Current Affairs Quiz

Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 17th August 2024

Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 of 17th August 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) According to the report, the Special Fixed Deposit Schemes Offered by Mid-Tier Banks. Which of the following match is incorrect?

(a) Federal Bank- 400 days, 7.35%

(b) RBL Bank- 500 days, 8.10%

(c) Bank of Maharashtra- 777 days, 7.25%

(d) Tamilnad Mercantile Bank- 400 days, 7.50%

(e) Bandhan Bank- 24 months, 8.00%


2)
How many organizations, such as CSB Bank, Union Bank of India, and Muthoot Housing Finance, were penalized by the Reserve Bank of India for breaking several regulatory standards?

(a) 4

(b) 5

(c) 6

(d) 7

(e) 3


3)
Which bank, one of India’s top private sector banks, has teamed with Visa, the global leader in digital payments, to develop ‘Primus’, an ultra-premium credit card that redefines luxury?

(a) HDFC bank

(b) ICICI bank

(c) Axis bank

(d) DBS bank

(e) Federal bank


4)
Punjab National Bank (PNB) has introduced the PNB ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card, a new debit card intended exclusively for visually challenged users. How much cash can they withdraw from an ATM each day using this card?

(a) Rs.22000

(b) Rs.23000

(c) Rs.24000

(d) Rs.25000

(e) Rs.26000


5)
Which bank provided extra loan products through its “Kisan Dost” program to help farmers update their agricultural infrastructure?

(a) HDFC bank

(b) ICICI bank

(c) Jammu & Kashmir bank

(d) DBS bank

(e) Federal bank


6)
In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi restated India’s desire to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. India is also contemplating bidding to host the Youth Olympics in which year?

(a) 2028

(b) 2032

(c) 2036

(d) 2040

(e) 2030


7)
Since its inception, how many crores have beneficiaries received in free hospitalization benefits under the Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)?

(a) Rs 90,204 crore

(b) Rs 92,204 crore

(c) Rs 94,204 crore

(d) Rs 95,204 crore

(e) Rs 98,204 crore


8) From w
hich month will “Kisan Ki Baat,” a monthly radio program set to begin, which was announced by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently (Aug 2024)?

(a) November

(b) September

(c) October

(d) December

(e) January


9)
The Odisha government became the third state to implement a one-day menstruation leave policy for working women in both the public and commercial sectors. Which state started first?

(a) Kerala

(b) Bihar

(c) Assam

(d) Karnataka

(e) Gujarat


10)
What percentage yearly growth rate is the State Gross Domestic Product (GSDP) supposed to reach according to the Andhra Pradesh (AP) government?

(a) 12%

(b) 10%

(c) 14%

(d) 15%

(e) 18%


11)
The proposal to rename Ramanagara District to Bengaluru South District has been approved by the Karnataka Cabinet. How many taluks are there in the Ramanagara district?

(a) 4

(b) 5

(c) 3

(d) 6

(e) 7


12)
The Central Government has selected Deepak Sood as the Whole Time Member (Non-Life) of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Who retired, leaving the post of Member (Non-Life) vacant?

(a) Syed Abdul

(b) Thomas Devasia

(c) Laxman David

(d) RadhaKrishnan

(e) Gokulnath


13)
Which state’s Vishalgarh Fort is the discovery site of Ceropegia Shivarayina, a newly found species of flowering plant?

(a) Madhya Pradesh

(b) Gujarat

(c) Maharashtra

(d) West Bengal

(e) Karnataka


14)
According to an ESPNcricinfo article, VVS Laxman, the legendary Indian batsman, will lead the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for a minimum of one more year. What location is NCA’s headquarters?

(a) Bengaluru

(b) Kochi

(c) Chennai

(d) Mumbai

(e) Kolkata


15) According to the report,
UEFA Super Cup Winner Kylian Mbappe Makes a Splash in Real Madrid Debut. For Real Madrid, this triumph set a record of ____________ in the Super Cup.

