Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 09th July 2024

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Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 of 09th July 2024. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) What is the maximum amount of money that NABFID has approved for Greenko to reimburse foreign bond holders for bonds that mature in January and July of 2025?

(a) Rs 6200 crore

(b) Rs 4200 crore

(c) Rs 5200 crore

(d) Rs 7200 crore

(e) Rs 8200 crore

2) As per July 2024, Which state’s Shimsha Sahakara Bank had its licence revoked by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) because of its deteriorating financial situation?

(a) Karnataka

(b) West Bengal

(c) Bihar

(d) Uttar Pradesh

(e) Odisha

3) A new health insurance plan called “Elevate,” furnished with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, has been introduced by which General Insurance Company Limitedin India?

(a) SBI

(b) ICICI Lombard

(c) HDFC

(d) Oriental Insurance

(e) GIC

4) The Union Law Ministry is working to translate Central law into Indian languages using artificial intelligence (AI), with the goal of having this process operational by December. While the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution lists how many Indian languages?

(a) 21

(b) 20

(c) 22

(d) 23

(e) 25

5) As per the report, the  Packaged food producers want to provide their input after reviewing the suggested changes to nutritional information labelling made by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The modifications were considered in the FSSAI’s ___________ meeting.

(a) 43rd

(b) 44th

(c) 45th

(d) 46th

(e) 42nd

6) In July 2024, India is on the verge of signing an extensive agreement with which country to improve geological mapping and mineral prospecting in the resource-rich African nation?

(a) Sudan

(b) Ghana

(c) Zambia

(d) Nigeria

(e) Angola

7) A five-member Indian team from the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) came in which nation for a three-day visit to outline a plan for future partnerships and share views on successful governance practices?

(a) Bangladesh

(b) Nepal

(c) Bhutan

(d) Sri Lanka

(e) Pakistan

8) The Sushila Narayana Reddy Trust has presented Tamil novelist Sivashankari with the renowned Dr. C. Narayana Reddy National Literary Award in recognition of her major contributions to Tamil literature. It is named after Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, a renowned Telugu poet and Jnanpith awardee. When was the first prize presented?

(a) 2014

(b) 2015

(c) 2017

(d) 2019

(e) 2018

9) The Delhi State Kabaddi Association has officially announced the commencement of the first Delhi Kabaddi League, which is expected to fascinate spectators across the national capital. Who has been appointed as the Delhi Kabaddi League’s brand ambassador?

(a) Niranjan Singh

(b) Ravindra Bhati

(c) Rahul Sharma

(d) Amar Singh Solanki

(e) Manjeet Chhillar

10) In an exciting four-way tiebreaker, world number two Fabiano Caruana prevailed in all three of his quick games to successfully defend his Superbet Classic championship. Which nation’s Alireza Firouzja competed in the tiebreaker alongside Indian Grandmasters D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa?

(a) Spain

(b) USA

(c) France

(d) Ireland

(e) Japan

11) At the Paris Diamond League, Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine broke the record in the women’s high jump, clearing 2.10 meters to create a new mark that had held since ____________.

(a) 1982

(b) 1985

(c) 1987

(d) 1988

(e) 1989

12) The Asian Billiards & Snooker Championship, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is won by Dhruv Sitwala and Anupama Ramachandran. Which nation’s Panchaya Channoi lost against Anupama Ramachandran 3-1?

(a) Spain

(b) USA

(c) France

(d) Thailand

(e) Japan

13) In a passionate and eagerly anticipated win at the British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton achieved his ____________career victory. He has won the competition nine times in a row with this triumph.

(a) 102

(b) 104

(c) 106

(d) 101

(e) 108

14) As per the July 2024 report, a Ratan Kumar Kesh was named as the acting chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director (MD) by the board of directors of Bandhan Bank. How many months will the position endure, or until a new MD and CEO take over?

(a) 1month

(b) 2months

(c) 3months

(d) 5months

(e) 6months

15) As per the report, The Labour Party’s leader, Keir Starmer, has been named as the United Kingdom’s______ Prime Minister, following Rishi Sunak.

(a) 57th

(b) 58th

(c) 56th

(d) 55th

(e) 59th

16) Recently, Which state government has recruited veteran politician K. Keshava Rao as a Cabinet-level advisor for public affairs?

