Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 15th November 2024

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Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 of 15th November 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) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and State Bank of India (SBI) will remain designated as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs). How many buckets are there under the Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) classification for banks?

(a) 1

(b) 2

(d) 4

(e) 5

2) Daily current Affairs Quiz 15th November 2024 Daily current Affairs Quiz 15th November 2024 Under UBEB schemes, the Securities and Exchange Board of India exempts real estate investment trusts and infrastructure investment trusts from the allocation rules. In UBEB, what does “U” mean?

(a) Under

(b) Unit

(d) User

(e) Until

3) The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), which oversees the market, may soon permit angel funds to reach a wider range of investors, including single proprietorships, family trusts, and Hindu undivided families (HUFs). How many lakhs might be the new minimum investment limit instead of Rs 25 lakh?

(a) Rs.20lakh

(b) Rs.10lakh

(d) Rs.12lakh

(e) Rs.5lakh

4) The Securities and Exchange Board of India examines custodial standards and suggests ways to improve efficiency. How many crores would SEBI raise the net worth threshold for custodians from Rs 50 crore (established in 1996)?

(a) Rs 100 crore

(b) Rs 150 crore

(d) Rs 75 crore

(e) Rs 110 crore

5) By FY30 (2029-30), generative artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to boost India’s GDP by $359 billion to $438 billion. What percentage of Indian businesses integrated AI into their production processes in 2024 compared to 8% in 2023?

(a) 25%

(b) 20%

(d) 12%

(e) 30%

6) The RBI has issued a new order requiring banks to install Note Sorting Machines (NSMs) that adhere to the most recent standards. From which date will banks only be allowed to use NSM models that are BIS-certified and adhere to the new standards?

(a) May 1, 2025

(b) March 1, 2025

(d) June 1, 2025

(e) January 1, 2025

7) The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation had approved three major fire service modernization projects for how much crore for the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal?

(a) Rs. 725.62 crore

(b) Rs. 720.62 crore

(d) Rs. 715.62 crore

(e) Rs. 710.62 crore

8) In which state will the public broadcaster Prasar Bharti formally launch its over-the-top (OTT) platform on November 20 during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) opening ceremony?

(a) Maharashtra

(b) Goa

(d) Rajasthan

(e) Gujarat

9) What nation’s deputy secretary of state, Kurt Campbell, is scheduled to attend the inaugural Indian Ocean Dialogue in New Delhi on November 13–14?

(a) China

(b) USA

(d) Denamrk

(e) France

10) Which ministry is scheduled to introduce a 1,000-crore program next month to promote the use of energy-efficient technologies by MSMEs?

(a) Ministry of MSME

(b) Ministry of Power

(d) Ministry of Home Affairs

(e) Ministry of Skill development

11) The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund will launch a digital archive of the PM’s famous books and letters in 2025. The official opening of the archive is scheduled for November 14, 2025, which is also Nehru’s ________ birth anniversary.

(a) 131st

(b) 132nd

(d) 135th

(e) 136th

12) As part of initiatives to enhance public transit and environmentally friendly modes of transportation, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath introduced the state’s first double-decker electric bus service in Lucknow. How many passengers can fit on the bus?

(a) 62

(b) 61

(d) 64

(e) 65

13) Which state has officially designated Meluri as its 17th district after it was raised from a Phek District subdivision?

(a) Sikkim

(b) Meghalaya

(d) Nagaland

(e) Tripura

14) Which nation has named Sonu Sood, a well-known actor, humanitarian, and philanthropist, as its Honorary Tourism Advisor and Brand Ambassador?

(a) Germany

(b) Thailand

(d) Singapore

(e) France

15) On November 12, 2024, Elon Musk was named co-leader of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by US President-elect Donald Trump. With whom will Musk co-lead?

(a) Murali Krishnan

(b) Gokulnath

(d) Sabarinathan

(e) Arul Kumar

16) The new Chairman of IOC is Arvindar Singh Sahney, who is currently the Executive Director of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). Sahney will be the ____ individual chosen directly to the position of IOC Chairman who does not have board experience.

