Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 24th & 25th November 2024

Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 of 24th & 25th 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) How many crores were pumped into the banking system by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through a variable rate repo auction (VRR) to control liquidity and prevent banks’ borrowing costs from rising?

(a) Rs.20000 crore

(b) Rs.10000 crore

(c) Rs.15000 crore

(d) Rs.25000 crore

(e) Rs.30000 crore

2) The Axis Momentum Fund, an open-ended equity program built on the momentum investment method, was introduced by Axis Mutual Fund. Who will oversee the fund and will Mayank Hyanki be involved as well?

(a) Sathish Kumar

(b) Arun Kumar

(c) Rajesh Kumar

(d) Karthik Kumar

(e) Vignesh Kumar

3) How much USD million is being raised in blended finance by India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) in negotiations with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Korean Exim Bank?

(a) USD 600 million

(b) USD 200 million

(c) USD 300 million

(d) USD 400 million

(e) USD 500 million

4) Which bank introduced the Virtual ATM (vATM) service with the goal of using technology to empower people financially, particularly in rural areas where there aren’t any ATMs or other banking channels?

(a) Karnataka bank

(b) Jammu & Kashmir bank

(c) Federal bank

(d) RBL bank

(e) Axis bank

5) To encourage employees to create substantial value, the central government has updated the PLI scheme for public sector bank (PSB) senior executives and whole-time directors (WTDs). What percentage is the cap for the Chief Manager?

(a) 40%

(b) 50%

(c) 60%

(d) 70%

(e) 80%

6) As part of its 90th anniversary celebrations, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) hosted a high-level policy conference for central banks in the Global South.
How many nations invited representatives, including governors and executives from central banks?

(a) 12

(b) 14

(c) 15

(d) 18

(e) 20

7) Which bank has been approved by the Reserve Bank of India to enter the insurance sector through a joint venture with Generali Group?

(a) Punjab & Sind bank

(b) YES bank

(c) Karur Vysya bank

(d) Central Bank of India

(e) Punjab National Bank

8) Which bank has demonstrated its dedication to sustainability and climate action by joining the internationally renowned Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF)?

(a) Punjab & Sind bank

(b) Canara bank

(c) Bank of Baroda

(d) Central Bank of India

(e) Punjab National Bank

9) The UPI 123Pay transaction limit has been raised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, enabling consumers to use feature phones to make larger digital payments. How many payment methods does it accept?

(a) 2

(b) 3

(c) 4

(d) 5

(e) 1

10) A program for rewarding professors who publish original books in Hindi covering how many subjects has been introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?

(a) 2

(b) 4

(c) 5

(d) 6

(e) 3

11) Which Bank has launched a highly configurable platform dubbed “Credit Line on UPI” in collaboration with Vegapay, a pioneer in banking software technology?

(a) Karnataka bank

(b) Jammu & Kashmir bank

(c) Federal bank

(d) RBL bank

(e) YES bank

12) Which bank has partnered with Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM), a warehousing and collateral management company, to offer collateral management services for agricultural financing?

(a) Punjab & Sind bank

(b) Canara bank

(c) Bank of Baroda

(d) Central Bank of India

(e) Punjab National Bank

13) Recently, India provided $5 billion in incentives to increase the production of electronic components to increase independence and lessen dependency on imports, specifically from which nation?

(a) USA

(b) UK

(c) China

(d) Hong Kong

(e) Singapore

14) The 6th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee Meeting concludes in New Delhi. How many ASEAN nations are there so far?

(a) 12

(b) 7

(c) 6

(d) 8

(e) 10

15) As per the report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the News 9 Global Summit in Stuttgart, Germany, via video conference. German merchants introduced which language, as well as Telugu printing, to Europe?

(a) Hindi

(b) Tamil

(c) Malayalam

(d) Kannada

(e) Marathi

16) Which edition of the national campaign against gender-based violence, Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki, would be inaugurated by Union Minister of Rural Development, Agriculture, and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan?

(a) 1st

(b) 2nd

(c) 3rd

(d) 4th

(e) 5th

17) As per the report, Kenya’s president has suspended multimillion-dollar partnerships with the Adani Group in response to which country’s bribery and fraud charges against Gautam Adani, one of Asia’s wealthiest individuals?

(a) USA

(b) Russia

(c) China

(d) Hong Kong

(e) Singapore

18) The DGGI, RBI, and banks will track real-time transactions by offshore online gaming firms. How many websites has the DGGI proposed blocking to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)?

(a) 161

(b) 163

(c) 165

(d) 167

(e) 169

19) Which private sector bank in India has named Gukesh Dommaraju, an Indian chess prodigy, as its brand ambassador?