(a) 4th

(b) 5th

(c) 6th

(d) 7th

(e) 3rd


16)
India lost a significant contributor to its missile technology, Dr. RN Agarwal, a highly respected aerospace expert. Which year did he earn the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Agni program for his contributions in aerospace?

(a) 2002

(b) 2004

(c) 2005

(d) 2006

(e) 2007


17)
Actor Gena Rowlands has been in the entertainment business for more than 60 years. Which year did she get the Governors Awards from the Honorary Academy?

(a) 2012

(b) 2014

(c) 2015

(d) 2017

(e) 2016


18)
In Maharashtra, social worker and seasoned Gandhian Shobhana Ranade departed from this life. Which year was she bestowed with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honor, by the Government of India (GoI) in recognition of her contributions to society?

(a) 2012

(b) 2014

(c) 2015

(d) 2011

(e) 2013


19)
Who is the former Director General of Forests leading the expert team at the Centre that is examining the size of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats?

(a) Arjun Krishna

(b) Sanjay Kumar

(c) Ravi Kumar

(d) Arulnath

(e) Varun Kannan


20)
On September 22, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give a speech to the Indian-American community in Long Island, New York. Which year did Modi attend the ‘Howdy Modi’ event at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, during his previous U.S. event?

(a) 2014

(b) 2015

(c) 2017

(d) 2019

(e) 2018


Answers :

1) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Several mid-tier banks, including RBL Bank, Bank of Maharashtra (BoM), Federal Bank, and Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB), have introduced special fixed deposit (FD) schemes to increase deposit growth.

Detailed Explanation:

Bank Name Scheme Name Tenor Interest Rate (Callable) Interest Rate (Non-Callable) Senior Citizen Rate
Federal Bank Special Fixed Deposit (FD) Scheme 400 days 7.35% 7.50% +0.50%
777 days 7.40% 7.55% +0.50%
50 months 7.40% 7.55% +0.50%
RBL Bank Vijay Deposit Scheme 500 days 8.10% N/A 8.60%
Bank of Maharashtra Special FD Scheme 777 days 7.25% N/A
N/A

 

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Special FD Scheme 400 days 7.50% N/A 8.00%
Bandhan Bank Special Scheme 21 months 8.00% N/A N/A
>1 year 9 months to <5 years >1 year 9 months to <5 years N/A N/A


2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India imposed penalties on 5 entities, including CSB Bank, Union Bank of India and Muthoot Housing Finance for contravention of various regulatory norms.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India imposed penalties on 5 entities, including CSB Bank, Union Bank of India and Muthoot Housing Finance for contravention of various regulatory norms.

Muthoot Housing Finance Company Limited

Penalty: ₹5,00,000

Union Bank of India

Penalty: ₹1,06,40,000

CSB Bank Limited.

Penalty: ₹1,86,80,000

Other Institutions

Nido Home Finance Limited: Penalty of ₹5 Lakh for non-compliance with norms.

Ashoka Viniyoga Limited: Penalty of ₹3.1 Lakh for non-compliance with norms.


3) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, has partnered with Visa, the global leader in digital payments, to launch ‘Primus’ – an ultra-premium credit card designed to redefine luxury.

Detailed Explanation:

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, has partnered with Visa, the global leader in digital payments, to launch ‘Primus’ – an ultra-premium credit card designed to redefine luxury.

The new super-premium card, Primus, will be offered by invitation only, to select, ultra-high net worth, Axis Bank customers.

For the first time in India, customers will have access to globally acclaimed, bespoke privileges & benefits curated under the Visa Infinite Privilege offering.

Axis Bank Teams Up with Visa to Launch ‘Primus’ – An Ultra-Premium Credit Card Redefining Luxury


4) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched the PNB ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card, a new debit card specifically designed for visually impaired customers.

This contactless NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) Debit Card is available on RuPay network.

