumor Day is annually observed across the globe on 8 June to raise awareness about brain tumours and their impact on patients and families, the significance of early detection and timely treatment, and to advocate for improved patient care. A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or around it. These growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). · The theme for World Brain Tumor Day 2024 is “Brain Health and Prevention“. · The Grey Ribbon is the official symbol for Brain Tumours and Brain Cancers.Click here to read more

Answer 57

*Answer-2) Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Explanation:* Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), a leading Indian shipyard has set to build a new research vessel for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with a deal of approximately Rs 500 Crore. · After submitting the Lowest Proposal (L1), GRSE was chosen to build the DRDO research vessel. It highlights GRSE’s competitiveness in the shipbuilding industry and its ability to deliver cost-effective solutions.

Answer 58

*Answer- 4) 18th Explanation:* On 9th June 2024, Narendra Modi(73-year-old), leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), was sworn in as the Prime Minister(PM) of India for the third consecutive term. · Droupadi Murmu, President of India, administered the oath of office to PM Modi, along with 71 ministers, at a grand ceremony on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, Delhi. · BJP-led National Democratic Alliance(NDA) won the 2024 Lok Sabha general election with 293 seats, a much lower margin than predicted by exit polls. The opposition won a total of 234 seats out of 543. · The new cabinet includes 30 Cabinet Ministers, 5 Ministers of State (MoS) with independent charge and 36 Ministers of State. · PM Narendra Modi is only the second Indian PM after Jawaharlal Nehru to retain power for a 3rd five-year term.Click here to read more

Answer 59

*Answer-3) Anamika B. Rajeev Explanation:* Sub-Lieutenant Anamika B. Rajeev became the first woman helicopter pilot in the Indian Navy after she joined the ranks of a pilot for the Indian Navy helicopters. · Lieutenant Jamyang Tsewang, the first Commissioned Naval Officer from the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, also graduated as a qualified helicopter pilot. · Anamika and Jamyang are among 21 officers awarded the Golden Wings at the passing out parade, which took place on June 7 2024 at a naval air station Indian Navy Ship (INS) Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu (TN).

Answer 60

*Answer-1) BRICS Explanation:* On 10th June 2024, India participated in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Foreign Ministers meeting hosted by Russia, the current chair of BRICS, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. The meeting was chaired by Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister, Russia. · The Indian delegation at the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting was led by Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). · This also mark’s India’s first Foreign policy assignment under the historic 3rd consecutive term of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi. · This is the 1st foreign ministers meeting since the expansion of BRICS in 2023.

Answer 61

*Answer-2) USD 2 trillion Explanation:* According to the annual report “World Energy Investment Report 2024” released by the International Energy Agency (IEA), global investment in clean energy technology and infrastructure is expected to achieve USD 2 trillion in 2024 which is twice the amount going to fossil fuels. • The report projected that total energy investment will breach the mark of USD 3 trillion for the 1st time in 2024. • The investment in solar PV is expected to increase to USD 500 billion in2024 due to decrease in module prices which will further give boost to new investments. • China with an estimated investment of USD 675 billion will account for the largest share of clean energy investment in 2024.Click here to read more

Answer 62

*Answer-3) Abhaya Prasad Hota Explanation:* The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has formed a committee under the chairmanship of Abhaya Prasad Hota, former Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). · The committee is formed to examine various aspects related to the setting up a digital public infrastructure for Digital Payments Intelligence platform which is proposed by RBI. • The proposed Digital Payments Intelligence platform will be equipped with advanced technologies that can help to reduce payment fraud risks.

Answer 63

*Answer-1) Prem Singh Tamang Explanation:* On 10th June 2024, Prem Singh Tamang, President of Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), took oath as the Chief Minister (CM) of Sikkim for the second consecutive term. He has been serving as the 6th CM of Sikkim since 2019. · Lakshman Prasad Acharya, the Governor of Sikkim administered the oath of office and secrecy to Prem Singh Tamang and his Council of Ministers during the swearing-in ceremony held at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, Sikkim. · Sikkim Krantikari Morcha won the 2024 Sikkim assembly elections by 31 out of the 32 seats while the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) secured only one seat.

Answer 64

*Answer-4) Vidyut Rakshak Explanation:* The Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) of the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has launched ‘Vidyut Rakshak’ and was developed by Major Rajprasad R S of the Army Design Bureau (ADB). The launch event encompassed the roll-out of the first production units of Vidyut Rakshak. • Vidyut Rakshak is an Internet of Things (IOT) enabled integrated generator monitoring, protection and control system. • The Indian Army is observing 2024 as the ‘Year of Tech Absorption’, where the Vidyut Rakshak from ‘innovation to induction’ signifies the Indian Army’s commitment and efforts to leverage technology as a catalyst for transformative change.

Answer 65

*Answer-3) June 9 Explanation:* International Archives Day (IAD) is annually observed across the globe on 9 June to raise awareness among the public about the significance of records and archives. The date also commemorates the founding of the International Council on Archives (ICA) in 1948, under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris, France. · 9th June 2024 marks the observance of the 76th anniversary of the ICA. · The 1st ever IAD was observed on 9 June 2008, coinciding with the 60th Anniversary of ICA. · 2024 marked the 6th International Archives Week (IAW) and was observed from 3-9 June 2024 under the theme “#CyberArchives”. · Archives are the documentary by-products of human activity retained for their long-term value.

Answer 66

*Answer-5) Starship Explanation:* Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)’s Starship, the world’s most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, completed its 1st full test flight returning to Earth followed by a soft splashdown of the booster in the Gulf of Mexico and the spacecraft in the Indian Ocean. · Starship was launched on 6th June 2024 from Starbase in Texas, the United States of America (USA). This marks the fourth integrated test flight (IFT-4) of Starship. · SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket are collectively referred to as “Starship”. Starship represents a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo

Answer 67

*Answer-5) June 6 Explanation:* The International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) is annually observed across the globe on 6th June to raise public awareness about the risks at level crossings and improve safety at railway crossings globally. · The ILCAD campaign is widely followed by the world’s railway community and is a key event for those involved in the sector. · 6th June 2024 marked the observance of the 16th annual ILCAD. · The 2024 ILCAD campaign emphasised the safety of vulnerable people, with the slogan: “Beware of trains. Life can change in a split second”.

Answer 68

*Answer-2) State Bank of India Explanation:* On 11th June 2024, India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a new “SME Digital Business Loans” product to cater the credit requirements of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector. • The new product will enable SBI to sanction the loan requests from MSMEs within 45 minutes. • SBI has waived the requirement for financial statements for loans up to Rs 50 lakh. It will rely on transaction history and GST returns for appraisal. The State Bank of India (SBI) has partnered with 23 Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) or Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) to expand its reach to the unserved and under-served segments in India. Click here to read more

Answer 69

*Answer-4) offshore funds Explanation:* The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced new regulations which allowed listed Indian companies and resident individuals to invest in offshore funds that are regulated through their fund managers. • RBI issued these directions under Section 10(4) and Section 11 (1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999(FEMA Act) (42 of 1999). • RBI has made certain amendments regarding Overseas Portfolio Investments (OPIs).Therefore, amended the Foreign Exchange Management (Overseas Investment) Directions, 2022. • Earlier, Overseas Portfolio Investment (OPI) was allowed only if the “funds” were regulated in their home jurisdiction and the investments were in ‘units’ of the funds.

Answer 70

*Answer-5) World Bank Explanation:* According to the World Bank’s biannual report titled “Global Economic Prospects (GEP) – June 2024”, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection for FY25 (2024-2025) was revised from 6.4% (projected in January 2024) to 6.6%. • It has also revised India’s GDP growth by 20 basis points (bps) each to 6.7% and 6.8% for FY26 (2025-26) and FY27 (2026-27) respectively. • The report estimated that global growth will remain stable at 2.6% in FY25. • The global growth is expected to marginally increase to 2.7% in FY26 and remain the same for FY27.

Answer 71

*Answer-2) Adani Defence and Aerospace Explanation:* Adani Defence and Aerospace, defence subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) signed a cooperation agreement with EDGE Group, one of the leading advanced technology and defence groups in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). • It aims to establish an international platform leveraging the defence and aerospace capabilities of both companies to combine their expertise in missiles, weapons, unmanned platforms etc. and to meet the requirements of global and local customers. • The agreement will also explore the option to set up a Research & Development (R&D) facilities in India and the UAE.

Answer 72

*Answer-1) Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad Explanation:* The Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad(IIT-H), Telangana, and Renesas Electronics Corporation, Japan’s leading supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, have signed a 3-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for research and collaboration in Very-Large-Scale-Integration (VLSI) and embedded semiconductor systems. • This partnership aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem and support the “Make in India” objective. • The MoU aims to foster talent development to build a self-reliant semiconductor industry in India and enable Renesas to recruit talented employees from India.

Answer 73

*Answer-2) Nar Singh and Rohini Lokhande Explanation:* All India Tennis Association(AITA) has honoured Delhi-based Tennis coach Nar Singh with the prestigious Dilip Bose Award for Lifetime Achievement in Coaching. • AITA has introduced a new Lifetime Achievement Award for Women’s Coaches and presented the inaugural award to Rohini Lokhande of Pune, Maharashtra, one of India’s earliest women’s coaches. • The awards were presented during the 11th National coaches workshop which was held at the Poona Young Cricketers (PYC) Hindu Gymkhana in Pune, Maharashtra on June 7th-8th 2024. • The AITA instituted a Dilip Bose Lifetime Achievement Award 2002 in honour of Dilip Bose, a renowned Indian tennis player. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 50,000.

Answer 74

*Answer-4) AXISCADES Technologies Limited Explanation:* On 10th June 2024, The Indian Army received indigenously developed first-of-its-kind Man Portable Counter Drone System (MPCDS). It is designed and manufactured by Bengaluru based AXISCADES Technologies Limited under the agreement worth Rs 100 crore from the Indian Army. • It is capable to detect and jam different types of drones within a range of up to 5 Kilometres (Kms). • It covers wide range of frequency spectrums such as: Command & Control and Navigation.

Answer 75

*Answer-3) Carlos Alcaraz Explanation:* Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz(21 years old) won the Men’s singles title at the French Open 2024 (also known as Roland-Garros) by defeating Alexander Zverev of Germany in the finals held at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. • World No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland won the Women’s singles title at the 2024 French Open defeating Jasmine Paolini of Italy. This marks her 4th French Open title and 5th Grand Slam title. • El Salvador’s Marcelo Arevalo and Croatia’s Mate Pavic secured the Men’s Doubles title after defeating Italian pair Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori. This is the first Grand Slam title of the pair. • Coco Gauff (The United States of America-USA) and Katerina Siniakova (Czech Republic) won the French Open’s women’s doubles title by defeating the Italian pair Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani. • Germany’s Laura Siegemund and France’s Edouard Roger-Vasselin won the mixed doubles title after defeating the two-time Wimbledon Champions Desirae Krawczyk (USA) and Neal Skupski (Britain).Click here to read more

Answer 76

*Answer-1) Sarabjot Singh Explanation:* India won 2 medals (1 gold and 1 bronze) and finished 3rd on the medal tally of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup 2024 (Rifle/Pistol) held from 31st May to 8th June 2024 in Munich, Germany. • Indian shooter Sarabjot Singh won the gold medal in the men’s 10m air pistol category and Indian shooter Sift Kaur Samra won a bronze medal in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions category. • China topped the medal tally with 11 medals (4 gold, 4 Silver and 3 Bronze) followed by Norway at 2nd place with 3 medals (1 gold, 1 silver and 1 Bronze) and India and France at 3rd place with 2 medals each.