(a) 1st

(b) 2nd

(d) 4th

(e) 5th

17) Recently (Nov’24), Maia Sandu, Moldova’s pro-Western president, has been re-elected to a second term. What is the currency of Moldova?

(a) Leu

(b) Peso

(d) Dollar

(e) Rial

18) The judging panel complimented Samantha Harvey’s Orbital for its “beauty and ambition” and declared it the winner of the 2018 Booker Prize. Orbital sold 29,000 copies in which country in 2024, making it the best-selling book on the shortlist?

(a) USA

(b) UK

(d) France

(e) Singapore

19) Over the last five years, municipal corporations’ borrowing from financial institutions has surged by more than fourfold. Which state, along with Telangana, has much higher borrowing rates of 14.4% and 15.1%, respectively?

(a) Sikkim

(b) Meghalaya

(d) Nagaland

(e) Tripura

20) SoftBank Corp. has partnered with NVIDIA to improve AI capabilities in Japan’s industrial and telecoms industries. SoftBank is the first to receive NVIDIA DGX ____ systems, which are used to build the NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD supercomputer.

(a) B200

(b) B100

(d) B400

(e) B500

21) On November 20 and 21, 2024, the Indian Navy will conduct which edition of the ‘Pan-India’ Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-24’?

(a) 3rd

(b) 4th

(d) 2nd

(e) 6th

22) Recently the LignoSat, the first wooden satellite in history, was launched with the goal of reducing environmental effect and addressing space debris in order to transform sustainable space research. What is the satellite’s shape?

(a) Circle

(b) Cube

(d) Prism

(e) Sphere

23) In accordance with a new defense pact, which nation and Australia jointly undertake the Keris Woomera 2024 military exercises?

(a) Germany

(b) France

(d) China

(e) Indonesia

24) In order to combine commerce and gaming, Nazara Technologies and ONDC Network have partnered to launch gCommerce, an in-game eCommerce platform. When did the ONDC network launched?

(a) 2020

(b) 2021

(d) 2022

(e) 2023

25) When was the Jharkhand Foundation Day observed on?

(a) November 12

(b) November 13

(d) November 15

(e) November 11

Answers :

1) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank will continue to be identified as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).

The D-SIB designated banks have to maintain additional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) in addition to the capital conservation buffer.

In order to be listed as a D-SIB, a bank needs to have assets that exceed 2% of the national GDP.

Banks are classified into five buckets under Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank will continue to be identified as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).

The D-SIB designated banks have to maintain additional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) in addition to the capital conservation buffer.

In order to be listed as a D-SIB, a bank needs to have assets that exceed 2% of the national GDP.

Banks are classified into five buckets under Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).

SBI: Additional CET1 requirement of 0.80% (effective from April 1, 2025).

HDFC Bank: Additional CET1 requirement of 0.40% (effective from April 1, 2025).

ICICI Bank: Additional CET1 requirement of 0.20% as a percentage of their Risk Weighted Assets (RWAs)

Transition Period for SBI and HDFC Bank:The higher CET1 surcharge for SBI and HDFC Bank will be applicable from April 1, 2025.

Criteria for Identifying D-SIBs:Banks are classified based on size, interconnectedness, substitutability, and complexity.

Size has a weightage of 40%, while the other three factors each have a weightage of 20%.

D-SIB Framework:The framework, issued by the RBI in 2014, requires disclosure of D-SIBs’ names and classification into appropriate buckets based on their Systemic Importance Scores (SISs).

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Markets Regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI ) has exempted infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs) and real estate investment trusts (REITs) from specific lock-in and allotment restrictions when issuing units to an employee benefit trust under unit-based employee benefit (UBEB) schemes.

Detailed Explanation:

This will facilitate easier acquisition and distribution of units to employees.

Objective: The exemption is part of SEBI’s efforts to promote ease of doing business, allowing more straightforward acquisition and distribution of units to employees under UBEB schemes.

Standardised Reporting Format: SEBI has mandated that the Bharat InvITs Association and the Indian REITs Association implement a uniform format for quarterly reports and compliance certificates to improve operational efficiency and transparency.