Detailed Explanation:

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched the PNB ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card, a new debit card specifically designed for visually impaired customers.

This contactless NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) Debit Card is available on RuPay network.

Eligibility : Visually impaired individuals with savings or current accounts in PNB are eligible to obtain this debit card from any of the nearest PNB branches

Transaction Limits : .The ATM limit (cash withdrawal) per day is Rs 25,000, and the PoS and eCom limits (combined) per day are Rs 60,000.

Contactless Transactions:Contactless transactions are accessible for individual transactions up to Rs. 5000/- without a PIN at NFC capable POS Terminals, with a daily overall limit of Rs. 5000.

Braille System : Braille is a system of touch reading and writing for blind persons in which raised dots represent the letters of the alphabet.


5) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Bank launched the “Kisan Ka Samman” program to honour financially disciplined farmers in Jammu & Kashmir.

The program will run until September 30, 2024.

They will also be offered additional loan products under the bank’s “Kisan Dost” scheme to help upgrade their agricultural infrastructure.

Detailed Explanation:

Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Bank launched the “Kisan Ka Samman” program to honour financially disciplined farmers in Jammu & Kashmir.

The program will run until September 30, 2024.

Criteria for Recognition:Farmers who have consistently renewed their Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) and demonstrated financial discipline will be honored.

Recognition and Rewards:Eligible farmers will receive a ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ at various branches, clusters, and zonal levels.

They will also be offered additional loan products under the bank’s “Kisan Dost” scheme to help upgrade their agricultural infrastructure.

Awareness on PRI:The program aims to spread awareness about the Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) under KCC, which offers an interest subvention of 3% to eligible farmers.


6) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, reiterated India’s ambition to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.

Youth Olympics Bid: In addition to the 2036 Summer Olympics, India is also considering a bid to host the Youth Olympics in 2030.

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, reiterated India’s ambition to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.

Demonstrated Capability: PM Modi highlighted India’s successful organisation of the G20 Summit, which showcased the country’s ability to handle events of significant magnitude.

This experience has bolstered India’s confidence in pursuing the Olympic bid.

Olympic Aspirations: Hosting the 2036 Olympics is a part of India’s vision to establish itself as a global sporting hub.

The Prime Minister underscored this ambition as a “dream” for the nation, signaling strong governmental support for the bid.

Youth Olympics Bid: In addition to the 2036 Summer Olympics, India is also considering a bid to host the Youth Olympics in 2030.


7) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has provided free hospitalization benefits worth Rs 90,204 crore to beneficiaries since its launch.

This scheme aims to offer financial protection against healthcare costs to the bottom 40% of India’s population.

Over 68.62 million people have benefited from PM-JAY, which provides Rs 5,00,000 a year in free health coverage.

Detailed Explanation:

The Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has provided free hospitalization benefits worth Rs 90,204 crore to beneficiaries since its launch.

This scheme aims to offer financial protection against healthcare costs to the bottom 40% of India’s population.

Over 68.62 million people have benefited from PM-JAY, which provides Rs 5,00,000 a year in free health coverage.

The scheme covers approximately 107 million poor households, targeting the bottom 40% of the population.

The top beneficiary states include Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.

The scheme offers nearly 2,000 cashless treatment procedures, covering all related costs such as treatment, medicines, diagnostic services, physician’s fees, and room charges.

Top specialty treatments accessed include general medicine, infectious diseases, general surgery, medical oncology, ophthalmology, and orthopedics.


8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the start of ‘Kisan Ki Baat,’ a monthly radio program set to begin in September.

The program aims to deliver scientific knowledge to farmers, similar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat.’

Detailed Explanation:

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the start of ‘Kisan Ki Baat,’ a monthly radio program set to begin in September.

The program aims to deliver scientific knowledge to farmers, similar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat.’

The initiative is designed to modernize agricultural practices by providing farmers with the latest scientific information and best practices.