Answer 77

*Answer-3) June 12 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN) World Day Against Child Labour is annually observed across the globe on 12 June to increase awareness about the need to focus on the global extent of child labour and the efforts needed to eliminate it. • The 2024 theme of World Day Against Child Labour is, “Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!“ • The World Day Against Child Labour was launched in 2002 by the ILO, the only tripartite United Nations (UN) agency, devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognised human and labour rights. • The first-ever World Day Against Child Labour was observed on 12 June 2002. Click here to read more

Answer 78

*Answer-2) Iceland Explanation:* The World Economic Forum(WEF) released “Global Gender Gap Report 2024”, India ranks 129th among 146 countries in the 18th Global Gender Gap Index. Iceland has topped the 2024 Index followed by Finland and Norway in 2nd and 3rd positions respectively. New Zealand 4th and Sweden ranks 5th. According to the World Economic Forum(WEF)’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, India closed 64.1% of its gender gap in 2024 with a population of over 1.4 billion South Asia Economy Regional Rank Global Rank Score Bangladesh 1 99 0.689 Nepal 2 117 0.664 Sri Lanka 3 122 0.653 Bhutan 4 124 0.651 India 5 129 0.641 Maldives 6 132 0.633 Pakistan 7 145 0.570

Answer 79

*Answer-5) JIMEX Explanation:* Japan–India Maritime Exercise 2024 (JIMEX-24), the 8th edition of bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy (IN) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force(JMSDF), commenced at Yokosuka, Japan. The JIMEX-24 will be conducted in two phases: i.Harbour Phase ii.Sea Phase. IN is being represented by its indigenous Stealth Frigate Indian Naval Ship (INS) Shivalik. JMSDF is being represented by guided missile destroyer “JS Yugiri”. Other bilateral training exercises between India and Japan are (i) DHARMA Guardian– between Indian Army and Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF). (ii) Veer Guardian– between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF).

Answer 80

*Answer-3) Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company Limited Explanation:* Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company Limited (MOAMC) introduced Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund, India’s 1st index fund focused on defence stocks listed in India. The New Fund Offer (NFO) for the scheme will be open for subscription from 13th June, 2024 till 24th June 2024. The minimum application amount will be Rs500 with subsequent investments allowed in multiples of Re 1.

Answer 81

*Answer-3) Chandrababu Naidu Explanation:* On 12th June 2024, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, the President of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), officially sworn-in as the 18th Chief Minister (CM) of Andhra Pradesh (AP). He became the CM of AP for the 4th time and 2nd time after the bifurcation of AP in 2014. He succeeds Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, President of Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), who served as CM of AP from 2019 to 2024. Renowned Telugu actor and Janasena Party (JnP) President, Pawan Kalyan took oath as the Deputy CM of AP. S. Abdul Nazeer, the Governor of AP administered the oath of office and secrecy to N. Chandrababu Naidu and his 24 Council of Ministers during the swearing-in ceremony held at Kesarpalli IT Park in Gannavaram on the outskirts of Vijayawada district, AP.

Answer 82

*Answer-3) Harsh Pati Singhania Explanation:* Harsh Pati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of JK Paper Ltd and Director of JK Organisation, has been elected as the First Vice-Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) headquartered in Paris, France. Philippe Varin (France), a global industry leader, has been elected as Chair of the ICC. Philippe Varin succeeded Maria Fernanda Garza, who became the Honorary Chair of ICC. Shinta Kamdani (Indonesia) and Patrick Obath(Kenya) have been elected as Vice-Chairs of the ICC. The formal election was held during the annual meeting of the ICC World Council on 11 June 2024 in Paris. The ICC World Council elects ICC’s Chairmanship(including Chair, honorary chair, first vice chair and vice chair) and Secretary General, each of whom serves a three-year term.

Answer 83

*Answer-2) BlackRock Funding Explanation:* The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of Global Infrastructure Management, LLC(GIM) by BlackRock Funding, Inc. (BFI). Proposed Combination: BFI will acquire 100% of the limited liability company interests in GIM. The CCI also approves the acquisition of certain equity stakes of TVS Certified Private Limited (Target 1) and TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution Private Limited (Target 2) by Mitsubishi Corporation (Acquirer).

Answer 84

*Answer-1) LSAM 13 (YARD 81) Explanation:* On June 10 2024, The Indian Navy (IN) launched the Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, Landing Ship Ammunition(LSAM 13)(Yard 81), the fifth Barge of 08 x MCA Barge project, built by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Shipyard, M/s SECON Engineering Projects Private Limited (SEPPL), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP). The barge was launched at M/s Vinayaga Marine Petro Limited, Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra(the launch site of SEPPL). The contract for building 08 x MCA Barge was signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/s SEPPL on 19 February 2021 at Visakhapatnam, AP.

Answer 85

*Answer-2) India Explanation:* India will host the 14th edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025. The decision was taken by the Executive Board of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in Lausanne, Switzerland. The tournament will be played in December 2025. This will be the 1st time ever that a FIH Hockey Junior World Cup has 24 participating teams. India will host the tournament for the 4th time since 2013.

Answer 86

*Answer-2) Ravichandran Ashwin Explanation:* Renowned Indian international cricketer, Ravichandran Ashwin unveiled his autobiography titled, “I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story,” written by Ravichandran Ashwin with author Sidharth Monga, a sitcom screenplay writer, a wrestling booker, and a chef. The book with 200 Pages was published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI). The book highlights Ashwin’s journey from a cricket-loving child in Chennai to becoming one of India’s finest cricketers.

Answer 87

*Answer-4) June 13 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN)’s International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is annually observed across the globe on 13th June to create awareness about albinism, an inherited genetic condition that people are born with, and celebrate and advance the human rights of persons with albinism globally. 13th June 2024 marks the observance of the 10th IAAD. The theme of IAAD 2024 is “10 Years of IAAD: A Decade of collective progress” The first-ever International Albinism Awareness Day was observed on 13 June 2015.

Answer 88

*Answer- 4) NITI Aayog Explanation:* On 10th June 2024, National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) launched the “AIM-ICDK Water Challenge 4.0” and the 5th edition of “Innovations for You” under its flagship program, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). • It is the 4th edition of the open innovation water challenge. AIM developed this initiative in partnership with the Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) at the Royal Danish Embassy in India. • It aims to address the critical water-related challenges through innovative solutions. The Water Challenge encompasses the 5 S’s in the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark – Skills, Scale, Scope, Sustainability, and Speed. About 5th edition of Innovations for You: It is a coffee table book series which highlights the endeavours of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Entrepreneurs in India. It features 60 entrepreneurs from various parts of India, each contributing towards the betterment of society through sustainable solutions. • These startups focus primarily on areas like: recyclable and renewable materials, green energy, inclusive education, and advocacy for underrepresented communities and local artisans.

Answer 89

*Answer-1) Bank of Maharashtra Explanation:* Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) introduced MAHA-DOC scheme which is designed specifically to provide financial solutions for Doctors. • Under the scheme, medical professionals can avail loans up to Rs 25 crores. The scheme has provision to provide loans up to Rs 5 crore covered under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE). • Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) also provides Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Banking solutions in the form of various deposit accounts, namely Non-Resident External (NRE) , Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO), Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) and Resident Foreign Currency (RFC), each designed specifically to make NRI banking easier and reliable.

Answer 90

*Answer-1) 8% Explanation:* On 13th June 2024, The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) estimated India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 8% in 2024. It has underscored that policy interventions, specifically which aimed to improve the Ease of Doing of Business (EODB), have significantly contributed to strengthen the Indian Economy. • It also expected that inflation is more likely to be within the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s target range of 4 to 4.5% in 2024.

Answer 91

*Answer-1) UBS Securities India Pvt Ltd Explanation:* According to UBS Securities India Pvt Ltd, a stockbroker and merchant banking company, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to sustain a potential growth rate of 6.5% – 7% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) between FY 2025-26 (FY26) and FY 2029-30 (FY30). • In FY25, India is projected to grow at 7%, as post-pandemic recovery in the capital expenditure (capex) cycle, driven by government spending, and strong residential real estate demand.

Answer 92

*Answer-3) Apple Explanation:* According to the Kantar BrandZ, “2024 World’s Most Valuable Global Brands” report, 4 Indian companies namely, Tata Consultancy Service (TCS), HDFC Bank, Airtel and Infosys were featured among the top 100 most valuable global brands. • Apple retained its 1st position for the 3rd consecutive time and has also become the 1st global brand to surpass USD 1 trillion in value with total valuation of USD 1016 billion, followed by Google with valuation of USD 753.5 billion and Microsoft with valuation of USD 712.9 billion with global ranking of 2nd and 3rd position respectively. Four Indian Brands Featured in the List Global Rank Brand Name Value (in USD) 46th TCS 44.8 billion 47th HDFC Bank 43.3 billion 73rd Airtel 25.3 billion 74th Infosys 24.7 billion

Answer 93

*Answer-4) Securities and Exchange Board of India Explanation:* The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has been honoured with the ‘Best Conduct of Business Regulator‘ Award in the Asia Pacific by the Asian Banker for its focus on transparency, fairness, and investor protection in the securities markets in India. • Kamlesh Chandra Varshney, Whole Time Member of SEBI received the award at the ceremony held during the Asian Banker Summit 2024 held on 23 May 2024 in Hong Kong. The theme of the summit was “Bridging innovation and resilience in finance”.

Answer 94

*Answer-2) Pema Khandu Explanation:* On 13th June 2024, Pema Khandu of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was sworn in as the Chief Minister (CM) of Arunachal Pradesh (AR) for the 3rd consecutive term at a ceremony held at Dorjee Khandu Convention Hall in Itanagar, AR. He has been serving as the CM of AR since 2016 • Chowna Mein took oath as the deputy CM of AR. He has been serving as Dy CM since 2016. • The Oath was administered by Lt Gen (Retd) Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Governor of AR.

Answer 95

*Answer-1) Ajit Doval; PK Mishra Explanation:* The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the reappointment of Ajit Kumar Doval as the National Security Advisor (NSA) and Pramod Kumar (PK) Mishra as the Principal Secretary to Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister (PM) of India with effect from June 10 2024. • Ajit Doval has been serving as the NSA since 30 May 2014 and has been appointed three consecutive times for the post. • PK Mishra has been serving as the Principal Secretary to the PM since September 2019. • The ACC has also approved the appointment of Amit Khare and Tarun Kapoor, retired IAS officers as Advisors to the PM. They have been appointed in the rank and scale of Secretary to Government for a period of two years with effect from 10th June 2024 or until further orders.

Answer 96

*Answer-1) Nagastra-1 Explanation:* The Indian Army has received the first batch of Indigenous man-portable suicide drones also known as the 1st Indigenous Loitering Munition (LM), Nagastra–1, with the capability of precise strikes on enemy training camps and launch pads, minimising risks to soldiers. • Nagastra–1 is designed and developed by Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries Nagpur (Maharashtra), in association with Z-Motion, Bengaluru, Karnataka, with over 75% indigenous content. • Nagastra-1 is a fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), weighing 9 kilograms (kg), with an endurance of 60 minutes, a man-in-loop range of 15 kilometers (km), and an autonomous mode range of 30 km.

Answer 97

*Answer-2) Assam Explanation:* On 12th June 2024, The Chief Minister (CM) of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the new scheme Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina (MMNM) to promote girl education and to end child marriage in Assam. • The scheme is expected to cover around 1 million girl students and cost the exchequer Rs.300 crore in the first year and around Rs.1,500 crore over a five-year period. • The girl students enrolled in class of 11th and 12th, three year or four year degree graduation and Post Graduation or B.Ed degree will get Rs 1000, Rs 1200, and Rs 2500 per month respectively from the government.

Answer 98

*Answer-2) Dominican Republic Explanation:* India Meteorological Department(IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences(MoES), Government of India(GoI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Meteorological Office (Oficina Nacional de Meteorología – ONAMET) of the Dominican Republic. • The MoU aims to enhance technical capacities at ONAMET for better forecasting and monitoring of meteorological phenomena in the Dominican Republic.