Public Availability: The standardized reports and compliance formats for InvITs and REITs must be made publicly available on the associations’ websites, enhancing consistency and accessibility across the sector.

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) may soon allow angel funds to expand the scope of investors by including Hindu undivided families (HUFs), family trusts, and sole proprietorships, among others.

Adjusted Investment Limits:SEBI suggests increasing the cap for investment in a single startup from Rs 10 crore to Rs 25 crore.

The minimum investment limit may be reduced from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

Detailed Explanation:

Accredited Investor Focus: Angel funds may soon be limited to accredited investors (those with verified net worth and risk understanding), with accreditation verified by a third-party agency.

Removal of Minimum Investment Requirement: SEBI proposes eliminating the minimum investment requirement of Rs 25 lakh for angel investors, reducing entry barriers for startup investments.

Adjusted Investment Limits:SEBI suggests increasing the cap for investment in a single startup from Rs 10 crore to Rs 25 crore.

The minimum investment limit may be reduced from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

Lower Lock-in Requirement: Proposals include a lower lock-in period for investments, improving liquidity options for investors.

4) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has proposed measures to ease operations and compliance for custodians,entities that manage foreign portfolio investors (FPIs).

Review of Net Worth Criteria: SEBI has proposed increasing the net worth requirement for custodians from Rs 50 crore (set in 1996) to Rs 100 crore.

Detailed Explanation:

Review of Net Worth Criteria: SEBI has proposed increasing the net worth requirement for custodians from Rs 50 crore (set in 1996) to Rs 100 crore.

Existing custodians who do not meet the new threshold will have three years to comply.

Simplification of KYC Process:SEBI is considering allowing local custodians and market participants to rely on Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation attested by global custodians. This aims to simplify operations.

Enhanced Obligations for Custodians:SEBI is exploring measures to increase the obligations and monitoring requirements for custodians, ensuring their governance, risk management, and technical capabilities meet higher standards.

These obligations will align custodians’ responsibilities with those of large, systemically important stock brokers.

5) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is projected to add between $359 billion and $438 billion to India’s GDP by FY30 (2029-30).

Increased AI Adoption in Indian Firms: AI integration in production processes by Indian companies increased from 8% in 2023 to 25% in 2024.

Detailed Explanation:

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is projected to add between $359 billion and $438 billion to India’s GDP by FY30 (2029-30).

Increased AI Adoption in Indian Firms: AI integration in production processes by Indian companies increased from 8% in 2023 to 25% in 2024.

India’s Unique Position for Growth in AI: India is well-positioned to leverage AI for growth, due to factors like its digital public infrastructure (DPI), a strong IT sector, and a large AI-skilled youth population.

Digital Banking Integration in Indian Banks:

All Indian banks have implemented mobile and internet banking.

75% provide online account opening, digital KYC, and doorstep banking.

60% offer digital lending services, and 50% provide payment aggregator services.

41% use chatbots, 24% have adopted open banking, and 10% have integrated IoT technology.

Private sector banks are leading in technology adoption.

Global AI Impact on GDP: Generative AI is expected to contribute $7-10 trillion to global GDP over the next three years.

6) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a new directive mandating banks to deploy Note Sorting Machines (NSMs) that comply with updated standards.

Starting from May 1, 2025, banks must only use NSM models that are compliant with the new standards and certified by BIS.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a new directive mandating banks to deploy Note Sorting Machines (NSMs) that comply with updated standards.

This directive builds on the guidelines from RBI’s circular on July 1, 2022, which specified authentication and sorting requirements for NSMs.

RBI, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and other stakeholders, developed new standards for NSMs, published as IS 18663: 2024 in the Gazette of India on March 19, 2024.

Starting from May 1, 2025, banks must only use NSM models that are compliant with the new standards and certified by BIS.

These standards aim to enhance the infrastructure for sorting and processing banknotes across the banking system.

7) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Union Home Ministry, under the leadership of the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, has approved three major fire service modernization projects totaling Rs. 725.62 crore for the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Detailed Explanation:

Chhattisgarh: Rs. 147.76 crore

Odisha: Rs. 201.10 crore

West Bengal: Rs. 376.76 crore

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has committed Rs. 5000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for the modernization of fire services in various states.