The program will feature contributions from agricultural scientists, department officials, and the minister himself.

The program will address gaps in farmers’ knowledge, including the correct use of pesticides, which can be misused due to a lack of information.

‘Kisan Ki Baat’ will be broadcast monthly on the radio.

The announcement was made alongside the launch of the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) and during a dialogue with farmers held on Independence Day.


9) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Odisha government has introduced a one-day menstrual leave policy for working women in both the public and private sectors.

Odisha is the 3rd state after Kerala and Bihar to bring in a menstrual leave policy for working women amid a nationwide demand for such a paid leave for students and working women.

Detailed Explanation:

The Odisha government has introduced a one-day menstrual leave policy for working women in both the public and private sectors.

The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida during Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2024, in Cuttack.

The one-day menstrual leave policy will be effective immediately for women employees eligible to take leave from work on the first or second day of their menstrual cycle.

Odisha is the 3rd state after Kerala and Bihar to bring in a menstrual leave policy for working women amid a nationwide demand for such a paid leave for students and working women.


10) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Andhra Pradesh (AP) government aims to achieve a 15% annual growth rate in the State Gross Domestic Product (GSDP).

This target is part of the broader effort to revive the state’s economy and restore “Brand Andhra Pradesh.”

Detailed Explanation:

The Andhra Pradesh (AP) government aims to achieve a 15% annual growth rate in the State Gross Domestic Product (GSDP).

This target is part of the broader effort to revive the state’s economy and restore “Brand Andhra Pradesh.”

Departmental Reviews : White Papers Released: The Government has released seven white papers on key departments, including finance, power, and mining.

These documents are part of a broader review to enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

Skill Census : First-of-its-Kind Initiative: The Andhra Pradesh Government has initiated a skill census, a unique measure aimed at assessing and improving the skill levels of the workforce in the state.

Polavaram Project :The Government has committed to advancing the Polavaram project, which had been stalled by the previous administration. This project is crucial for irrigation and water management in the state.

Free Land Distribution: The Government has started supplying land free of cost to eligible beneficiaries as part of its development measures.


11) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Karnataka Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, approved a proposal to rename Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South district.

Ramanagara district has 5 taluks – Ramanagara, Channapatna, Magadi, Kanakapura and Harohalli.

Detailed Explanation:

The Karnataka Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, approved a proposal to rename Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South district.

The renaming aims to boost industrial and real estate growth in the region.

It is expected to attract developers and investors, potentially increasing property prices in the area.

Ramanagara district has 5 taluks – Ramanagara, Channapatna, Magadi, Kanakapura and Harohalli.

Ramanagara town, located 50 km from Bengaluru, will continue to serve as the district headquarters even after the renaming.


12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Deepak Sood has been appointed as the Whole Time Member (Non-Life) of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) by the Central Government.

The position of Member (Non-Life) became vacant after Thomas Devasia retired on July 12, 2024.

Detailed Explanation:

Deepak Sood has been appointed as the Whole Time Member (Non-Life) of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) by the Central Government.

The position of Member (Non-Life) became vacant after Thomas Devasia retired on July 12, 2024.

Sood currently serves as Independent Director at Prudent Corporate Advisory Services Limited and Non-Executive Director at Gimar Insurance Brokers.

He will serve as the Whole Time Member until he attains the age of 62 years or until further orders from the date of assumption of charge, whichever is earlier.

He has previously served as CEO of Avantha Ergo and Future Generali India Insurance, and has held leadership roles at Bajaj Allianz, Zurich Financial Services, and United India Insurance.


13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

A new flowering plant species named CeropegiaShivarayina was discovered at Vishalgarh Fort in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.

The species belongs to the Ceropegia genus and the Apocynaceae family.

It is part of the Kandil Pushpa class.

Detailed Explanation:

A new flowering plant species named CeropegiaShivarayina was discovered at Vishalgarh Fort in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.