Answer 99

*Answer-4) 176th Explanation:* According to the 2024 Environment Performance Index (EPI), India is ranked 176th out of 180 countries with an EPI score of 27.6, surpassing only Pakistan, Viet Nam, Laos, and Myanmar. • Estonia topps the 2024 EPI with an EPI score of 75.3 followed by Luxembourg and Germany at 2nd and 3rd spot. • Previously, India was ranked 180th in the EPI 2022 and 168th in the EPI 2020. • EPI is a biennial index released by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy and the Center for International Earth Science Information Network Earth Institute, Columbia University with support from The McCall MacBain Foundation. • EPI assesses countries based on UN Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), the Paris Agreement 2015, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 2022.Click here to read more

Answer 100

*Answer-1) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Explanation:* The report titled “Global Trends Forced Displacement in 2023” published by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR), states that the forced displacement has increased to 120 million by the end of April 2024. i.An estimated 117.3 million people remained forcibly displaced at the end of 2023. ii.The report discovered that the number of refugees who crossed international borders in 2023 has increased by 7% to 43.4 million. iii.Iran (3.8 million) hosts the largest refugee population followed by Türkiye (3.3 million), Colombia (2.9 million), Germany (2.6 million) and Pakistan (2 million). Click here to read more

Answer 101

*Answer-3) NEC Corporation India Private Limited Explanation:* The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) selected NEC Corporation India Private Limited (formerly known as NEC Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.) as System Integrator (SI) for a period of 6 years. It will play a pivotal role in digital transformation journey of PFRDA. • The company will act as SI for PFRDA- Tracking, Reporting, Analytics, and Compliance e-Platform (TRACE) as part of Technology Architecture (TARCH) project.

Answer 102

*Answer-4) Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa Explanation:* On 14th June 2024, The South African Parliament re-elected Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa(71 year old) as the President of the Republic of South Africa for 2nd term. He will be inaugurated on 19th June 2024. • Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of African National Congress (ANC) party, secured 283 votes in the 400 member house against Julius Malema, of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who received just 44 votes. • He became the President of South Africa for the 1st time in 2018, by replacing Jacob Zuma as both President and ANC Leader.

Answer 103

*Answer-4) Divya Deshmukh Explanation:* The International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Junior Chess Championships 2024 (for Open & Girls Under-20) was held at the GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 1st to 14th June 2024. • International Master (IM) Divya Deshmukh(18 years old) from India won the 2024 FIDE World Junior Chess Championships (Girls) title by defeating Bulgaria’s Beloslava Krasteva in the final round. • With this victory, Divya Deshmukh is ranked 20th on FIDE’s Standard Top 100 Women players. She is the youngest and 2nd U-20 player in the Top 20. • This marks India’s first World Junior title after a gap of 15 years. Divya, from Nagpur (Maharashtra), becomes the 4th Indian girl to win the Junior title after Koneru Humpy (2001), Dronavalli Harik (2008) and Soumya Swaminathan (2009). • IM Kazybek Nogerbek(20 years) from Kazakhstan won the 2024 FIDE World Junior Chess Championships (Open) title by defeating Mamikon Gharibyan of Armenia in the final round.

Answer 104

*Answer-1) June 15 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN) World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2024 was observed across the globe on 15 June to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation faced by older persons, while promoting respect and dignity for older persons. • The 2024 theme of WEAAD is, “Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies.” • The 1st ever UN WEAAD was observed on 15 June 2012. Click here to read more

Answer 105

*Answer-4) June 15 Explanation:* The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) annually celebrates ASEAN Dengue Day (ADD) on 15 June to raise awareness of Dengue, mobilise resources for its prevention and control at the regional and national level, and demonstrate the region’s commitment to tackling the disease. • ADD allows the ASEAN Member States (AMS) to foster measures preventing Dengue, in coordination with the World Health Organisation (WHO). • The first official ADD was observed on 15 June 2011.Click here to read more

Answer 106

*Answer-3) Orbit Connect India Explanation:* Orbit Connect India, a 51:49 Joint Venture (JV) between Reliance Industries’ Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) and Luxembourg-based satellite telecommunications company, SES has received 3 approvals from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for secured landing rights and market access to operate satellites above India. • The approvals granted to Orbit Connect India aim to provide satellite-based high-speed internet.

Answer 107

*Answer-1) Jupiter Money Explanation:* Jupiter Money, a neobanking FinTech Startup backed by Tiger Global and Peak XV, has received final approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) including prepaid cards and prepaid wallets. • This will enable Jupiter to offer its users with digital wallets linked to the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) applications.

Answer 108

*Answer-3) Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) Explanation:* Union Minister, C.R. Patil, Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) launched the Environmental flows (E-flows) Monitoring System to monitor the cleaning progress of river Ganga. It was launched during a programme when the Union Minister was reviewing the progress of the cleaning projects under the Namami Ganga Mission in New Delhi, Delhi. · It is developed by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) works under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, as part of the Aviral Ganga component. · This marks a major milestone towards ensuring the continuous and sustainable flow of the Ganga River. · It is an important part of the Platform for Real-time Analysis of Yamuna, Ganga and their tributaries (PRAYAG) portal which is a real-time monitoring centre for the planning and monitoring of projects, quality of river water, among others.

Answer 109

*Answer-3) 116th Explanation:* According to the 18th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2024 released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), India is ranked 116th out of 163 countries, climbing 10 positions from 2023. · The list is topped by Iceland since 2008 followed by Ireland(2nd), Austria(3rd), New Zealand(4th), and Singapore(5th). · Europe has been the most peaceful region in the world and is home to eight of the ten most peaceful countries since the start of the GPI. · The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remained the world’s least peaceful region with major crises in Yemen and Sudan becoming the reasons of its poor rating.Click here to read more

Answer 110

*Answer-2) World Health Organisation Explanation:* On 14th June 2024, The World Health Organisation (WHO) released its annual report titled “2023 Antibacterial agents in clinical and preclinical development: an overview and analysis”. The report evaluates the pipeline of antibacterial agents, including antibiotics, in clinical and preclinical development across the world. i.According to the report, 84% of antibacterial Research and Development (R&D) is mainly concentrated in high-income countries, with another 12% in upper –middle income countries including, China, Russia and South Africa which contributed 7%, 3% and 2% of agents respectively. ii.While, Lower-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) including India, contributed 4% of the total share of anti-bacterial agents in clinical development by location of research facilities. India contributed only 1% to the global antibacterial R&D. iii.As per the report, the number of antibacterial agents in the clinical pipeline, including antibiotics, increased from 80 (in 2021) to 97 (in 2023) worldwide. Click here to read more

Answer 111

*Answer-4) Bhutan Explanation:* Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group, met with Dasho Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister (PM) of Bhutan and announced the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) for a 570 Megawatt (MW) green hydro plant in the Chukha province, Bhutan. · This collaboration marks a significant step towards sustainable energy development in Bhutan, aligning with global efforts towards carbon neutrality. DGPC, the only generation utility in Bhutan is a subsidiary of Druk Holding and Investments Limited

Answer 112

*Answer-3) State Bank of India Explanation:* On 15th June 2024, The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide additional digital payment services of the SBI through SBIePay, a payment gateway, to the Indian migrant workers, Recruiting Agents (RAs) and other users of the eMigrate portal(https://emigrate.gov.in). · The MoU will come into effect after the successful integration of SBIePay, the payment gateway of SBI with the eMigrate portal. · Under this MoU, users will be able to make transactions through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), credit or debit cards, and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) via net banking of all Indian banks. All such transactions are exempted from transaction charges. · The eMigrate Project, launched in 2014, was designed to guide and support the Indian workers heading to Emigration Check Required (ECR)countries for employment.

Answer 113

*Answer-3) Alpana Killawala Explanation:* Alpana Killawala, a former spokesperson for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has authored a memoir titled ‘A Fly on the RBI Wall: An Insider’s View of the Central Bank’, offering an insightful glimpse into her journey and the RBI’s transformation over 25 years. The book is published by Rupa Publications India.

Answer 114

*Answer-3) Alia Bhatt Explanation:* Alia Bhatt, Bollywood actress, has launched her debut children’s picture book series titled ‘Adventures of Ed-a-Mamma: Ed Finds a Home’, sharing her passion for storytelling. The book features illustrations by Tanvi Bhat. · Ed Finds A Home is the first in the series inspired by her kids wear brand Ed-a-Mamma. · It is described as a picture book about caring for the planet and friendship with pets, published by Puffin Books India, the children’s imprint of Penguin Books India.

Answer 115

*Answer-5) June 16 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is annually observed across the globe on 16 June to honour the dedication of millions of migrants who support their families and communities through remittances. · The theme of the IDFR 2023–2024 #FamilyRemittances campaign is, “Digital Remittances Towards Financial Inclusion and Cost Reduction.” · The IDFR 2023-2024 Campaign theme highlights the benefits of digitalisation in lowering costs and improving access to financial services.Click here to read more

Answer 116

*Answer-2) June 17 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN)’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCDD) is annually observed across the globe on 17 June to raise awareness and combat international issues linked to Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD). · 17th June 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD, which was established on 17th June 1994. · The 2024 theme of WDCDD is, “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future.” · The global observance of the WDCDD 2024 was hosted by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, a signatory to the UNCCD. · The 1st ever World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was observed on 17 June 1995.Click here to read more

Answer 117

*Answer-3) June 17 Explanation:* World Crocodile Day, also known as World Croc Day, is annually observed across the globe on June 17 to raise awareness and highlight the plight of endangered crocodiles and alligators around the world. · World Croc Day 2024 is organised by the Crocodile Research Coalition, a Belize-based nonprofit organisation, in conjunction with the Belize Zoo.

Answer 118

*Answer-2) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Explanation:* On 17th June 2024, Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) received a Request For Proposal (RFP) from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) Prachand, estimated to cost Rs 45, 000 crore. • MoD has issued this RFP in terms of Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. • Out of these 156 LCHs, 90 are for the Indian Army (IA) and the remaining 66 are for the Indian Air Force(IAF).

Answer 119

*Answer-4) 30 June 2025 Explanation:* The Government of India (GoI) has extended the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) by a year until 30 June 2025 (or till funds for DHIS are available), aiming to digitise patients’ health records and integrate them with Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account (ABHA ID). • The scheme which was set to end on 30 June 2024, aims to boost adoption of digital healthcare services and promote the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). • As part of the scheme, hospitals receive Rs 20 per patient for digitising health records and linking them with ABHA IDs.

Answer 120

*Answer-2) Purvanchal Co-operative Bank Explanation:* The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Purvanchal Co-operative Bank, Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh (UP) due to lack of adequate capital and earning prospects. • On liquidation, each depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to Rs 5 lakh only from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).

Answer 121

*Answer-3) 7.2% Explanation:* Global rating agency Fitch Ratings released its report titled “Global Economic Outlook (GEO) for June 2024”, has raised its projection for India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by 20 basis points (bps) from 7% (projected in March 2024) to 7.2% for fiscal year FY25 (2024-25). • This projection is mainly driven by improving consumer spending and increasing investments. • But, India’s GDP growth for FY26 (2025-26) and FY27 (2026-27) will remain unchanged at 6.5% and 6.2% respectively. • The report raised the global growth forecast in 2024, to 2.6% from 2.4% projected earlier. • Fitch estimated that inflation will decrease to 4.5% by the end of FY2025 and will be 4.3% on an average for FY26 and FY27

Answer 122

*Answer-4) Siddesh Sakore Explanation:* Siddesh Sakore, a farmer from Kendur village, Maharashtra (India) and founder of AGRO RANGERS has been named as the ‘Land Hero’ by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCCD) i.e. on 17th June 2024. • Sakore along with 9 others were recognised as ‘Land Heroes’, during a programme of 30th anniversary of the UNCCD hosted by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bonn, Germany. • The theme of 2024 WDCCD is, “United for Land: Our Legacy. Our Future”. • These land heroes were honoured in recognition of their work to restore land, boost resilience to drought, develop sustainable agricultural businesses, and harness technology and innovation to address global environmental challenges.

Answer 123

*Answer-1) Theo James Explanation:* The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, has named British actor, producer, and model Theo James (Birth Name: Theodore Peter James Kinnaird Taptiklis) as its new Global Goodwill Ambassador. • Goodwill Ambassadors are prominent public figures associated with UNHCR, enhancing the organization’s global visibility through their influence, dedication, and hard work.