(a) Karnataka

(b) West Bengal

(c) Bihar

(d) Uttar Pradesh

(e) Telangana

17) Recent July 2024 report, Commissioner Edward Kieswetter of South African Revenue Services (SARS) has been re-elected to lead the World Customs Organization (WCO) for a further year (2024–2025).A ____ representatives of the WCO’s directors general of customs attended the sessions, which were held in Brussels, Belgium.

(a) 186

(b) 182

(c) 184

(d) 189

(e) 188

18) The ____________ Light Tank was launched by the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) at its site in Hazira, Gujarat, to support the Indian armed forces’ modernization and indigenization initiatives.

(a) Arjun

(b) Bhisma

(c) Ajeya

(d) Zorawar

(e) Napoleon

19) Recently, Chinese geologists identified two new niobium-scandium minerals, Oboniobite and Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite.The finding occurred at the Bayan Obo deposit in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Since______, 18 additional minerals have been identified in the Bayan Obo deposit. Oboniobite and Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite are the 19th and 20th minerals identified in this deposit, according to Li Xiao.

(a) 1958

(b) 1960

(c) 1959

(d) 1956

(e) 1955

20) Smriti Biswas, a veteran actress who worked in Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi cinema, died. In which year was her last Hindi film, ‘Model Girl’ released?

(a) 1958

(b) 1960

(c) 1959

(d) 1956

(e) 1955

Answers :

1) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

• Greenko, a leading renewable energy company in India, is restructuring its overseas liabilities by prepaying over $1 billion of dollar bonds maturing next year through funds from National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NABFID).
• This move aims to reduce overseas debt amid higher interest rates abroad.
• NABFID has sanctioned Rs 6200 crore from which Greenko will use to pay back foreign bond investors for bonds maturing in January and July, 2025.
• The funds will be used to repay foreign bond investors and finance up-and-running projects across India, aligning with Greenko’s mandate.
• Project Portfolio:Greenko operates5 gigawatts of installed solar and wind power capacity across 15 states in India.

Detailed Explanation:

• Greenko, a leading renewable energy company in India, is restructuring its overseas liabilities by prepaying over $1 billion of dollar bonds maturing next year through funds from National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NABFID).
• This move aims to reduce overseas debt amid higher interest rates abroad.
• NABFID has sanctioned Rs 6200 crore from which Greenko will use to pay back foreign bond investors for bonds maturing in January and July, 2025.
• The funds will be used to repay foreign bond investors and finance up-and-running projects across India, aligning with Greenko’s mandate.
• Project Portfolio:Greenko operates5 gigawatts of installed solar and wind power capacity across 15 states in India.
• Loan Structure:NABFID will finance Greenko’s projects through a unique obligator-co-obligor structure.
• Bond Repayment Details:Greenko plans to use the NABFID funds to prepay a $500 million bond maturing in January and a $535 million bond maturing in July.
• These bonds were issued by overseas arms of the company.
• Loan Tenure and Terms:Loans from NABFID will have flexible drawdown options, with tenure ranging from 10 to 23 years.

2) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the licence of Shimsha Sahakara Bank Niyamitha, Maddur, Mandya District, Karnataka, due to its worsening financial position.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the licence of Shimsha Sahakara Bank Niyamitha, Maddur, Mandya District, Karnataka, due to its worsening financial position.
• As a result, the bank ceased to carry on banking business from the close of business on July 05, 2024.
• The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Karnataka, has been requested to issue an order for winding up the bank and to appoint a liquidator.
• Upon liquidation, each depositor is entitled to receive a deposit insurance claim amount of up to ₹5,00,000 (5 Lakhs) from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), subject to the provisions of the DICGC Act, 1961.

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, a private general insurer in India, has launched ‘Elevate’, a new health insurance product equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
• Coverage Details:‘Elevate’ includes 15 in-built covers and multiple personalization options.

Detailed Explanation:

• ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, a private general insurer in India, has launched ‘Elevate’, a new health insurance product equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
• Infinite Sum Insured:Ensures policyholders never run out of coverage, addressing concerns of limited coverage and sum insured.
• Infinite Claim Amount: Offers comprehensive financial protection with infinite claim amount for a one-time claim during the policy’s lifetime, independent of the sum insured.
• Power Booster Add-on:Provides a 100% cumulative bonus annually, regardless of claims, for an indefinite period.
• Reset Benefit:Allows unlimited resets of coverage, ensuring continuous protection irrespective of claims.
• Coverage Details:‘Elevate’ includes 15 in-built covers and multiple personalization options.