The species belongs to the Ceropegia genus and the Apocynaceae family.

It is part of the Kandil Pushpa class.

The plant resembles Ceropegialawii but differs in its climbing habit, hairy peduncles, and obovate corolla cage with reflexed corolla lobes.

The species is named in honour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire.

This marks the first time a plant species has been named after Shivaji Maharaj.

The discovery was made by a team including Akshay Jangam, Ratan More, and Nilesh Pawar from New College, Kolhapur; Sharad Kamble from Nashik; and S. R. Yadav from Shivaji University, Kolhapur.

Ceropegia species, known as Kandil Pushpa, are vine-like plants with lantern-like flowers and tubers, primarily found in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri).

So far, 6 new species have been discovered within this class.


14) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

VVS Laxman, the former Indian batting great, is set to extend his tenure as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for at least another year, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.

His initial three-year contract, which began in December 2021, was due to end in September 2023.

Detailed Explanation:

VVS Laxman, the former Indian batting great, is set to extend his tenure as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for at least another year, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.

His initial three-year contract, which began in December 2021, was due to end in September 2023.

Role at the NCA: Laxman’s leadership has been pivotal in maintaining the academy’s strong focus on nurturing the next generation of cricketers.

Despite receiving offers from an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Laxman chose to remain with the NCA, highlighting his commitment to Indian cricket’s development.


15) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Kylian Mbappe made an impactful debut for Real Madrid, scoring a crucial goal to help his team win the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in Warsaw.

This victory marked a record sixth Super Cup win for Real Madrid.

Detailed Explanation:

Kylian Mbappe made an impactful debut for Real Madrid, scoring a crucial goal to help his team win the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in Warsaw.

This victory marked a record sixth Super Cup win for Real Madrid.

Mbappe’s Debut Performance: Kylian Mbappe scored his first goal for Real Madrid in the 68th minute, securing the win in his debut match for the club. This came after joining Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Real Madrid’s Victory: Fede Valverde opened the scoring in the 59th minute, followed by Mbappe’s goal, which sealed the victory. The win allowed Madrid to claim their sixth UEFA Super Cup title.

Ancelotti’s Milestone: With this victory, Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti matched a club record by winning his 14th title as the team’s coach, tying with former coach Miguel Munoz.


16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Dr. RN Agarwal, an acclaimed aerospace scientist and a key figure in India’s missile technology, passed away at the age of 84 in Hyderabad.

Agarwal was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Dr. Agarwal was awarded the Padma Shri in 1990 and the Padma Bhushan in 2000 for his contributions to missile technology.

He received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 for his work in aerospace and the Agni program, as well as the DRDO Technology Leadership Award and Chandrasekhara Saraswati National Eminence Award.

Detailed Explanation:

Dr. RN Agarwal, an acclaimed aerospace scientist and a key figure in India’s missile technology, passed away at the age of 84 in Hyderabad.

Agarwal was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Known as the “Father of Agni Missiles,” he was instrumental in the development of India’s long-range Agni missile program.

He was fondly known as “Agni Agarwal” and “AgniWall” by his peers.

He led the first successful launch of the Agni missile on May 22, 1989, and was pivotal in developing various versions of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).

Agni V, developed under his guidance, has a range of over 5,000 km, placing India among the top nations in missile technology.

Dr. Agarwal was awarded the Padma Shri in 1990 and the Padma Bhushan in 2000 for his contributions to missile technology.

He received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 for his work in aerospace and the Agni program, as well as the DRDO Technology Leadership Award and Chandrasekhara Saraswati National Eminence Award.


17) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Actor Gena Rowlands, who was in the entertainment industry for over six decades, died at the age of 94.

Throughout her career, Rowlands received numerous accolades, including three Primetime Emmy Awards, one Daytime Emmy, and two Golden Globes.

In 2015, She received an Honorary Academy Award at the Governors Awards.