Answer 124

*Answer-3) Sumit Nagal Explanation:* Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal finished as runner-up in the Men’s Singles at the Internazionali di Tennis Città di Perugia 2024 (ATP Challenger 125 Perugia), a part of Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Challenger Tour 2024, held in Perugia, Italy. • Italy’s Luciano Darderi won the Men’s Singles title by defeating Sumit Nagal in the finals. • With this victory, 26-year-old Sumit Nagal has reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of 71. • India’s Sriram Balaji Narayanaswamy and his partner Andre Begemann of Germany finished as runners-up in the Men’s Doubles.

Answer 125

*Answer-5) June 18 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for Countering Hate Speech is annually observed across the globe on 18 June to highlight and address global concerns over the rapid spread of hate speech worldwide. The day aims to promote inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech. • 18 June 2024 marks the observance of the 3rd International Day for Countering Hate Speech. • The theme of International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2024 is “The Power of Youth for Countering and Addressing Hate Speech”. • The 1st ever International Day for Countering Hate Speech was observed on 18 June 2022.Click here to read more

Answer 126

*Answer-4) June 18 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Gastronomy Day is annually observed across the globe on 18 June to raise public awareness about Gastronomy (the art of food) and its contribution to sustainable development. • The annual observance of the Day is led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). • The 1st ever Sustainable Gastronomy Day was observed on 18 June 2017. Click here to read more

Answer 127

*Answer-2) June 18 Explanation:* Autistic Pride Day is annually observed across the globe on 18th June to promote awareness about the understanding and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurological and developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction. • This year 2024 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Autistic Pride Day. • The theme of Autistic Pride Day 2024 is ‘Taking the Mask Off’.

Answer 128

*Answer-5) All the Above Explanation:* On 6th June 2024, the Government of India(GoI) introduced “Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024”, a comprehensive regulatory framework that outlines exploration standards to ensure precise assessment and sustainable development of offshore mineral resources. • The rules were issued by the GoI in exercise of the powers conferred by section 35 of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) (OAMDR) Act, 2002 (17 of 2003). • The new rules define different stages of exploration, feasibility studies, economic viability assessments, and classification of mineral resources and reserves. • The rules define exploration for any mineral deposit in 4 stages: reconnaissance survey (G4), preliminary exploration (G3), general exploration (G2), and detailed exploration (G1). • The new regulations lays down specific exploration rules for different types of deposits and minerals, including construction-grade silica sand, non-construction –grade calcareous sand, calcareous mud, phosphatic sediments, Rare Earth Element (REE) minerals, hydrothermal minerals and nodules, among others.Click here to read more

Answer 129

*Answer-5) Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Explanation:* According to the Sweden-based Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)’s annual assessment of the state of armaments, disarmament and international security, India’s nuclear weaponry has grown from 164 warheads in January 2023 to 172 warheads in January 2024. • India now holds more nuclear weapons than Pakistan, which has recorded no increase in the number of warheads(170 in 2023 and 2024)said in 55th SIPRI Yearbook(2024). • Nine nuclear-armed nations, including the United States of America (USA), Russia, France, China, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom(UK), Israel and North Korea continued modernising their nuclear arsenals and installed new nuclear-armed or nuclear-capable systems in 2023. According to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) report, Global spending on nuclear weapons is estimated to have increased by 13%, to a record USD 91.4 billion during 2023. this is USD 10.7 billion higher than the global spending during 2022. • India is ranked 6th with total nuclear spending of USD 2.7 billion, followed by Israel(USD 1.1 billion); Pakistan (USD 1.0 billion) and North Korea (USD 0.9 billion). Click here to read more

Answer 130

*Answer- 1) Finland Explanation:* According to the 9th edition of the Sustainable Development Report (SDR) released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), the world is significantly behind schedule in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN) in 2015, such as poverty reduction, hunger eradication, and environment protection. • As per the report, none of the 17 SDGs are on track to be achieved by 2030. • The report highlighted that globally, on an average only 16% of the SDG targets are on track to achieved by 2030. While the remaining 84% of the SDG targets showed a reversal of progress. • The 2024 SDG Index was topped by Finland, followed by Sweden (2nd), Denmark (3rd), Germany (4th) and France (5th). • According to the 2024 SDG Index, India secured 109th rank with an overall score of 64.0. • The report introduced a new Index of countries’ support for UN-based Multilateralism (UN-Mi). • Barbados topped the UN-Mi index followed by Antigua and Barbuda (2nd), Uruguay (3rd), Mauritius (4th), and the Maldives (5th).Click here to read more

Answer 131

*Answer-3) Wärtsilä Explanation:* Wärtsilä Oyj Abp, Finland-based company has launched the world’s first large-scale 100% hydrogen-ready engine power plant to enable the net-zero power systems. • The Wärtsilä 31 is an efficient medium-speed 4-stroke marine engine, which synchronises with the grid within 30 seconds from start command, ensures energy security through fuel flexibility and offers unparalleled load following capabilities and high part load efficiency • It can run on natural gas, 25% hydrogen (H2) by volume blends and has completed more than 1 million running hours, with over 1,000 MegaWatt (MW) installed capacity globally. • The hydrogen-ready engine power plant concept has been certified by (Technischer Überwachungsverein – Technical Inspection Association) TÜV SÜD.

Answer 132

*Answer-4) Virat Kohli Explanation:* According to Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2023: Brands, Business, Bollywood, Former Indian Cricketer team Captain Virat Kohli has reclaimed the top spot as India’s most valued celebrity with a brand value of USD 227.9 million, USD 51 Million higher than 2022. • Bollywood Actor Ranveer Singh, who topped the 2022 list, dropped to the 2nd position with a brand value of USD 203.1 million. • Shah Rukh Khan(3rd), Akshay Kumar(4th) and Alia Bhatt (5th) are among the top 5. • This is the 9th edition of Kroll’s celebrity brand valuation report.Click here to read more

Answer 133

*Answer- 3) Risk Manager of the Year Explanation:* The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) won the ‘Risk Manager of the Year Award (2024)’ at the Central Banking Awards 2024, the 11th edition of the annual awards, presented by the Central Banking Publications, a London(the United Kingdom-UK) based financial publisher owned by Infopro Digital. • Mumbai(Maharashtra) based IRIS Business Services Limited has also won the prestigious ‘Global Central Banking Award 2024’ for Technology Services in London. • Previously, Shaktikanta Das, Governor, RBI had received the ‘Governor of the Year’ award in 2023.i.Manoranjan Mishra, RBI’s Executive Director received the award on behalf of the RBI during an award ceremony held in London, UK. ii. Central bank of the year: Central Bank of Brazil iii. Governor of the year: Andriy Pyshnyy, Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine. Click here for the complete list of 2024 winners.

Answer 134

*Answer-2) Vinod Ganatra Explanation:* Vinod Ganatra, a globally renowned filmmaker and editor from Gujarat, now based in Mumbai, Maharashtra has become the 1st Indian to be honoured with the ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award‘ of South Africa for his contribution to children’s cinema. • He was conferred with the award at the 7th Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa for his outstanding contribution to children’s cinema. • 18 July is observed as Nelson Mandela International Day. • He is the only Indian recipient of The Liv Ullmann Peace Prize, Chicago, for his Gujarati film, ‘Harun-Arun’ at the 26th Chicago International Children’s Film Festival.

Answer 135

*Answer-4) Ajith Kumar KK Explanation:* Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Ajith Kumar KK as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dhanlaxmi Bank Limited for a three-year tenure with effect from 20th June 2024. • He succeeds J.K Shivan, whose has been serving as the MD & CEO of the Dhanlaxmi Bank since 2021. • He is currently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer(CHRO) at Federal Bank Limited in the cadre of president.

Answer 136

*Answer-4) June 19 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is annually observed across the globe on 19 June to raise awareness about the need to end Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) and honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence globally. • The day also aims to pay tribute to those who have devoted or lost their lives fighting these crimes. • 19th June 2024 marks the observance of the 10th International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. • The theme of International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 2024 is “Attacks against health care in conflict-affected areas: Impacts for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence”. • The first-ever International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict was observed on 19th June 2016.Click here to read more

Answer 137

*Answer-2) June 19 Explanation:* World Sickle Cell Day also known as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is annually observed across the globe on June 19 to raise awareness and recognize sickle cell anaemia as a public health problem and promote education about this genetic condition. • The theme of World Sickle Cell Day 2024 is ‘Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally’, announced by the Global Alliance of Sickle Cell Disease Organizations (GASCDO), highlights the importance of advanced technology in identifying Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). • World Sickle Cell Day was first organised by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the year 2008 and was first celebrated on 19th June 2009. • SCD is an inherited blood disorder in which the red blood cells become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading to slower blood flow in the various parts of the body. It also affects the oxygen flow inside our body.Click here to read more

Answer 138

*Answer-3) Ministry of Communication Explanation:* Union Ministry of Communication, Government of India (GoI) notified that “The Post Office Act, 2023” came into force with effective from (w.e.f.) on 18th June, 2024. The Post Office Act, 2023 repealed the 125-year old Indian Post Office Act, 1898. • The Act aims to create a simple legislative framework for the delivery of citizen centric services, banking services and to extend other government benefits to the country’s most distant areas. • The Act has a provision for the appointment of the Director General(DG) of Postal Services. • The Act removes penal provisions for various offences such as: theft, misappropriation, or destruction of postal articles by an officer of the Post Office. • The Act allows the Government through notification may empower any officer to intercept, open, detain or destroy items during transmission by the Post Office on following grounds: security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, emergency, public safety or contravention of the provisions of the Act or any other laws.Click here to read more

Answer 139

*Answer-2) Australia Explanation:* The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with the Australian Government, hosted a pivotal roundtable to discuss insights from the Australia-India Critical Agriculture Skills Pilot Project. • The roundtable was led by Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, and Mr. Mathew Johnston, Minister Counsellor, Education and Research, Australian High Commission. • This initiative aims to reshape the agricultural sector by identifying and developing emerging job roles. • The pilot project mapped 107 emerging job roles in the agriculture sector and identified 5 critical roles for the pilot projects. • 6 pilot projects are underway across Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

Answer 140

*Answer-4) USD 170 million Explanation:* The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 170 million policy-based loan aimed at bolstering India’s health system preparedness and capacity to respond to future pandemics. • The loan, under the Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems (SMART health) Subprogram 1, will support India’s National Health Policy 2017. • This policy focuses on providing universal access to quality healthcare services, ensuring readiness to deal with future health crises. The ADB also signed a USD 50 million commitment to the Actis Asia Climate Transition Fund, to accelerate the clean energy transition and address climate change impacts in Asia and the Pacific.Click here to read more

Answer 141

*Answer-2) Federal Bank Explanation:* Federal Bank, an Indian private sector bank in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has launched the Federal RuPay Wave Credit Card, empowering customers with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-powered transactions on the RuPay network. • This integration offers seamless digital transactions, combining RuPay credit card benefits and features with UPI payment convenience. • Cardholders can link their RuPay Wave credit card to preferred UPI apps for swift and secure mobile transactions.

Answer 142

*Answer-4) India Post Payments Bank Explanation:* India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has partnered with Ria Money Transfer to offer unique remittance services across rural India. • This partnership aims to provide customers in remote areas of India with convenient and affordable doorstep financial services. • Through this collaboration, the International Inward Money Transfer service will initially be offered at over 25,000 Post Office locations, with an expected reach of over 1 Lakh locations through the Post Offices.

Answer 143

*Answer-3) SabPaisa Explanation:* SabPaisa, a payment solutions provider, has received the ‘in-principle’ approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) under the Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. i.The licence will allow SabPaisa to offer comprehensive payment aggregation services to merchants across India. ii. The RBI’s payment aggregator structure, implemented in March 2020, mandates that only approved entities can provide payment aggregation services to merchants.