Previous Approvals: Projects worth Rs. 2542.12 crore for 15 states have already received approval.

8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Prasar Bharti, the public broadcaster, will officially launch its OTT platform on November 20 during the inaugural ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

This announcement was made by the secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MI&B) Sanjay Jaju.

Detailed Explanation:

Prasar Bharti, the public broadcaster, will officially launch its OTT platform on November 20 during the inaugural ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

This announcement was made by the secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MI&B) Sanjay Jaju.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MI&B) will set up a Prasar Bharati OTT booth at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) offering a sneak preview of the digital distribution service.

The platform will feature nearly 60 channels currently available on Doordarshan (DD) Free Dish.

A large collection of archival material, including content from Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR), will also be accessible.

Fresh content, live streaming, and integrated services from DD and AIR will be offered.

9) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will be in New Delhi on November 13-14 to participate in the first India-US Indian Ocean Dialogue.

This is the inaugural structured dialogue between the two countries focusing on promoting security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.

Detailed Explanation:

US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will be in New Delhi on November 13-14 to participate in the first India-US Indian Ocean Dialogue.

This is the inaugural structured dialogue between the two countries focusing on promoting security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.

Focus: The dialogue will center on security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Technological Cooperation: Campbell will also participate in a meeting of the India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), which focuses on expanding cooperation between the two countries in technological innovation and production.

10) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Power is set to launch a Rs. 1,000-crore scheme next month aimed at encouraging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt energy-efficient technologies.

Name: Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishment (ADEETIE)

Managed by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

Objective: To help MSMEs reduce energy costs and emissions, aligning with India’s commitment to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2070.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Power is set to launch a Rs. 1,000-crore scheme next month aimed at encouraging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt energy-efficient technologies.

Name: Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishment (ADEETIE)

Managed by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

Objective: To help MSMEs reduce energy costs and emissions, aligning with India’s commitment to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2070.

Launch Timeline: Expected in December 2024.

Interest Subsidy:

5% for small enterprises.

3% for medium enterprises.

The interest subsidy will be applicable to loans taken by MSMEs to implement energy-efficient technologies.

Automation systems

Combustion control systems for boilers

Methane capture systems

Air-dyeing technology

11) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

On November 14, 2024, the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (JNMF) revealed plans to launch The Nehru Archive, a comprehensive digital platform dedicated to preserving and sharing materials that chronicle the life and legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister.

Launch Date: The archive will officially be unveiled on November 14, 2025, marking Nehru’s 136th birth anniversary.

Detailed Explanation:

Launch Date: The archive will officially be unveiled on November 14, 2025, marking Nehru’s 136th birth anniversary.

Extensive Collection: The platform will feature a rich selection of Nehru’s writings, including:

The Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru (100 volumes)

A compilation of letters to India’s chief ministers (1947–1964)

Renowned books by Nehru such as:

Letters from a Father to His Daughter

Glimpses of World History

An Autobiography

The Unity of India

The Discovery of India

Writings and reflections from Nehru’s contemporaries

Materials from international archives

Unpublished documents

12) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the state’s first double-decker electric bus service in Lucknow as part of efforts to improve public transportation and eco-friendly conveyance.

Capacity and Safety Features:The bus has a 65-passenger capacity.

Detailed Explanation:

Purpose:The initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and promote environmental conservation in urban areas.

Discounts and Concessions:50% ticket discount for women passengers using the double-decker electric bus.

10% discount on digital payments for all passengers.

Route and Operations:Initially, the bus will operate as a heritage bus service in the morning and a regular passenger service in the evening.

Later, it will serve the Kamta Crossing to airport route, via Shaheed Path.

Capacity and Safety Features:The bus has a 65-passenger capacity.

Equipped with five CCTV cameras and a panic button for enhanced women’s safety.

13) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Meluri has been officially declared the 17th district of Nagaland, following its elevation from a sub-division of Phek District.

Meluri is the 5th district created in Nagaland within the last three years, reflecting an ongoing administrative restructuring.