(a) Karnataka bank

(b) YES bank

(c) Federal bank

(d) RBL bank

(e) Axis bank

20) The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), in partnership with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), held a high-profile ceremony in New Delhi to officially launch the Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024), a historic effort to strengthen India’s cybersecurity resilience. How many days will the exercise be held?

(a) 10

(b) 11

(c) 12

(d) 20

(e) 15

21) Which IIT unveiled AroTrack, a cost-effective, portable tool for precisely identifying dangerous contaminants like phenol or benzene in water?

(a) IIT Bombay

(b) IIT Madras

(c) IIT Kanpur

(d) IIT Mandi

(e) IIT Delhi

22) For a base price of how many million dollars, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has acquired the media rights to all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) competitions from 2024 to 2031.

(a) $170 million

(b) $120 million

(c) $150 million

(d) $180 million

(e) $160 million

23) When was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women observed?

(a) November 21

(b) November 22

(c) November 23

(d) November 24

(e) November 25

24) What is the currency of Kenya?

(a) Euro

(b) Peso

(c) Rial

(d) Franc

(e) Shilling

25) Which bank has Debadatta Chand as its MD and CEO currently?

(a) Punjab & Sind bank

(b) Canara bank

(c) Bank of Baroda

(d) Central Bank of India

(e) Punjab National Bank

Answers :

1) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) injected ₹25,000 crore into the banking system via a variable rate repo auction (VRR) to manage liquidity and prevent increased borrowing costs for banks.
• Call Rate and Repo Rate: The weighted average call rate rose by 23 basis points above the policy repo rate, reaching 6.73%.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) injected ₹25,000 crore into the banking system via a variable rate repo auction (VRR) to manage liquidity and prevent increased borrowing costs for banks.
• Call Rate and Repo Rate: The weighted average call rate rose by 23 basis points above the policy repo rate, reaching 6.73%.
• This rise indicates increased short-term borrowing costs for banks.
• Surplus Liquidity: Surplus liquidity in the banking system dropped to ₹84,154.75 crore due to monthly GST outflows, highlighting the need for RBI intervention to maintain balance.
• VRR Auction: The RBI conducted the VRR auction to ensure recent overseas outflows from local debt and equity markets did not drive up banks’ cost of funds. It was the second such auction since the RBI shifted its policy stance to neutral from withdrawal of accommodation.

2) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

• Axis Mutual Fund has launched the Axis Momentum Fund, an open-ended equity scheme based on the momentum investment strategy.
• The New Fund Offer (NFO) is open from November 22, 2024, to December 6, 2024.
• Management:The fund will be managed by Karthik Kumar and Mayank Hyanki.

Detailed Explanation:

• Axis Mutual Fund has launched the Axis Momentum Fund, an open-ended equity scheme based on the momentum investment strategy.
• The New Fund Offer (NFO) is open from November 22, 2024, to December 6, 2024.
• Investment Strategy:The fund follows a model-driven approach to identify high-momentum stocks across various sectors.
• The securities are evaluated based on price momentum trends, integrating risk metrics to maintain a balanced portfolio.
• Sector diversification to minimize concentration risks.
• Optimized position sizes for improved performance and better risk control.
• Agile portfolio rebalancing and sector risk mitigation to ensure strong momentum plays.
• Benchmark:The fund is benchmarked against the NIFTY 500 TRI.
• Management:The fund will be managed by Karthik Kumar and Mayank Hyanki.

3) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

• India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) is in talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Korean Exim Bank to raise USD 600 million in blended finance.
• The purpose is to expand its investor base and reduce borrowing costs.

Detailed Explanation:

• India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) is in talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Korean Exim Bank to raise USD 600 million in blended finance.
• The purpose is to expand its investor base and reduce borrowing costs.
• Blended Finance Agreement:The agreement is expected to be signed in December 2024, and the funding will be raised in stages, with about USD 200 million expected this fiscal year (FY 2024-25) and the remaining portion in FY 2025-26.
• External Commercial Borrowings (ECB):IIFCL also plans to raise USD 200 million via external commercial borrowings (ECB) by January 2025.
• Overseas Borrowing Strategy:The strategy includes borrowing from multilateral organizations such as ADB, World Bank, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for cost-effective and long-term financing.

4) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• Jammu and Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) has launched the Virtual ATM (vATM) facility, aimed at leveraging technology for financial empowerment, especially in rural areas lacking ATMs and other banking channels.
• The vATM service is developed in collaboration with Paymart India Pvt Ltd. This initiative is designed to make banking more accessible to customers, particularly in ATM-deficient areas.