Answer 144

*Answer-2) 7.3% Explanation:* On 19th June 2024, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the June 2024 issue of its monthly Bulletin. As per RBI’s latest bulletin, it is quite optimistic that India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be 7.3% in Q1 (April-June) FY25 (2024-25) . • This GDP is in line with the projection made by RBI in its 2nd bi-monthly Monetary Policy released on 7th June 2024. • It is also expected that the Current Account Deficit (CAD) for FY24 (2023-24) to be lower than 1% of GDP. • It is mandatory for RBI to maintain Retail or Head inflation within the target of 4% with a margin of 2% on either side. • RBI highlighted that India’s GDP growth rate of 7.8% in Q4(Jan-March) FY24 (2023-24) was better than expected and India’s GDP for full FY24 was at 8.2%.

Answer 145

*Answer-5) Akhil Gupta Explanation:* Akhil Gupta has been named as the Chairman of Bharti AXA Life Insurance Company Limited, wholly owned by Bharti Group. Currently he is serving as the Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises Limited. • Gupta has over 40 years of professional expertise and has been instrumental in Bharti Airtel’s growth since its inception. • Bharti AXA Life Insurance has appointed two new Board of Directors (BOD) – Dinesh Kumar Mittal and VV Ranganathan.

Answer 146

*Answer-5) C.V. Chandrasekhar Explanation:* Professor C V Chandrasekhar (fondly referred to as CVC or Chandru anna), a renowned Bharatanatyam Dancer and Padma Bhushan Awardee, has passed away at the age of 89. He was born on 22nd May 1935 at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. • In 2011, He was awarded the prestigious ‘Padma Bhushan’ (Arts) for his contributions in Bharatanatyam. • C V Chandrasekhar, an academician, dancer, musician, choreographer and mentor began his formal training in dance at Kalakshetra Foundation (formerly Kalakshetra), Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) in 1946. • He also received the UP Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1978), Gujarat Nrutya Natak Akademi Award (1988) and Kalidas Samman (2008).

Answer 147

*Answer-2) June 20 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN)’s World Refugee Day is annually observed across the globe on 20 June to honour refugees worldwide and recognise the strength and courage of people forced to flee their home countries to escape conflict or persecution. • The theme of World Refugee Day 2024 is “For a World Where Refugees Are Welcomed”. • World Health Organization (WHO) joins the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (the UN Refugee Agency) and partners to observing the World Refugee Day 2024. • The 1st ever World Refugee Day was observed on 20 June 2001.Click here to read more

Answer 148

*Answer-2) Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Explanation:* On 19th June 2024, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has extended the licence of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (UP). It has granted a licence for a period of 5 years. • In January 2024, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi had approved the proposal to declare Ayodhya Airport as an “International Airport” and named it “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham”.

Answer 149

*Answer-4) 63rd Explanation:* On 19th June 2024, The World Economic Forum (WEF) in partnership with Accenture released its annual report titled “Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2024”. According to the report, India has been ranked 63rd on the global Energy Transition Index (ETI) 2024. • Sweden reclaimed the top spot in the ETI 2024 with an ETI score of 78.4, followed by Denmark (75.2) and Finland (74.5) in 2nd and 3rd rank respectively. • According to the report, Estonia, Ethiopia, and Lebanon have seen the fastest improvements in the last 5 years. • The report noted that, India’s per capita emissions is at 1.7 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) which is 60% lower than the global average of 4.4 tonnes of CO2 per capita.Click here to read more

Answer 150

*Answer-3) Mastercard India Explanation:* On 19th June 2024, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mastercard India, to promote cooperation and information sharing in the area of Cyber Security related to the financial sector. • According to the MoU, both entities will leverage their shared expertise related to the financial sector in various fields such as: cyber security incident response, capacity building, sharing cyber threat intelligence specific to financial sector and advanced malware analysis. • Both entities will also share relevant cyber threat trends, technical information, threat intelligence, and vulnerability reports to bolster the financial sector information security in India.

Answer 151

*Answer-5) NSE Indices Limited Explanation:* NSE Indices Limited, a subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE India), has launched ‘Nifty India Tourism Index’, a new thematic index to track the performance of stocks from the Nifty 500 Index that represent the travel and tourism sector. • The index will track a maximum of 30 companies from the Nifty 500, focused on the travel and tourism sector. • The index will be reconstituted semi-annually (twice a year) (companies in the index can change) and rebalanced quarterly (the weightage of each company can adjust)

Answer 152

*Answer-2) City Co-operative Bank, Mumbai, Maharashtra Explanation:* The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of the City Co-operative Bank Limited, Mumbai (Maharashtra) for lacking adequate capital and earning prospects and has failed to comply with the requirements of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. • The City Co-operative Bank has been prohibited from conducting the business of banking with effect from June 19 2024, which includes acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits. • On liquidation, every depositor will be eligible to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to Rs 5 lakh only from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). About 87% of depositors are eligible to collect their whole deposit amount from DICGC

Answer 153

*Answer-1) Jitendra Singh Explanation:* Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (MoS) in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions(MoPP&P) has assumed the charge as Chairman of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) for the 3rd consecutive term at the IIPA campus in New Delhi, Delhi. He has been serving as Chairman of the IIPA since 2020. i.Dr Singh began his political journey in 2008. He was elected to the Lok Sabha thrice representing Udhampur Constituency, Jammu & Kashmir, in 2014, 2019, and 2024. ii. Presently he has been serving as the: • MoS (Independent Charge (I/C)) in the Ministry of Science and Technology(MoS&T); and Ministry of Earth Sciences(MoES). • MoS, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO); MoS, Department of Atomic Energy(DAE); MoS, Department of Space(DoS); and MoS, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions(MoPP&P).

Answer 154

*Answer-3) Neeraj Chopra Explanation:* Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra secured a gold medal with 85.97m in the third attempt in men’s javelin throw at Paavo Nurmi Games 2024, a World Athletics Continental Tour (Gold level) event held on 18th June 2024 in Turku, Finland (Europe). • Finland’s Toni Keranen claimed the silver medal with a personal best throw of 84.19m, and Oliver Helander (Finland) won the bronze medal with 83.96m. • The Paavo Nurmi Games is an annual track and field meet that takes place at Paavo Nurmi Stadium in Turku, Finland. It is organised to honor the memory of Paavo Nurmi, a Finnish athlete who were nicknamed the ‘Flying Finns’.

Answer 155

*Answer-1) June 21 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Yoga (IDY)2024 was observed across the globe on 21 June to raise awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga, a 5,000-year-old ancient practice that originated from India. • 21st June 2024 marks the observance of the 10th IDY. • The 2024 theme of IDY is “Yoga for Self and Society.” • Indian Yoga was inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. • The 1st ever IDY was observed on 21 June 2015. Click here to read more

Answer 156

*Answer-5) June 21 Explanation:* World Hydrographic Day (WHD)2024 was observed across the globe on 21 June to raise awareness about hydrography and its role in improving the knowledge of the seas and oceans. • The theme of WHD 2024 is “Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities”. • The annual observance of WHD is led by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). • The 1st ever WHD was observed on 21st June 2006.Click here to read more

Answer 157

*Answer-3) June 21 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Celebration of the Solstice 2024 was observed across the globe on June 21 to highlight the importance and significance of solstice in various religions and ethnic cultures across the globe. • Solstice is that the point at which the Sun is at its greatest distance from the world and equinox is when space is that the lowest. • Every year, June 21 is marked as the day of the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere of the world. This day marks the 1st day of summer and the longest day and shortest night of the year. • Winter Solstice which usually falls around December 21 marks the 1st day of winter and shortest day and longest night of the year.

Answer 158

*Answer-3) 26th June 2024 Explanation:* On 21st June 2024, The Government of India, in exercise of powers given under sub-section (3) of section 1 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023) has notified that the provisions of sections 1, 2,10 to 30, 42 to 44, 46,47,50 to 58, 61 and 62 of the said Act will come into force from 26th June 2024. • The Act has repealed the 138-year old Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Wireless Telegraph Act (1933), and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act (1950). • The new Act mandated that prior authorisation from the Government will be required: to provide telecommunication services, establish, operate, maintain or expand telecommunications networks or possess radio equipment. • With the implementation of these notified sections of the Act, the Digital Bharat Nidhi will replace Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), which was established under Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

Answer 159

*Answer-5) All A, B & C Explanation:* On 21st June 2024, The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions(MoPPG&P) announced that 3 new criminal laws: Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita (BNS2) Act, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita (BNSS2) Act, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Adhiniyam Act, 2023 will come into effect from 1st July, 2024. • These 3 new criminal laws have repealed the British-colonial era laws: the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860; the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act (IEA), 1872 respectively. • BNS2 Act retains the provisions of the IPC which criminalises acts such as: rape, stalking and insulting the modesty of a woman, among others. It also increased the maximum age of the victim from 16 to 18 years, in case of gangrape. • BNS2 Act mandates the conduct of forensic investigation for offenses punishable with 7 years of imprisonment or more.Click here to read more

Answer 160

*Answer- 4) 67 Explanation:* According to the Hurun Research Institute‘s ASK Private Wealth Hurun India Future Unicorn Index 2024, 25 future Unicorns (5 Gazelles and 20 Cheetahs) including Rapido, Koo, Dunzo, and Paper Boat, were dropped from the list. The drop reflects the impact of funding constraints and valuation corrections in the Indian startup ecosystem. • As per the 2024 Index, India is currently home to 67 Unicorns, 46 Gazelles, and 106 Cheetahs as against 68 Unicorns 51 Gazelles, and 96 Cheetahs in the 2023 Index. • Only 3 start-ups (2 Gazelles and 1 Cheetah) from the 2023 Index were promoted to Unicorns with a valuation of over USD 1 billion each, including Indian grocery delivery startup Zepto, fintech startup InCred Finance, and logistics startup Porter. • The 2024 Index includes 152 Indian future unicorns from 31 cities. • India’s future unicorns are valued at USD 58 billion collectively, with an increase of 1.8%, compared to the 2023 index.Click here to read more

Answer 161

*Answer-2) Iberian Lynx Explanation:* The conservation status of the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus), one of the world’s rarest cats native to Spain and Portugal, has improved from Endangered to Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, reflecting a significant increase in its population through conservation efforts. • The population of the Iberian Lynx has exponentially increased to 648 in 2022 from 62 mature individuals in 2001. • At present, the total population of lynx (including young and mature lynx) is estimated to be more than 2,000. • The Iberian Lynx now occupies at least 3,320 square kilometers (km²), an increase from 449 km² in 2005.

Answer 162

*Answer-4) Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Pvt. Limited Explanation:* Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Pvt. Ltd has launched India’s 1st Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) named ‘Mirae Asset Nifty EV and New Age Automotive ETF’, dedicated to the New Age Automotive and Electric Vehicle (EV) markets. It is an open-ended scheme replicating/tracking the NIFTY EV and New Age Automotive Total Return Index (TRI). • This new scheme aims to offer investors long-term capital appreciation by investing in leading companies within the dynamic automotive sector and its value chain. • The New Fund Offer (NFO) of the scheme will be open for subscription from 24 June 2024 to 5 July 2024. The scheme will re-open for continuous sale and repurchase on 11 July 2024.

Answer 163

*Answer-3) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Explanation:* According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s 2024 World Investment Report: Investment facilitation and digital government, India‘s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows fell by 43% in 2023, from USD 49 billion in 2022 to USD 28 billion in 2023. • With this, India‘s rank among FDI recipients dropped to 15th in 2023 from 8th in 2022. • India’s rank for FDI outflows improved to 20th in 2023 from 23rd in 2022. • Global FDI decreased marginally by 2% to USD 1.3 trillion in 2023, with a sharper decline of over 10% (when excluding certain exceptions) in global foreign investments for the 2nd consecutive year.Click here to read more

Answer 164

*Answer-3) Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank Explanation:* Indian Regional Rural Bank (RRB), Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) sponsored by Canara Bank, has received the National Award from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority(PFRDA) for maximum enrolment under Atal Pension Yojana (APY). • The award was jointly presented by Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India (GoI), and Deepank Mohanty, Chairman, PFRDA to Shreekant M Bhandiwad, Chairman, KVGB at the ceremony held on 21st June 2024 in New Delhi, Delhi. • So far, more than 4.27 lakh (i.e. 4,27,736) combined accounts were opened by KVGB under APY.