Detailed Explanation:

Meluri has been officially declared the 17th district of Nagaland, following its elevation from a sub-division of Phek District.

Meluri is primarily inhabited by the Pochury Naga tribe, adding cultural significance to its district status.

The elevation to district status was announced by the Nagaland state government with immediate effect.

Meluri is the 5th district created in Nagaland within the last three years, reflecting an ongoing administrative restructuring.

Previous Districts Created:

2021:

Tseminyu district was created from Kohima district.

Chümoukedima and Niuland districts created by bifurcating Dimapur district.

2022: Shamator district created from Tuensang district in eastern Nagaland.

These changes have been carried out under the People’s Democratic Alliance government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

14) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Sonu Sood, the renowned actor, philanthropist, and humanitarian, has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador and Honorary Tourism Advisor for Thailand.

As Honorary Tourism Advisor, Sonu Sood will play a key role in shaping Thailand’s marketing strategies and public relations efforts to attract Indian tourists.

Detailed Explanation:

Sonu Sood, the renowned actor, philanthropist, and humanitarian, has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador and Honorary Tourism Advisor for Thailand.

As Honorary Tourism Advisor, Sonu Sood will play a key role in shaping Thailand’s marketing strategies and public relations efforts to attract Indian tourists.

His responsibilities include promoting Thailand as a prime tourism destination and enhancing tourism relations between India and Thailand.

The official appointment was confirmed through a certificate issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, designating him as Honorary Tourism Advisor.

Significance of the Appointment:This role highlights Sonu Sood’s growing global influence and expanding international presence, reflecting his popularity beyond the film industry.

15) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump appointed Elon Musk as co-leader of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on November 12, 2024.

Vivek Ramaswami, former Republican presidential candidate, will co-lead with Musk.

Detailed Explanation:

United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump appointed Elon Musk as co-leader of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on November 12, 2024.

Vivek Ramaswami, former Republican presidential candidate, will co-lead with Musk.

Objective of the Department:The Department of Government Efficiency aims to create a more efficient government by reducing government expenditure and developing profit-driven policies.

Long-standing Republican Goal:This new department is designed to fulfill a Republican objective of providing external advice and guidance for government reform.

16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Arvindar Singh Sahney, currently Executive Director at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), has been appointed as the new Chairman of IOC.

The Chairman position became vacant following Shrikant Madhav Vaidya’s tenure ending on August 31, 2024.

Sahney will be the second person without board experience to be appointed directly as IOC Chairman, following B Ashok in 2014, who was also elevated from the position of Executive Director.

Detailed Explanation:

Arvindar Singh Sahney, currently Executive Director at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), has been appointed as the new Chairman of IOC.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued the official order for his appointment.

His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for a five-year term or until his superannuation, whichever occurs earlier.

The Chairman position became vacant following Shrikant Madhav Vaidya’s tenure ending on August 31, 2024.

Sahney will be the second person without board experience to be appointed directly as IOC Chairman, following B Ashok in 2014, who was also elevated from the position of Executive Director.

17) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Moldova’s Pro-Western President, Maia Sandu, has been re-elected for a second term.

Sandu defeated her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, from the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, by over 10 percentage points.

About Moldova :

Prime Minister : Dorin Recean

Capital : Chisinau

Currency : Moldovan leu

Detailed Explanation:

Moldova’s Pro-Western President, Maia Sandu, has been re-elected for a second term.

Sandu defeated her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, from the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, by over 10 percentage points.

With more than 99 percent of the ballots counted, Sandu received 55.26 percent of the vote.

About Moldova :

Prime Minister : Dorin Recean

Capital : Chisinau

Currency : Moldovan leu

18) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Orbital by Samantha Harvey is the winner of the 2024 Booker Prize, praised for its “beauty and ambition” by the judging panel.

Orbital is Harvey’s fifth novel and has been lauded for its concise storytelling, spanning just 136 pages.

Orbital was the highest-selling book on the shortlist, with 29,000 copies sold in the UK in 2024.

Detailed Explanation:

Orbital by Samantha Harvey is the winner of the 2024 Booker Prize, praised for its “beauty and ambition” by the judging panel.