Detailed Explanation:

Actor Gena Rowlands, who was in the entertainment industry for over six decades, died at the age of 94.

Gena Rowlands, born Virginia Cathryn Rowlands on June 19, 1930, in Madison, Wisconsin, was a prominent American actress with a career spanning over six decades.

She began her career on Broadway, starring in plays such as “Middle of the Night” and “The Seven Year Itch.”

Notable films include “A Woman Under the Influence” (1974) and “Gloria” (1980), both of which earned her Best Actress Oscar nominations.

She appeared in popular films such as “The Notebook” (2004), directed by her son Nick Cassavetes, and “The Skeleton Key” (2005).

Rowlands won the Golden Globe for Best Actress for “A Woman Under the Influence.”

Throughout her career, Rowlands received numerous accolades, including three Primetime Emmy Awards, one Daytime Emmy, and two Golden Globes.

In 2015, She received an Honorary Academy Award at the Governors Awards.


18) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Veteran Gandhian and social worker Shobhana Ranade passed away in Pune, Maharashtra at the age of 99.

Ranade was born on 26 October 1924,in Pune, Maharashtra.

The Government of India (GoI) honoured her in 2011, with the Padma Bhushan-the third highest civilian award for her services to the society.

Detailed Explanation:

Veteran Gandhian and social worker Shobhana Ranade passed away in Pune, Maharashtra at the age of 99.

Ranade was born on 26 October 1924,in Pune, Maharashtra.

In 1955, joined a padyatra (walkathon) with Vinoba Bhave in North Lakhimpur, Assam, contributing to the establishment of Maitreyee Ashram and Shishu Niketan, the region’s first child welfare centre.

She was involved in the Save Ganga Movement through the Gandhi National Memorial Society, aimed at preventing River Ganges’ pollution.

The Government of India (GoI) honoured her in 2011, with the Padma Bhushan-the third highest civilian award for her services to the society.


19) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Centre’s expert panel, led by Sanjay Kumar (former Director General of Forests), is considering the extent of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats.

Current Status: Discussions are advanced, and there may be separate notifications for Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa if an agreement is reached soon, rather than waiting for a consensus from all six states.

Detailed Explanation:

The Centre’s expert panel, led by Sanjay Kumar (former Director General of Forests), is considering the extent of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats.

Current Status: Discussions are advanced, and there may be separate notifications for Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa if an agreement is reached soon, rather than waiting for a consensus from all six states.

Immediate Focus: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa.

Pending Information: Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Panel Deliberations:

Timeline: Detailed discussions are expected at the end of August.

Objective: To finalize the extent of ESAs in the Western Ghats.

Opposition: The Karnataka government publicly opposes the Kasturirangan report, which proposes declaring 56,825 sq km as ESAs with bans or regulations on industries and development.

Draft Notification: The sixth draft issued on July 31, 2024, hints at the possibility of separate notifications for individual states.


20) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Indian-American community in Long Island, New York, on September 22, 2024.

Previous U.S. Event: Modi participated in the ‘Howdy Modi’ event at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, in 2019.

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Indian-American community in Long Island, New York, on September 22, 2024.

Venue: Nassau Coliseum, with a capacity of 16,000 seats.

Significance: Marks a decade since Modi’s previous major address at Madison Square Garden in September 2014.

Previous U.S. Event: Modi participated in the ‘Howdy Modi’ event at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, in 2019.

UN General Assembly Session:

Date of Address: September 26, 2024.

General Debate: Runs from September 24-30, 2024.

Other Key Speakers:

Brazil: Opening address on September 24.

U.S. President Joe Biden: Final address before the U.S. presidential election.

Context and Preparations:

Preparations for Long Island Event: In full swing, with significant community and media attention.

U.S. Presidential Election: Scheduled for November 5, 2024, featuring Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Kamala Harris: First woman of Black and Indian heritage to be a major party’s presidential nominee.

This post was last modified on August 19, 2024 11:30 am