Answer 165

*Answer-2) Manoj Jain Explanation:* Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has appointed Manoj Jain as its new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) with effect from June 20 2024. • Prior to this position, he served as the Director (Research and Development – R&D) of BEL from September 2022 and additional charge of Bangalore complex Director from August 2023. • He succeeds Bhanu Prakash Srivastava who served as CMD from November 2022 to June 19 2024. Presently Srivastava has been serving as the Director (other units) of BEL since April 20 2022.

Answer 166

*Answer-5) Indiconema Explanation:* Researchers from the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune, Maharashtra have discovered ‘Indiconema’, a new genus within the Gomphonemataceae (diatom) family in India. • The researchers discover a new astigmate gomphonemoid diatom from the Eastern Ghats and a closely allied species from the Western Ghats which were a members of the Gomphonemataceae in terms of symmetry and certain valve features. • Diatoms are the first recorded microorganisms in India. It produces 25% of global oxygen, approximately every fourth breath of oxygen we inhale. A team of herpetologists recorded the ‘Striped caecilian’ (Ichthyophis spp), a limbless amphibian in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam, for the first time during a herpetofauna survey conducted from 14th to 17th June 2024.

Answer 167

*Answer- 1) Odisha Explanation:* Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister(CM) of Odisha announced that the Government of Odisha will extend its sponsorship of the Hockey India(HI) for another three years till 2036, which will mark the completion of 100 years of the formation of Odisha as a separate state in 1936. • The partnership was cemented during a high level meeting between CM Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi and Minister of State (MoS) Suryabanshi Suraj, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS), and delegation of Hockey India led by its president and Indian hockey legend Dilip Tirkey. • In April 2023, the Odisha Government led by then CM Naveen Patnaik extended the sponsorship deal by 10 years till 2033 for Rs 434.12 crores.

Answer 168

*Answer-3) Electric Vehicles Explanation:* The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced 2 new standards, IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024, aimed at enhancing Electric Vehicles (EVs) safety and quality in India. These standards are applied to the L (2-wheelers), M (4-wheelers), and N (goods trucks) categories of EVs. • It particularly focussed on the crucial components of the EVs (cars, buses, and trucks) such as the powertrain (including motor and transmission), and battery safety. • With these new standards, the BIS now has 30 Indian Standards (IS) dedicated to EVs and their accessories, including charging systems.

Answer 169

*Answer-5) Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) Explanation:* On 22nd June 2024, the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), an autonomous Research & Development (R&D) institute under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Indian Army, to promote collaboration in “Next Generation Wireless Technologies for Indian Army”. • This strategic partnership aims to bolster the Indian Army’s technological capabilities which are aligned towards vision for 2024 as “Year of Technological Absorption for Indian Army” declared by Chief of Army Staff. • As per the MoU, the incubation centre will provide support to the development of military-specific innovative solutions from conceptualization to large-scale production including, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups.

Answer 170

*Answer-2) K. Radhakrishnan Explanation:* The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE) has constituted a seven-member high-level committee to make recommendations on reform in the examination process, improvement in data security protocols and functioning of the National Testing Agency(NTA). • The committee is headed by Dr K. Radhakrishnan, the former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Chairman Board of Governors (BoG), Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. • The objective of the committee is to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through NTA.

Answer 171

*Answer-5) Sri Lanka Explanation:* Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI) visited Sri Lanka on 20th June 2024. This marked his 1st bilateral visit to any country after being sworn-in as External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India for 2nd consecutive term. • On 20th June 2024, Union Minister S. Jaishankar and Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka jointly unveiled the virtual plaque to mark the formal commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), a nerve centre for Search and Rescue operations at sea, in Sri Lanka built with a USD 6 million grant from India. • The official visit of MEA S. Jaishankar to Sri Lanka holds great significance for India and Sri Lanka relations as this underscores primacy that Sri Lanka holds in India’s “Neighbour First” policy and SAGAR Security and Growth for All in the Region(SAGAR) policy.Click here to read more

Answer 172

*Answer-3) United Nations Explanation:* According to the United Nations (UN) annual report on Children and Armed Conflict, for the 1st time, Israel Armed Forces, Hamas armed wing, IZZ al-Din al-Qasssam and Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s armed wing, Al-Quds Brigades, has been placed to the list in gross violation of children’s rights. • The report has also placed Sudan’s Army and rivalry military the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the blacklist for the killing and maiming of children and for attacks on schools and hospitals, as both have been battling for more than a year. • The report is released annually by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres and is presented at the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Answer 173

*Answer-1) 3rd Explanation:* According to the Official Airline Guide (OAG) report, India becomes the 3rd largest domestic airline market in the world. India jumped from 5th position in 2014 as it saw the significant increase in it’s domestic airline capacity from 7.9 million (in April 2014) to 15.6 million (in April 2024). • As per the report, the United States of America (USA) and China retained their ranks at 1st and 2nd position with 86.1 million and 67.8 million capacities, respectively. Brazil and Indonesia at 4th and 5th position. • According to the report, India has the highest Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) among the top 5 countries. As of April 2024, LCCs accounted 78.4% of India’s domestic capacity.

Answer 174

*Answer-4) Atul Kumar Chaudhary Explanation:* The Government of India (GoI) has appointed Atul Kumar Chaudhary as the new Secretary of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on a deputation on foreign service terms, initially for a period of two years. • This appointment comes after the superannuation of V Raghunandan on May 31 2024. • Currently, he has been serving as the Deputy Director General (DDG) in Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) since 2021. • Atul Kumar Chaudhary is an Indian Telecommunication Services (ITS) officer of 1989-batch.

Answer 175

*Answer-5) June 23 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN) Public Service Day 2024 was observed across the globe on 23 June to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community and emphasise the contribution of public service in the development process. • The 2024 UN Public Service Forum and Awards Ceremony takes place from 24 to 26 June 2024 in Incheon, Republic of Korea, under the theme ‘Fostering Innovation amid Global Challenges: a Public Sector Perspective’. • The UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA) program established by the UN in 2003, is the most prestigious international recognition that aims to promote and support innovation and excellence in public service delivery worldwide.

Answer 176

*Answer-3) June 23 Explanation:* International Olympic Day 2024 was observed across the globe on 23 June to promote participation and peace in sports across the globe regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability. • This Day commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the Sorbonne, Paris, on 23 June 1894, where Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the French Historian revived the Olympic Games of ancient Greece. • The 2024 theme of International Olympic Day is, “Let’s Move and Celebrate.” • The 1st Olympic Day was celebrated on 23 June 1948 by 9 countries. Click here to read more

Answer 177

*Answer-4) Uttar Pradesh Explanation:* Uttar Pradesh(UP) is set to establish the ‘Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre’, world’s first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vultures or red-headed vultures or Pondicherry vultures in Maharajganj, UP. • This initiative aims to improve the population of the Asian king vultures, which has been listed as critically endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s red list since 2007. • Asian king vultures are endangered due to habitat degradation and the overuse of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in domestic animals, which becomes poisonous for vultures.

Answer 178

*Answer-3) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Explanation:* On 24th June 2024, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, MoS (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Government of India (GoI) has launched “One Week One Theme” (OWOT) campaign which demonstrates the recent success stories of India in various streams of Science and Technology. • During the launch of campaign, Union Minister Jitendra Singh underscored that the main objective of the Government of India (GoI) is to integrate the efforts of all Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs to reduce redundancy and optimize resources. • The initiative “One Week One Theme” launched under CSIR which aims to make innovation inclusive for all. • During the event, various Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)’s were signed in the presence of Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh which includes around 24 technology transfers, and product launches.

Answer 179

*Answer-1) ICICI Bank Explanation:* ICICI Bank Limited has launched ‘SmartLock’, a first-of-its-kind safety feature on iMobile Pay, the official Mobile Banking app of ICICI Bank. The feature enables customers to lock/unlock multiple banking services instantly, without the support of a customer care executive through phone or e-mail. • This also permits account holders to lock or unlock the entire iMobile Pay. • This will enable customers to lock/unlock internet banking, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) (including payments from other UPI apps linked to the bank account), credit and debit cards. • It allows scheduled Standing Instructions (SI) and E-mandates to go through, even when a banking service is locked by the customer.

Answer 180

*Answer-4) Reserve Bank of India Explanation:* The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has partnered with APIX to host its 3rd global hackathon, ‘HaRBInger 2024: Innovation for Transformation’. This partnership aims to bring the brightest minds together to address challenges in the financial industry. • HaRBInger 2024 hosted on Application Programming Interface Exchange (APIX) platform. The Registration for HaRBInger 2024 started from 7th June to 19th July. • The two themes of the HaRBInger 2024 are “Zero Financial Frauds” and “Being Divyang Friendly”. • The cash prizes includes, (Indian Rupee) INR 40 lakh for the winner in each problem statement category, a special prize of INR 20 lakh for the best all-woman team and stipend of INR 5 lakh per team shortlisted for solution development for meeting the cost of development of prototype

Answer 181

*Answer-2) 6.8% Explanation:* On 24th June 2024, S&P Global Ratings (previously Standard & Poor’s) released its Economic Outlook Asia-Pacific Q3 2024. It has retained India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection at 6.8% for FY25 (2024-25) and cited high interest rates and lower fiscal boost are the main factors which would temper the demand in the non-agricultural sectors. • The agency also noted that India’s economic growth continues to surprise on the upside as it revised India’s GDP up to 8.2% for full FY24(2023-24). • While, S&P Global Ratings has raised its projection for India’s GDP from 6.1% (projected in March 2024) to 6.9% for FY26 (2025-26), and also, raised India’s GDP for FY27 (2026-27) from 6.2% (projected in March 2024) to 7%. • S&P Global Ratings also estimated that India’s retail inflation for FY25 will be at 4.5%. This projection about inflation is in alignment with the RBI’s retail inflation projections for FY25 which is estimated at 4.5%, with Q1 at 4.9%, Q2 at 3.8%, Q3 at 4.6% and Q4 at 4.5%.

Answer 182

*Answer-1) Kozhikode Explanation:* On 23rd June 2024, Kozhikode in north Kerala became the first Indian city to be officially declared as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) “City of Literature”. • P A Mohammed Riyas, Tourism Minister, Kerala unveiled the logo of the “City of Literature” by UNESCO. • MB Rajesh, State Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Kerala in an official event held in Kozhikode, Kerala declared that from 2024 onwards, 23rd June will celebrated as the “City of Literature” Day of Kozhikode across Kerala.Click here to read more

Answer 183

*Answer-2) Srinagar Explanation:* Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has been officially recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International), a global non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship. • This honour celebrates the rich history and exceptional skills of Srinagar’s artisans, whose work has gained international acclaim. • From 2014, nearly more than 60 cities across the world recognised as World Craft City. Indian cities Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu), Jaipur (Rajasthan) and Mysore (Karnataka) were already added in the list of World Craft City. • The WCC AISBL, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024, has been affiliated with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) under Consultative Status since its inception in June 1964.