The novel follows six fictional astronauts aboard the International Space Station, reflecting on Earth, beauty, and human aspirations.

The book takes place over the course of one day, with characters experiencing 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets. Its meditation on Earth and human existence was widely praised.

Orbital is Harvey’s fifth novel and has been lauded for its concise storytelling, spanning just 136 pages.

Harvey’s decision to write about space, despite not having direct experience, was driven by her belief in the power of imagination.

The novel drew the attention of astronaut Tim Peake, who appreciated her portrayal of space.

Orbital was the highest-selling book on the shortlist, with 29,000 copies sold in the UK in 2024.

19) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Borrowings Rise: Municipal corporations’ borrowings from financial institutions rose from ₹2,886 crore in 2019-20 to ₹13,364 crore in 2023-24.

Share of Municipal Receipts: Borrowings represented 5.2% of total municipal receipts in 2023-24, up from 1.9% in 2019-20.

Top Borrowers: Municipal corporations in Odisha and Telangana had notably higher shares of borrowings at 14.4% and 15.1%, respectively.

Detailed Explanation:

Borrowings Rise: Municipal corporations’ borrowings from financial institutions rose from ₹2,886 crore in 2019-20 to ₹13,364 crore in 2023-24.

Share of Municipal Receipts: Borrowings represented 5.2% of total municipal receipts in 2023-24, up from 1.9% in 2019-20.

Top Borrowers: Municipal corporations in Odisha and Telangana had notably higher shares of borrowings at 14.4% and 15.1%, respectively.

Per Capita Borrowings: Odisha had the highest per capita borrowing from financial institutions, reaching ₹1,258 per person in 2022-23.

Negligible Share in GDP: Municipal borrowings remain low, constituting less than 0.05% of India’s GDP.

Municipal Bonds Outstanding: As of March 31, 2024, outstanding municipal bonds totaled ₹4,204 crore (0.01% of GDP), up from ₹1,100 crore in 2005.

Coupon Rate Trends: Municipal bond coupon rates generally moved in tandem with government bonds in recent years.

20) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

SoftBank Corp. partners with NVIDIA to enhance AI capabilities within Japan’s industrial and telecommunications sectors.

AI Sovereignty: The initiative aims to advance Japan’s sovereign AI capabilities, driving innovation and creating global revenue opportunities in telecommunications.

SoftBank is the first to receive NVIDIA DGX B200 systems, integral to constructing its NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD supercomputer.The SuperPOD will support generative AI and enhance AI services across educational and commercial sectors.

Detailed Explanation:

SoftBank Corp. partners with NVIDIA to enhance AI capabilities within Japan’s industrial and telecommunications sectors.

AI Sovereignty: The initiative aims to advance Japan’s sovereign AI capabilities, driving innovation and creating global revenue opportunities in telecommunications.

At the NVIDIA AI Summit Japan, CEO Jensen Huang announced that SoftBank will build Japan’s most powerful AI supercomputer using NVIDIA’s Blackwell platform.

The future use of NVIDIA Grace Blackwell will further strengthen SoftBank’s AI infrastructure.

SoftBank successfully piloted the world’s first integrated AI and 5G telecom network through NVIDIA’s AI Aerial platform.

This integration has the potential to generate new revenue streams for telecom providers globally.

SoftBank plans to launch an AI marketplace utilizing NVIDIA AI Enterprise, targeting the rising demand for secure, localized AI computing solutions across Japan.

This marketplace will enable new business opportunities across multiple sectors.

21) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Indian Navy is set to conduct the 4th edition of the ‘Pan-India’ Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-24’ on 20 & 21 Nov 2024.

The exercise will span an unprecedented scale, both in terms of geographical reach and the magnitude of participation, with involvement of 06 Ministries and 21 Organisations/ agencies.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Navy is set to conduct the 4th edition of the ‘Pan-India’ Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-24’ on 20 & 21 Nov 2024.

The exercise will span an unprecedented scale, both in terms of geographical reach and the magnitude of participation, with involvement of 06 Ministries and 21 Organisations/ agencies.