4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• Target Languages: While there are 22 Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, translations will focus on 14 languages, including Bengali, Tamil, Gujarati, Urdu, Punjabi, and Marathi. This selection is based on the languages predominantly used in courts.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Union Law Ministry is advancing efforts to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) for translating Central legislation into Indian languages, potentially operational by December.
• This move aims to reduce dependency on state governments for translating Central laws into various regional languages.
• AI Translation Development: Initial trials of AI for translating laws showed about 40% success. The Ministry, in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre, is enhancing AI performance by incorporating words from the legal glossary in Hindi and other Indian languages.
• Target Languages: While there are 22 Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, translations will focus on 14 languages, including Bengali, Tamil, Gujarati, Urdu, Punjabi, and Marathi. This selection is based on the languages predominantly used in courts.
• Current Progress: The AI is still under development and has not yet produced usable results. The Ministry’s legal glossary is being used to train the AI.

5) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• Packaged food manufacturerswill review the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) proposed amendments on nutritional information labelling and plan to submit their feedback.
• Objective:The changes were discussed during the 44th meeting of the FSSAI. The intention behind the amendment is to make critical nutritional information more visible and comprehensible to consumers, thereby encouraging better dietary decisions.

Detailed Explanation:

• Packaged food manufacturerswill review the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) proposed amendments on nutritional information labelling and plan to submit their feedback.
• Objective:The changes were discussed during the 44th meeting of the FSSAI. The intention behind the amendment is to make critical nutritional information more visible and comprehensible to consumers, thereby encouraging better dietary decisions.
• Process:The draft notification for the amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, will be released for public comments. This period will allow stakeholders, including food manufacturers and the public, to provide suggestions and raise objections.
• Industry Response:Food industry executives have expressed their intention to evaluate the proposed changes carefully and provide their suggestions to the food regulator. The feedback process will help shape the final regulations.

6) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• India is on the verge of finalising a significant agreement with Zambia to enhance geological mapping and mineral exploration in the resource-rich African nation.
• This move aims to secure access to valuable minerals and strengthen bilateral relations.
• Objective:Secure access to Zambia’s rich mineral resources, including precious stones, copper, zinc, nickel, gold, and cobalt.
• Background:Zambia is known for its abundant mineral wealth, making it an attractive partner for India’s resource needs.

Detailed Explanation:

• India is on the verge of finalising a significant agreement with Zambia to enhance geological mapping and mineral exploration in the resource-rich African nation.
• This move aims to secure access to valuable minerals and strengthen bilateral relations.
• Objective:Secure access to Zambia’s rich mineral resources, including precious stones, copper, zinc, nickel, gold, and cobalt.
• Background:Zambia is known for its abundant mineral wealth, making it an attractive partner for India’s resource needs.

Expected Outcomes:

• Strategic Resource Access:Strengthening India’s access to essential minerals for its industrial and technological needs.
• Economic Cooperation:Boosting economic ties and fostering a stronger partnership between India and Zambia.
• Enhanced Geological Understanding:Utilizing advanced geological mapping techniques to better understand and exploit Zambia’s mineral wealth.

7) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

• A five-member Indian delegation from the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a three-day visit.
• During the visit, the delegation will call on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and hold bilateral meetings with officials from the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office.
• The visit also includes an interactive session with NCGG alumni in the Sri Lankan Civil Service.

Detailed Explanation:

• A five-member Indian delegation from the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a three-day visit.
• The delegation, led by the Secretary and Director General of the National Centre for Good Governance, V. Srinivas, will engage in discussions on capacity-building programmes for Sri Lankan civil servants and the potential signing of a long-term Memorandum of Understanding for these initiatives.
• During the visit, the delegation will call on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and hold bilateral meetings with officials from the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office.
• The visit also includes an interactive session with NCGG alumni in the Sri Lankan Civil Service.

8) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

About Dr. C. Narayana Reddy National Literary Award:

• Significance:
  • Named after Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, eminent Telugu poet and Jnanpith awardee.
  • Recognizes outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
• Award Components:Certificate and ₹1 lakh in cash.
• Established:First awarded in 2017.
• Instituting Body:Cultural and Literary Federation of India

Detailed Explanation:

• Award Details:
  • Recipient:Sivashankari, renowned Tamil author.
  • Prize:₹5 lakh, a memento, and a shawl.
  • Presentation Date:July 29, 2024.
  • Venue:Ravindra Bharati, Hyderabad.
  • Event:93rd birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. C. Narayana Reddy.
• Ceremony Details:
  • Chief Guest: Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister.
  • Notable Guests:
    • Jupalli Krishna Rao, Minister for Culture.
    • Adi Srinivas, Government Whip.
  • Special Event:Release of Dr. C. Narayana Reddy’s new poetry book, Samanvitham.

About Dr. C. Narayana Reddy National Literary Award:

• Significance:
  • Named after Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, eminent Telugu poet and Jnanpith awardee.
  • Recognizes outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
• Award Components:Certificate and ₹1 lakh in cash.
• Established:First awarded in 2017.
• Instituting Body:Cultural and Literary Federation of India

9) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

• The Delhi State Kabaddi Association has officially announced the launch of the inaugural Delhi Kabaddi League, aiming to captivate fans across the national capital.
• The announcement was made by the Honourable President of the Delhi State Kabaddi Association, Ramesh Bidhuri.
• Announcement Event: Ramesh Bidhuri announced the launch, joined by former India kabaddi player Manjeet Chhillar, Ravindra Bhati (founder and CEO of 100 Sports Management Pvt. Ltd.), and Rahul Sharma (director of 100 Sports Management Pvt. Ltd.).
• Brand Ambassador: Manjeet Chhillar has been named the brand ambassador of the Delhi Kabaddi League.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Delhi State Kabaddi Association has officially announced the launch of the inaugural Delhi Kabaddi League, aiming to captivate fans across the national capital.
• The announcement was made by the Honourable President of the Delhi State Kabaddi Association, Ramesh Bidhuri.
• Announcement Event: Ramesh Bidhuri announced the launch, joined by former India kabaddi player Manjeet Chhillar, Ravindra Bhati (founder and CEO of 100 Sports Management Pvt. Ltd.), and Rahul Sharma (director of 100 Sports Management Pvt. Ltd.).
• Brand Ambassador: Manjeet Chhillar has been named the brand ambassador of the Delhi Kabaddi League.
• Special Guests: The event was attended by special guests Niranjan Singh, MS Tyagi, Amar Singh Solanki, and Ramveer Singh.
• Franchise Model: The league will feature eight teams named after different regions of Delhi, established through a formal bidding process.
• Player Categorization: Players from Delhi will be categorized into different groups, promoting local talent and providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills.

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• World number two Fabiano Caruana successfully defended his Superbet Classic title by winning all three rapid games in a thrilling four-way tiebreaker.
• The tiebreaker featured Indian Grandmasters D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa, alongside France’s Alireza Firouzja, following a rather uneventful tournament

Detailed Explanation:

• World number two Fabiano Caruana successfully defended his Superbet Classic title by winning all three rapid games in a thrilling four-way tiebreaker.
• The tiebreaker featured Indian Grandmasters D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa, alongside France’s Alireza Firouzja, following a rather uneventful tournament
• Tiebreaker Victory: Fabiano Caruana won all three rapid games in the tiebreaker to secure his title.
• Classical Format: Caruana’s loss to Anish Giri of Holland in the Classical format led to a four-way tie, with Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Firouzja all finishing the classical section tied for first place.

11) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh set a new world record in the women’s high jump at the Paris Diamond League, clearing 2.10 meters and breaking a record that had stood since 1987.
• Comparison with Competitors: Mahuchikh outperformed Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers, the world indoor champion. Both cleared the 2.01-meter height on their second attempts, but Olyslagers failed to clear 2.03 meters in three tries.

Detailed Explanation:

• Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh set a new world record in the women’s high jump at the Paris Diamond League, clearing 2.10 meters and breaking a record that had stood since 1987.
• New World Record: Mahuchikh’s 2.10-meter jump surpasses the previous world record in the women’s high jump, marking a historic achievement in the sport.
• Event and Location: The record was set at the Paris Diamond League, a prestigious track and field competition.
• Comparison with Competitors: Mahuchikh outperformed Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers, the world indoor champion. Both cleared the 2.01-meter height on their second attempts, but Olyslagers failed to clear 2.03 meters in three tries.

12) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Detailed Explanation:

• Dhruv Sitwalaand Anupama Ramachandran emerged victorious in the men’s billiards and women’s snooker categories respectively at the Asian championships held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Men’s Billiards:
  • Dhruv Sitwala defeated Pankaj Advani 5-2.
• Women’s Snooker:
  • Anupama Ramachandran defeated Panchaya Channoi (Thailand) 3-1.
• Dhruv Sitwala:Set the tone with an impressive 103 points in the opening frame, ultimately clinching the title against Advani.
• Anupama Ramachandran:Showed remarkable resilience, coming back from a first-frame loss to secure the women’s snooker title with a 3-1 victory.

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• Lewis Hamilton secured his 104th careervictory in an emotional and long-awaited triumph at the British Grand Prix.
• This victory marked his record ninth win at the event.
• Podium Finishers:
  • 1st Place:Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
  • 2nd Place:Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
  • 3rd Place:Lando Norris (McLaren)

Detailed Explanation:

• Lewis Hamilton secured his 104th careervictory in an emotional and long-awaited triumph at the British Grand Prix.
• This victory marked his record ninth win at the event.
• Podium Finishers:
  • 1st Place:Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
  • 2nd Place:Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
  • 3rd Place:Lando Norris (McLaren)

Career Milestones:

• 150th Podium:This victory secured Hamilton his 150th podium finish for Mercedes.
• Last Win:Hamilton’s last victory was at the 2021 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.
• Future Plans:Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes for Ferrari after this season.

14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• Bandhan Bank’s board of directors appointed Ratan Kumar Keshas the interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• The appointment is effective from July 10, 2024.
• The appointment will last for 3 months or until a new MD & CEO assumes office.
• This decision follows the retirement of the current MD & CEO, Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, whose tenure ends on July 9, 2024.

Detailed Explanation:

• Bandhan Bank’s board of directors appointed Ratan Kumar Keshas the interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• The appointment is effective from July 10, 2024.
• The appointment will last for 3 months or until a new MD & CEO assumes office.
• This decision follows the retirement of the current MD & CEO, Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, whose tenure ends on July 9, 2024.
• Kesh’s appointment has been approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• He currently holds the position of executive director (ED) and chief operating officer (COO) at the bank.

15) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• Keir Starmer,leader of the Labour Party, has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s 58th Prime Minister, succeeding Rishi Sunak.
• The appointment was made by King Charles III, the UK’s monarch.
• Labour secured a significant victory, winning 412 seats in Parliament, while the Conservatives garnered 121 seats, their lowest in history.
• Rishi Sunak served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from October 2022 to July 2024, making history as the first British Prime Minister of Indian descent.

Detailed Explanation:

• Keir Starmer,leader of the Labour Party, has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s 58th Prime Minister, succeeding Rishi Sunak.
• The appointment was made by King Charles III, the UK’s monarch.
• Labour secured a significant victory, winning 412 seats in Parliament, while the Conservatives garnered 121 seats, their lowest in history.
• The total number of seats in Parliament is 650.
• Labour received nearly 34% of the vote, slightly up from their previous result in 2019 but lower than their 2017 performance under Jeremy Corbyn.
• Meanwhile the Conservatives secured just under 24% of the vote.
• Rishi Sunak served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from October 2022 to July 2024, making history as the first British Prime Minister of Indian descent.

16) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

• Senior politician K. Keshava Rao,who joined the Congress recently from the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), has been appointed as Adviser to the Telangana Government (Public Affairs) with Cabinet status.
• Keshava Rao previously served as a Minister in Congress governments and was the former president of the AP Congress Committee.

Detailed Explanation:

• Senior politician K. Keshava Rao,who joined the Congress recently from the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), has been appointed as Adviser to the Telangana Government (Public Affairs) with Cabinet status.
• Keshava Rao previously served as a Minister in Congress governments and was the former president of the AP Congress Committee.
• He left Congress during the Telangana movement to join the BRS (formerly TRS) and served as its secretary-general.He resigned as a Rajya Sabha member after joining the BRS.

17) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

• South African Revenue Services (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetterhas been re-elected as the chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) for a second one-year term (2024-2025).
• The re-election occurred during the 143rd/144th Sessions of the WCO Council.
• The sessions took place in Brussels, Belgium, with the participation of directors general of customs from the WCO’s 186 members.

Detailed Explanation:

• South African Revenue Services (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetterhas been re-elected as the chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) for a second one-year term (2024-2025).
• The re-election occurred during the 143rd/144th Sessions of the WCO Council.
• The sessions took place in Brussels, Belgium, with the participation of directors general of customs from the WCO’s 186 members.
• At the meeting, the WCO council examined the work carried out by the WCO Secretariat and working bodies throughout the year in line with the WCO Strategic Plan 2022-2025.

Functions and Roles:

• The WCO is an intergovernmental organization focused on customs-related matters.
• It aims to develop and streamline customs procedures to enhance trade supply and international trade.
• The WCO Council is the highest decision-making body within the organization.

18) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

• The Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) unveiled the “Zorawar” Light Tank at its facility in Hazira, Gujarat to propel indigenization and modernization efforts of the Indian armed forces.
• Collaboration and Development:The Light Tank was developed as a public-private venture with DRDO collaborating with Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
• The 25-ton vehicle was designed and developed in a record time of 2 years
• The projected timeline for development completion is 2027.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) unveiled the “Zorawar” Light Tank at its facility in Hazira, Gujarat to propel indigenization and modernization efforts of the Indian armed forces.
• Collaboration and Development:The Light Tank was developed as a public-private venture with DRDO collaborating with Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
• The 25-ton vehicle was designed and developed in a record time of 2 years.
• Response to Chinese Deployment:The Zorawar Light Tank is a response to Chinese Type 15 Light Tanks deployed in Ladakh during the standoff.
• Tribute to General Zorawar Singh:The tank is named “Zorawar” to honor General Zorawar Singh of the Dogra Dynasty of Jammu.
• The tank has a power-to-weight ratio of at least 30 hp/ton, ensuring improved mobility and integration with drones and battle management systems.
• The projected timeline for development completion is 2027.
• The Zorawar Light Tank is amphibious and can cross rivers, canals, and other water bodies.
• Current Tank Inventory and Limitations:The Indian Army currently operates three types of main battle tanks:
• Russian T-90 “Bhisma”
• T-72 “Ajeya”
• Indigenously developed “Arjun”

19) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• Chinese geologistshave discovered two new niobium-scandium minerals named Oboniobite and Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite.
• Historical Context:Since 1959, 18 new minerals have been discovered in the Bayan Obo deposit.
• Oboniobite and Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite are the 19th and 20th minerals discovered in this deposit, as stated by Li Xiao.

Detailed Explanation:

• Chinese geologistshave discovered two new niobium-scandium minerals named Oboniobite and Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite.
• The discovery was made at the Bayan Obo deposit in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
• Institutions Involved:The discovery was announced by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
• It was a collaborative effort involving the CAS Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union Company., Limited., Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earths, and Central South University.
• Importance of Niobium and Scandium:Both Niobium and Scandium are extremely rare and strategically critical metals.
• Niobium Uses:Primarily used in special steels, superconducting materials, and aerospace industries.
• Scandium Uses: Widely used in aluminium-scandium alloys and solid oxide fuel cells.
• Historical Context:Since 1959, 18 new minerals have been discovered in the Bayan Obo deposit.
• Oboniobite and Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite are the 19th and 20th minerals discovered in this deposit, as stated by Li Xiao.

20) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• Smriti Biswas, a veteran actress known for her roles in Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi cinema, passed away at the age of 100 in Nashik, Maharashtra.

About Smriti Biswas :

• Born on February 17, 1924, Biswas celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this year before her passing.
• She began her acting career at the age of 10 as a child actress in the Bengali film ‘Sandhya.’
• Her last Hindi film was ‘Model Girl’ in 1960.

Detailed Explanation:

• Smriti Biswas, a veteran actress known for her roles in Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi cinema, passed away at the age of 100 in Nashik, Maharashtra.

About Smriti Biswas :

• Born on February 17, 1924, Biswas celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this year before her passing.
• She began her acting career at the age of 10 as a child actress in the Bengali film ‘Sandhya.’
• Biswas had a distinguished career spanning three decades from the 1930s to the 1960s.
• Her last Hindi film was ‘Model Girl’ in 1960.