Answer 184

*Answer-3) Anuj Tyagi Explanation:* HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited has appointed Anuj Tyagi as its new Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) with effect from 1st July 2024. • Anuj Tyagi, currently serving as the Joint MD of HDFC ERGO, will succeed Ritesh Kumar, who has been the MD & CEO of HDFC ERGO General Insurance since 2008. Ritesh Kumar is set to join the Board of Management of ERGO International as Deputy Chief Operating Officer (COO) with effect from 4th October 2024

Answer 185

*Answer-4) Max Verstappen Explanation:* On 23 June 2024, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, a Belgian-Dutch racing driver, won the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix (GP) (officially known as the Formula 1 (F1) Aramco Gran Premio de España 2024) held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. • This marks Verstappen’s 3rd Spanish GP title in a row and his 4th Spanish GP (overall) at this track. He has previously won the title in 2016, 2022, & 2023). • This victory marks Verstappen’s 7th win in 11 races in 2024, and his 61st career win. • McLaren’s Lando Norris, a British and Belgian racing driver and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, a British racing driver, finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Answer 186

*Answer-4) June 24 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN) International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWID) is annually observed across the globe on 24 June to acknowledge the crucial role of women diplomats in promoting socio-economic equitable and inclusive sustainable development. • The commemorative events of the 2024 IDWID focussed on the theme, “Women’s Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy.” i.According to the UN Women’s Global Data on Women Political Leaders 2024, women are significantly underrepresented in global executive positions, including Heads of State, Heads of Government, and Cabinet members. • India(6.5%) ranked 171st in terms of representation of women in Parliament. Finland(63.2%) topped in the list, followed by Nicaragua(62.5%) and Liechtenstein(60%). ii.During the Commemorative Event of IDWID 2024, UNGA President Dennis Francis honoured Hansa Jivraj Mehta, an Indian feminist leader, activist, and diplomat, who played a pivotal role in making the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) more inclusive.Click here to read more

Answer 187

*Answer-1) June 25 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN)’s Day of the Seafarer (DotS) (also known as the International Day of the Seafarer) is annually observed across the globe on 25 June to acknowledge the crucial role Seafarers play in international maritime trade and the global economy. • 25th June 2024 marks the observance of the 14th edition of the Day of the Seafarer. • The annual observance of the DotS is led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). • The 1st ever DotS was observed on 25th June 2011.

Answer 188

*Answer-3) STOP Diarrhoea Explanation:* On 24th June 2024, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda , the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India (GoI) launched the National STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024. • The slogan of the campaign is: “Diarrhoea ki Roktham, Safai aur ORS se rakhen apna dhyaan”. • During the event, key dignitaries released Information Education Communication (IEC) materials like logo, posters, radio spots and audio visuals for the campaign and also distributed Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and Zinc (Zn) tablets to the children.

Answer 189

*Answer-5) Muthoot Microfin Limited Explanation:* Muthoot Microfin Limited (MML) has secured a corporate agent licence from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to provide insurance products to its consumers while increasing its income and earnings. i.This licence reinforces MML’s commitment to financial inclusion by providing insurance coverage that addresses the risks faced by the most vulnerable parts of society. ii.It enhances MML’s ability to collaborate with insurance partners, enabling the customisation of products that meet the specific needs of its Bottom Of the Pyramid (BOP) customers in rural and semi-urban India.

Answer 190

*Answer-1) Reserve Bank of India Explanation:* The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) states that India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) reduced to 0.7% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (USD 23.2 billion) in the Financial Year 2023-2024(FY 24) from 2% of GDP (USD 67 billion) in FY23. • India’s current account recorded a surplus of USD 5.7 billion, or 0.6% of the GDP during the January-March 2024 quarter of FY24, driven by a lower merchandise trade deficit. • In Q3 FY24, the CAD was USD 8.7 billion (1% of GDP). • Foreign portfolio investment (FPI) recorded a net inflow of USD 44.1 billion in FY24 after an outflow of USD 5.2 billion in FY23. Meanwhile, net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow reduced to USD 9.8 billion in FY24, down from USD 28 billion in FY23.Click here to read more

Answer 191

*Answer-4) Tapan Kumar Deka Explanation:* The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet(ACC) headed by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi has approved a one-year extension in service to Tapan Kumar Deka as the Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) beyond 30th June 2024 or until further orders, whichever is earlier. • He will continue to serve as Director of IB until 30th June 2025. • Tapan Kumar Deka, a 1988 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Himachal Pradesh(HP) cadre, began his 2 year tenure as IB chief in June 2022.

Answer 192

*Answer-2) Bharat Lal Explanation:* The ACC has also approved the extension in service of Bharat Lal as Secretary General (SG) of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on contract basis for a period of one year beyond 30th June 2024. • He will continue his present position till June 30, 2025. • He has been serving as the SG of NHRC in the rank and pay of secretary to the GoI on contract basis since 2023.

Answer 193

*Answer-3) SpacePixxel Technologies Private Limited Explanation:* On June 25 2024, The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Bengaluru (Karnataka)- based SpacePixxel Technologies Private Limited to design and develop a Miniaturised Satellite capable of carrying multiple advanced payloads up to 150 kgs for the Indian Air Force (IAF). • It marks the 350th contract under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, the flagship program of the MoD. • It is being awarded as the first-ever iDEX Prime (Space) Satellite Grant under the Mission DefSpace: Open Challenge.

Answer 194

*Answer-2) Pushpak Explanation:* On 23rd June 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted the “Pushpak”– Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing EXperiment (RLV-LEX-03) at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka. • This landing is the 3rd and last of the series of experiments conducted by ISRO, following the success of RLV LEX-01 and LEX-02 mission conducted in 2023 and in March 2024. • Pushpak RLV has been designed as an all-rocket and fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. • The mission reused the winged body and flight systems such as without modification, from the LEX-02 mission, which showcased the robustness of ISRO’s capability of design reuse flight systems for various missions.

Answer 195

*Answer-1) Frank Duckworth Explanation:* Frank Carter Duckworth, an English statistician and co-inventor of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, passed away at the age of 84. He was born on 26th December 1939 in Lancashire, United Kingdom (UK). • He was elected a fellow of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) in 1974 and was awarded the Chambers Medal for outstanding services to the Society by the RSS in 2004. • DLS Method, invented by Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis, is a mathematical calculation to calculate target scores when the rain interrupts the match. • Duckworth and Lewis were awarded MBEs (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in June 2010.

Answer 196

*Answer-3) June 26 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (also known as World/International Drug Day) is annually observed across the globe on 26 June to raise awareness of the significant societal issues caused by illicit drugs and strengthen action and cooperation for an international society free of drug abuse. • The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selects themes for World Drug Day and launches campaigns to raise awareness about the global drug problem. • The 2024 campaign theme of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is, “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention.” • UNODC annually issues the World Drug Report (WDR) on World Drug Day (26 June). According to the report “World Drug Report 2024: Harms of world drug problem continue to mount amid expansions in drug use and markets” , Overall, almost 292 million people or 1 in 18 of the world’s population used a drug in 2022, a 20 per cent more than a decade earlier. • Cannabis remains the most widely used drug worldwide (228 million users), followed by opioids (60 million users), amphetamines (30 million users), cocaine (23 million users), and ecstasy (20 million users).Click here to read more

Answer 197

*Answer-5) June 26 Explanation:* Passport Seva Divas is annually observed across India on 24 June to mark the enactment of the Passports Act on 24 June 1967. It also aims to ensure that passports serve as crucial travel documents that significantly impact a country’s development. • 24 June 2024 marks the observance of the 12th Passport Seva Divas. • The first-ever Passport Seva Divas was observedon 24th June 2013. • The annual observance of the day is led by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Central Passport Organisation (CPO). • The MEA launched the Passport Seva Project (PSP) in May 2010, to increase and improve the delivery of passport services to Indian citizens.

Answer 198

*Answer-4) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited Explanation:* i. The Department of Public Enterprises(DPE), under the Ministry of Finance(MoF), has granted the ‘Navratna’ status to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL), a Central Public Sector Undertaking(CPSU) under the Ministry of Defence(MoD). ii. Navratna companies can invest up to Rs. 1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in a single project, and up to 30% of their net worth in a year, provided these investments do not exceed Rs.1,000 crore.

Answer 199

*Answer-3) Central Electronics Limited Explanation:* • Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Central Public sector undertaking(CPSU) under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Ministry of Science and Technology(MoST), has received the ‘Mini RATNA (Category-1)’ Status from the Department of Public Enterprises. Note: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (MoS) Independent Charge (IC), MoST), announced the grant of Mini Ratna status for CEL during the Golden Jubilee(50 years) celebration of CEL at its Ghaziabad campus in Uttar Pradesh(UP).

Answer 200

*Answer-4) Ministry of Education Explanation:* The Ministry of Education(MoE), Government of India (GoI) as part of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), has launched a nationwide campaign on Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) • With regard to this campaign, the Secretary, the Department of School Education & Literacy, MoE issued a detailed advisory to all States/UTs for complying with Guidelines of ToFEI as per the ToFEI Implementation Manual. • According to Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019, 8.5 percent of school students in the age group of 13 to 15 consume tobacco in different forms across the country. • Tobacco use is one of the major causes of preventable deaths and diseases in India and accounts for nearly 1.35 million deaths every year in the country. India is also the second largest consumer and producer of tobacco.

Answer 201

*Answer-2) SmartWealth Explanation:* HDFC Bank Limited, India’s leading private sector bank, has launched ‘HDFC Bank SmartWealth’, a new digital investment platform designed to make wealth services accessible to every Indian. • This platform aims to simplify and bring transparency to the investment process. • The SmartWealth Application (App) enables users to create SmartJars, which gives personalised portfolio plans that can be modified or paused anytime. • It also provides an enhanced experience with a virtual Relationship Manager (RM) for real-time assistance and personalised support.

Answer 202

*Answer-5) Derivative Trading Norms Explanation:* The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has constituted a working group to review derivative trading norms. The 15-member working group will be headed by G. Padmanabhan, former executive director of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). • This decision was taken in continuation of series of steps taken by the SEBI to tighten the retail Futures & Options (F&O) trading. • SEBI has outlined the Terms of Reference (ToR) for working group like; suggesting short-term and medium-term measures with the aim of enhancing investor protection in exchange Traded Derivatives (ETDs) and improving risk metrics and risk architecture of ETDs which will further enhance market development and regulation.

Answer 203

*Answer-1) Punjab and Sind Bank Explanation:* Punjab and Sind Bank (PSB), an Indian public sector bank, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army (IA) to offer a defense salary package with a host of facilities including free insurance cover. • PSB has introduced banking solutions, special accounts and services for various segments, demonstrating its commitment to societal impact and sustainability. • The MoU provides the serving personnel, veterans and trainees with personal accident insurance (Death/Disability) cover up to Rs 1 crore and an air accidental cover of Rs 1.2 crore. • The PSB Gaurav Bachat SB Salary account is designed to provide for the distinct banking requirement of serving and retired personnels. • PSB has introduced the PSB Pink debit card powered by RuPay for women during its 117th Foundation Day which was celebrated on June 24 2024.

Answer 204

*Answer-3) Flipkart Explanation:* The E-commerce platform, Flipkart has launched a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) app ‘Super.Money’ to offer payments, credit, deposits and other digital financial services. • As part of the beta version, the app will be available for the first 1 Lakh users and its logo features a QR code and 5% cashback on various transactions including food and travel. • The app is now available in partnership with Axis Bank Limited, and it offers credit through Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Limited (USBL). It also offers coupons, scratch cards or coins for making UPI payments.

Answer 205

*Answer-2) USD 663.8 billion Explanation:* According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) official data released on 25th June 2024, India’s external debt at end-March 2024 was at USD 663.8 billion, saw an increase of USD 39.7 billion over its level at end-March 2023. • The external debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio (which included both government and non-government debt) decreased from 19.0% (at end-March 2023) to 18.7% (at end-March 2024). • As per RBI’s data, the government’s external debt and non-government sector’s external debt was at 4.2% and 14.5% of India’s GDP. • RBI underscored if the valuation effect of US dollar and other major currencies such as: Yen, the Euro and Special Drawing Rights (SDR) which amounted to USD 8.7 billion were excluded then; external debt would have increased by USD 48.4 billion at end-March 2024 over end-March 2023.

Answer 206

*Answer-3) Samrat Chaudhary Explanation:* The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has announced the appointment of Samrat Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister (CM), Bihar as new convener of the Group of Minister (GoM) of the reconstituted GST rate rationalisation panel. • He will succeed Suresh Khanna, Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh(UP) who has been serving as the convener of GST rate rationalization since October 2023. • At present, the GST regime has 5 broad tax slabs of 0%, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. A cess is levied on luxury and demerit goods which is the highest i.e. 28%. • For the 2nd time, GST rate rationalisation panel was reconstituted.