The Coastal Defence & Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase of the exercise is being conducted by Naval Officer-in-Charges of all coastal states and UTs (incl Lakshadweep & A&N Island) since end Oct 24, where in thorough audit of complete coastal defence and security infrastructure is being carried out.

Focus Areas : The exercise will focus on strengthening the security of coastal assets like ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, Cable Landing Points and critical coastal infrastructure including the coastal population.

22) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Name: LignoSat

Developed by: Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry

Launch: Aboard a SpaceX rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

Dimensions: Cube-shaped, 4 inches per side

Materials: Primarily made from magnolia wood, crafted using traditional Japanese woodworking techniques

Detailed Explanation:

The world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, has been launched, aiming to revolutionize sustainable space exploration by tackling space debris and minimizing environmental impact. Here are the key details:

Name: LignoSat

Developed by: Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry

Launch: Aboard a SpaceX rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

Dimensions: Cube-shaped, 4 inches per side

Materials: Primarily made from magnolia wood, crafted using traditional Japanese woodworking techniques

Objective: To explore sustainable satellite designs that reduce harmful metal particle release upon atmospheric reentry.

Environmental Impact: A wooden satellite may prevent the release of aluminum oxides and other pollutants that are problematic for the upper atmosphere, especially for the ozone layer.

Advocates: Scientists, including Takao Doi from Kyoto University, see wood as a sustainable alternative.

23) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Keris Woomera 2024 exercise underscores Indonesia and Australia’s commitment to reinforcing regional stability and security amid shifting dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

Participants: Approximately 2,000 troops from both Indonesia and Australia

Location: Off the coast of Java, Indonesia

Detailed Explanation:

The Keris Woomera 2024 exercise underscores Indonesia and Australia’s commitment to reinforcing regional stability and security amid shifting dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

Participants: Approximately 2,000 troops from both Indonesia and Australia

Location: Off the coast of Java, Indonesia

Operations Included:

Air, maritime, amphibious, and land operations

Live-fire exercises with tanks, artillery, infantry, and attack helicopters

Joint landing operation and a non-combat evacuation exercise simulating a disaster scenario

Objective: To strengthen the military partnership between Indonesia and Australia, enhancing trust, capabilities, and interoperability

Part of: Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024, the nation’s largest international engagement initiative in the region

24) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Nazara Technologies collaborates with ONDC Network to introduce gCommerce, an in-game eCommerce platform designed to blend shopping and gaming.

To provide new revenue streams for game developers, leveraging an affiliate revenue-sharing model where developers earn a commission on successful transactions initiated by players.

About ONDC Network

Launch Year: 2021

Initiative By: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Detailed Explanation:

Nazara Technologies collaborates with ONDC Network to introduce gCommerce, an in-game eCommerce platform designed to blend shopping and gaming.

To provide new revenue streams for game developers, leveraging an affiliate revenue-sharing model where developers earn a commission on successful transactions initiated by players.

The gCommerce platform represents a forward-thinking step in in-game monetization, creating a new intersection of entertainment and digital commerce for a richer player experience.

Revenue Model: Game developers can monetize through affiliate commissions on in-game transactions.

Product Variety: ONDC Network enables Nazara’s platform to connect with sellers across 10+ categories, offering diverse product options within the gaming experience.

Rollout Timeline: Currently in soft launch, with plans for a full release by the first quarter (Q1) of FY26.

About ONDC Network

Launch Year: 2021

Initiative By: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry

25) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Date: Celebrated on November 15 each year.

Formation: Jharkhand was officially carved out of Bihar in 2000 following the Bihar Reorganization Act, 2000 passed by the Indian Parliament.

Detailed Explanation:

Date: Celebrated on November 15 each year.

Formation: Jharkhand was officially carved out of Bihar in 2000 following the Bihar Reorganization Act, 2000 passed by the Indian Parliament.

Significance: The foundation day coincides with the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter, making it a day of cultural pride for the people of Jharkhand.

Birth: 1875 in the Munda tribe.

Titles: Known as Bhagwan Birsa (God Birsa) and Dharti Abba (Earth Father).

This post was last modified on November 18, 2024 5:52 pm

1 month ago

Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 15th November 2024

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