Answer 207

*Answer-2) June 27 Explanation:* The United Nations (UN) World Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day is annually observed across the globe on 27 June to raise awareness about MSMEs’ contributions to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). • The theme of MSME Day 2024 is “Leveraging Power and Resilience of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to Accelerate Sustainable Development and Eradicate Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises”. • The 1st ever World MSMEs Day was observed on 27 June 2017.Click here to read more

Answer 208

*Answer-4) Vienna Explanation:* According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)’s Global Liveability Index 2024, Vienna, the capital of Austria, has topped the index as the most liveable city for the third consecutive year. • Denmark’s Copenhagen maintained its second position, while Switzerland’s Zurich moved up from 6th place(2023) to 3rd on the 2024 list. • The EIU Index ranks 173 cities across the world with the aim of showing how comfortable these cities are to live in. • No India City is ranked on the 2024 list of top 10 liveable cities in the world.

Answer 209

*Answer-1) South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Explanation:* On 27th June 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the revised South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Currency Swap framework for 2024-27, in concurrence with the Government of India (GoI). • According to this framework, the RBI would enter into bilateral swap agreements with SAARC central banks, who wish to avail the swap facility. • As per the framework, a separate Indian Rupee (INR) Swap window has been introduced worth Rs 250 billion, to provide various concessions for swap support in INR. • RBI will continue to provide swap arrangement in USD and Euro through a separate US Dollar/ Euro Swap Window worth USD 2 billion.

Answer 210

*Answer-3) Aadhar Housing Finance Limited Explanation:* The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a USD 60 million Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) financing agreement with the Aadhar Housing Finance Limited (AHFL), one of the largest affordable housing finance companies in India. As of 25 June 2024, USD 30 million has been disbursed. • The funds will support housing loans for women and address the shortage of financing in low-income housing and affordable housing segments in India. • India faces a significant housing shortage, estimated at 26.3 million homes in urban areas and nearly double that in rural areas.

Answer 211

*Answer-2) 822.1 tonnes Explanation:* The Reserve Bank of India’s(RBI) gold reserves held overseas declined to their lowest level in six years by the end of March 2024, accounting for 47% of the total reserves accumulated since December 2017. • By the end of March 2024, the RBI’s total gold holdings stood at 822.1 tonnes and its at-home holdings increased from 39% in 2021 to 53% in March 2024. • The share of gold reserves held domestically by central banks rose from 50% in 2020 to 68% by December 2023, with expectations of further increase to 74% within the next five years.

Answer 212

*Answer-5) Hitachi Payment Services Pvt. Ltd Explanation:* Noida(Uttar Pradesh) based Hitachi Payment Services Pvt. Ltd has received final authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator under the Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. • This licence would enable the company to expand its digital solutions & services stack to encompass a comprehensive suite of innovative and merchant friendly payment options including Unified Payments Interface(UPI), netbanking, cards and wallets along with value-added services.

Answer 213

*Answer-3) Rs 1.56 lakh crore Explanation:* According to the official data released by National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog). The Government of India (GoI) has monetized assets worth Rs 1.56 lakh crore in Financial year 2023-2024 (FY24) as against the set target of Rs 1.8 lakh crore, under the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP). • This represents a 159% increased compared to the achievement in FY2021-22. • The total monetisation under NMP since its launch in 2020-2021 stands at Rs 3.85 lakh crore. • Under NMP, the total target FY22 and FY23 was around Rs 2.50 lakh crore against which Rs 2.30 lakh crore was achieved. • Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has topped in terms of the performance of individual Ministries in FY24, with monetised assets worth Rs 40, 314 crore.

Answer 214

*Answer-4) Arundhati Roy Explanation:* Renowned Indian Author ‘Arundhati Roy’ has won the prestigious PEN(Poet, Playwright, Editors Essayist, Novelist) Pinter Prize 2024 for her ‘unflinching and unswerving’ writings. • She is set to receive the award at a ceremony co-hosted by the British Library (BL), London, United Kingdom (UK) on October 10 2024. • Some of her notable works includes: The Cost of Living (1999); Power Politics (2001); Field Notes on Democracy: Listening to Grasshoppers (2009); Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017)and Broken Republic: Three Essays (2011). • Roy won the prestigious Booker Prize for Fiction for her debut novel ‘The God of Small Things’ in 1997. She became the first Indian writer to win this award.

Answer 215

*Answer-3) Mark Rutte Explanation:* The North Atlantic Council officially appointed Mark Rutte, the acting Prime Minister (PM) of the Netherlands (Dutch) as the next Secretary General (SG) of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). • He will take office on 1st October 2024, from the current NATO SG Jens Stoltenberg, former PM of Norway (2000-2001 and 2005-2013). • Jens Stoltenberg has been serving as the SG of NATO since October 2014. His 10-year term is set to conclude on 1st October 2024. • 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of NATO. • Mark Rutte’s appointment was confirmed by the NATO ambassadors during a meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The SG selection process was based on the consensus of all 32 Alliance member countries of NATO.

Answer 216

*Answer-2) Om Birla Explanation:* On 26th June 2024, Om Birla (61-year old), candidate of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), was elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha(Lower House of the Parliament) for a 2nd consecutive term by a voice vote. i.He was elected against the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc’s candidate, Kodikunnil Suresh, 8 time-Member of Parliament (MP) from Mavelikkara constituency, Kerala ii. On 26th June 2024, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla formally recognized Congress party leader, Rahul Gandhi as Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Parliament).

Answer 217

*Answer-2) June 28 Explanation:* National Insurance Awareness Day is annually observed on 28 June to raise awareness about the importance of insurance, a financial product, in protecting individuals, families, and businesses from financial risks. • The day aims to educate people about different types of insurance policies and their benefits. • The day also encourages everyone to review their current insurance policies and assess if they need any changes or additional coverage. • According to the IRDAI, in the financial year 2023, India‘s insurance premium penetration accounted for 4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), lower than the global average of 6.8%.

Answer 218

*Answer-1) Only A & B Explanation:* The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPPG&P), Government of India (GoI) in exercise of powers given under sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (1 of 2024) has notified that all the provisions of the said Act came into effect from 21st June 2024. • All offences will be cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable under this Act. • The Act consists of 19 sections across 6 chapters which deal with the various aspects of public examination to ensure transparency and credit of the exams conducted by public authorities. • Section 3 of the Act outlines minimum 15 actions that amount using unfair means in public examinations “for monetary or wrongful gain”. • The Act has provision to punish persons who commits an organised crime with imprisonment between 5 years and 10 years, and a fine of minimum Rs 1 crore.click here to read more

Answer 219

*Answer-4) Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Explanation:* Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) has launched a new web portal to automate and accelerate the process of settlement of interest subvention claims of banks made under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). • The portal was jointly developed by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). • This portal will ensure timely settlement of claims within a day and ensure transparency and check corrupt methods The Union Minister also launched ‘Krishi Katha’, a blog site which will serve as a digital platform to displays the voice of the Indian farmers and amplify the experiences, insights and success stories of farmers across India.

Answer 220

*Answer-5) E-commerce Explanation:* Jitan Ram Manjhi, the Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) launched the MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative and Yashasvini Campaign to boost micro and small businesses trade using e-commerce and to support women entrepreneurs. • The two initiatives were launched during the event of World MSME Day, ‘Udyami Bharat’ on June 27 2024 in New Delhi, Delhi. • The Union Ministry of MSME also amending the MSME Development Act, 2006 to improve mechanisms for managing disputes related to delayed payments and to better address the evolving needs of the MSME sector. • MSME TEAM has been launched under the World Bank (WB)-supported Raising And Accelerating MSME Productivity (RAMP) programme and implemented by National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). • This initiative boosts e-commerce access for MSEs (micro and small enterprises) via the government’s open e-commerce network Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) with an outlay of Rs 277.35 crore for the period of three years (2024-2027). • Yashasvini Campaign is an awareness campaign, which focuses on formalising women-owned micro enterprises in tier-2 and tier-3 cities and providing necessary support and assistance.

Answer 221

*Answer-4) Paraguay Explanation:* The Republic of Paraguay officially became the 100th full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a treaty-based international intergovernmental organization. Paraguay handed over its Instrument of Ratification to the ISA in New Delhi, Delhi. • The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to combat climate change through deployment of solar energy solutions. • It was conceptualised on the sidelines of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris, France in 2015. • Currently, 119 countries are signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement, of which 100 countries have ratified and become full members of the ISA. • Spain became the 99th full member of ISA in May 2024.

Answer 222

*Answer-3) Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) Explanation:* On 24th June 2024, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 29.60 lakh on The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) for non-compliance with directions issued by RBI on ‘Credit Card, Debit Card and Rupee Denominated Co-branded Pre-paid Card operations of Banks’ reiterated in ‘RBI (Credit Card and Debit Card – Issuance and Conduct) Directions, 2022. • The penalty was imposed in the exercise of powers vested in RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. • RBI conducted the Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2022) with reference to the financial position of HSBC as on 31st March 2022.

Answer 223

*Answer-2) HDFC Life Insurance Company Explanation:* On the sidelines of National Insurance Awareness Day 2024(28th June 2024), HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited introduced the ‘Bridge the Gap’ campaign to educate the public about the role of life insurance. • This initiative aims to clarify the benefits of life insurance and inform the public about its importance. • HDFC Life has partnered with ET NOW, an English-language business and finance news channel in India, to produce a series of informative chat shows featuring discussions with HDFC Life leaders and their partners. This will cover various aspects of financial planning with life insurance, including protection, child plans, and retirement options.

Answer 224

*Answer-3) TATA Group Explanation:* According to Brand Finance’s India 100 2024: The annual report on the most valuable and strongest Indian brands June 2024, TATA Group retained the Number 1 position in the Brand Value Ranking 2024 with a 9% growth in brand value to USD 28.6 billion. TATA Group, the most valuable brand in India, became the 1st Indian brand to near a USD 30 million brand value mark. • Infosys continues to retain its 2nd spot, with a steady 9% growth in brand value (USD 14.2 billion), followed by HDFC Group in the 3rd spot with a brand value of USD 10.4 billion. • Taj retains its reputation as the strongest Indian brand for the 3rd consecutive year with a AAA+ brand strength rating.Click here to read more

Answer 225

*Aswer-5) ABHYAS Explanation:* The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the six consecutive developmental trials of ‘ABHYAS’, the High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT), with enhanced Booster Configuration from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. • With this, ABHYAS has completed ten developmental trials, demonstrating the system’s reliability. • The trials were conducted with enhanced Radar Cross Section (RCS), Visual, and Infrared (IR) augmentation systems, which required for weapon practice. • ABHYAS is a indigenous system designed by the DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru (Karnataka). • The was developed through the production agencies – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T).

Answer 226

*Answer-2) June 29 Explanation:* National Statistics Day (Statistics Day) is annually observed across India on 29 June to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of statisticians in India and popularise statistics as a field of study and its significance in socio-economic planning, policy-making, and daily life. • This Day is also celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of an eminent statistician (Late) Professor Prasanta Chandra (PC) Mahalanobis, also known as the ‘Father of Modern Statistics in India.’ • The main event of National Statistics Day 2024 was organised at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, and New Delhi, Delhi. • 29 June 2024 marks the observance of the 18th National Statistics Day. • The 2024 theme of National Statistics Day is, “Use of Data for Decision Making.”Click here to read more

Answer 227

*Answer-1) 23rd to 29th June 2024 Explanation:* World Allergy Week is an annual initiative of World Allergy Organisation (WAO) to create awareness about allergic diseases in our communities. World Allergy Week 2024 observed across the globe from 23rd to 29th June 2024. • It focuses on campaigning for training and resources on allergy diagnosis, management, and prevention. • The theme of World Allergy Week 2024 is ‘Childhood Food Allergy’, which focuses on the weaning journey for parents of babies with food allergies. • The World Allergy Week 2024 focusses on food allergy and removing obstacles to optimal care, safety, and quality of life. • World Allergy Week 2023 was observed from 18th to 24th June 2023.