Detailed Explanation:

• Jammu and Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) has launched the Virtual ATM (vATM) facility, aimed at leveraging technology for financial empowerment, especially in rural areas lacking ATMs and other banking channels.
• The vATM service is developed in collaboration with Paymart India Pvt Ltd. This initiative is designed to make banking more accessible to customers, particularly in ATM-deficient areas.
• Technology and Customer Empowerment: The vATM is a cutting-edge technology platform that aims to provide easy access to banking services in rural regions.
• It allows customers to withdraw cash at Paymart India-enrolled merchants through digital tokens generated via the bank’s mobile app, mPay Delight+.

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

• The central government has revised the PLI scheme for whole-time directors (WTDs) and senior executives of public sector banks (PSBs) to incentivize employees for significant value creation.
• Scope of the Revised Scheme:The scheme now applies not only to Whole-Time Directors (MDs & CEOs) and Executive Directors but also to senior executives at the Chief Manager level and above.
• PLI Ceiling:Chief General Manager and General Manager can receive up to 90% of their annual basic pay.
• Deputy General Manager and Assistant General Manager have a ceiling of 80% of their annual basic pay.
• The Chief Manager has a ceiling of 70%.

Detailed Explanation:

• The central government has revised the PLI scheme for whole-time directors (WTDs) and senior executives of public sector banks (PSBs) to incentivize employees for significant value creation.
• Scope of the Revised Scheme:The scheme now applies not only to Whole-Time Directors (MDs & CEOs) and Executive Directors but also to senior executives at the Chief Manager level and above.
• PLI Ceiling:Chief General Manager and General Manager can receive up to 90% of their annual basic pay.
• Deputy General Manager and Assistant General Manager have a ceiling of 80% of their annual basic pay.
• The Chief Manager has a ceiling of 70%.
• For a bank to be eligible for the PLI scheme, it must meet at least three out of four criteria:
  • Return on Assets (RoA) must be positive.
  • Net NPA must be ≤ 1.5%, or if higher, a reduction of 25 basis points or more from the opening net NPA of the financial year.
  • Cost to Income Ratio (CIR) must be ≤ 50%, or show year-on-year improvement if higher than 50%.
  • Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio must meet the minimum regulatory requirements.
• Assessment Basis:The assessment will be based on the bank’s audited financial performance as of March 31 of the preceding financial year.
• Eligibility of Employees:Permanent employees including lateral hires and officers on deputation in Scale IV and above are eligible for the scheme.

6) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

• A high-level policy conference for central banks of the Global South was organized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations.
• Delegates from 18 countries, including central bank governors and officials, attended.

Detailed Explanation:

• A high-level policy conference for central banks of the Global South was organized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations.
• Delegates from 18 countries, including central bank governors and officials, attended.
• RBI Governor’s Address: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das highlighted the challenges faced by countries in the Global South, including global spillovers, external sector imbalances, limited fiscal space, high debt levels, and financial market volatility. He emphasized the need for more robust and adaptable policy frameworks.
• RBI Deputy Governor’s Views: Michael Debabrata Patra discussed the challenges of monetary policy, especially at higher rates.

7) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the Central Bank of India’s (CBI) entry into life and non-life insurance businesses through a joint venture with Generali Group, subject to compliance with conditions and sectoral regulator IRDAI’s approval.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the Central Bank of India’s (CBI) entry into life and non-life insurance businesses through a joint venture with Generali Group, subject to compliance with conditions and sectoral regulator IRDAI’s approval.
• CCI Clearance:In October, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) cleared the Central Bank of India’s acquisition of stakes in:
  • Future Generali India Insurance Company Ltd (FGIICL) (non-life insurance).
  • Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Ltd (FGILICL) (life insurance).
• Stake Acquisition:Central Bank of India to acquire:
  • 18% equity shares in the life insurance division (FGILICL).
  • 91% equity shares in the non-life insurance division (FGIICL).
• Insurance Offerings:FGIICL: Provides personal, commercial, social, and rural insurance.

8) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has joined the globally recognized Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), signalling its commitment to sustainability and climate action.
• By joining PCAF, PNB will use internationally recognized standards to measure and disclose greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to its lending and investment activities.

Detailed Explanation:

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has joined the globally recognized Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), signalling its commitment to sustainability and climate action.
• By joining PCAF, PNB will use internationally recognized standards to measure and disclose greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to its lending and investment activities.
• Disclosure of Financed Emissions: In FY 2023-24, PNB disclosed its financed emissions in the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) using the PCAF Standard, aligning with global GHG accounting practices.
• Alignment with RBI’s Framework: PNB’s decision aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) draft framework, which mandates banks to report climate-related financial risks and opportunities from FY 2025-26.
• Access to Support and Training: As a PCAF signatory, PNB gains access to technical support, industry-leading training, and country-specific emissions data, including insights relevant to India.

9) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the transaction limit for UPI 123Pay from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, allowing users to make higher-value digital payments via feature phones.
• It supports four payment methods:

IVR (Interactive Voice Response)

Missed Calls

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Apps

Sound Technology

Detailed Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the transaction limit for UPI 123Pay from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, allowing users to make higher-value digital payments via feature phones.
• UPI 123Pay facilitates digital payments on feature phones, enabling users to access UPI services without an internet connection.
• It supports four payment methods:

1. IVR (Interactive Voice Response): Users interact with a voice-based system to carry out transactions.
2. Missed Calls: A feature where users can make payments by dialing specific numbers and hanging up, triggering a payment process.
3. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Apps: Special apps installed on feature phones that allow users to make payments.
4. Sound Technology: Using sound waves to securely transfer payment information between devices

• Implementation Timeline:The new transaction limit of Rs 10,000 is effective immediately, but full compliance with the new limit must be completed by January 1, 2025.

10) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a scheme for awarding professors who write original books in Hindi on Economics, Banking, and Financial subjects.
• Purpose of the Scheme: The scheme aims to encourage the creation of academic literature in Hindi on crucial subjects like Economics, Banking, and Finance.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a scheme for awarding professors who write original books in Hindi on Economics, Banking, and Financial subjects.
• Purpose of the Scheme: The scheme aims to encourage the creation of academic literature in Hindi on crucial subjects like Economics, Banking, and Finance.
• Eligibility Criteria:Professors (including Assistant and Associate Professors) working or retired from UGC-recognized Indian Universities are eligible.
• Authors must have written at least one book of a minimum of 200 pages on Economics/Banking/Finance subjects, originally in Hindi.
• Award Details:Three prizes of ₹1,25,000 each will be awarded to the authors.
• The awards are for books originally written in Hindi on the specified subjects.
• Assessment Process:The content of the book will be evaluated by Professors of Economics, Banking, and Finance, with 60% weightage.

11) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

• Yes Bank has partnered with Vegapay, a banking software technology innovator, to launch a hyper-configurable platform called ‘Credit Line on UPI’.
• Platform Features:The platform enables Yes Bank to create customised credit programs tailored to customer needs.

Detailed Explanation:

• Yes Bank has partnered with Vegapay, a banking software technology innovator, to launch a hyper-configurable platform called ‘Credit Line on UPI’.
• Platform Features:The platform enables Yes Bank to create customised credit programs tailored to customer needs.
• Key features include:
  • Options for interest-free or interest-bearing credit.
  • Flexibility to offer EMI payment options.
  • Rule customisation through an intuitive interface.
• Objective:The collaboration seeks to redefine credit access across India by empowering banking institutions to deliver modern credit experiences to customers.
• Market Insights:UPI growth: Transactions are projected to grow at an annual rate of 57% through FY 2024.
• Credit market potential: UPI-linked credit products are expected to exceed $50 billion by 2025.

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• Warehousing and collateral management firm Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM) has entered into a partnership with the Bank of Baroda (BoB) to provide collateral management services for agricultural financing.
• This partnership will allow farmers to access credit against their crops through Bank of Baroda’s nationwide network.

Detailed Explanation:

• Warehousing and collateral management firm Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM) has entered into a partnership with the Bank of Baroda (BoB) to provide collateral management services for agricultural financing.
• This partnership will allow farmers to access credit against their crops through Bank of Baroda’s nationwide network.
• SLCM reported a 73% increase in assets under management (AUM), rising from ₹6,911 crore in H1 FY2023-24 to ₹11,952 crore in H1 FY2024-25.
• Sandeep Sabharwal, SLCM Group CEO, highlighted the company’s Agri Reach technology and physical infrastructure to help reduce default risks and improve financial access within the agricultural ecosystem.
• SLCM has partnerships with more than 20 financial institutions in India and Myanmar, supporting agricultural financing efforts.

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• India is preparing to launch a $5 billion incentive scheme to promote the domestic production of essential electronics components, including printed circuit boards (PCBs), to enhance self-reliance and reduce dependence on imports, particularly from China.

1. • India is now the fourth-largest global smartphone supplier, with major players like Apple and Samsung driving growth.
   • However, the sector remains heavily reliant on imports, with over 50% of electronics imports coming from China and Hong Kong.

Detailed Explanation:

• India is preparing to launch a $5 billion incentive scheme to promote the domestic production of essential electronics components, including printed circuit boards (PCBs), to enhance self-reliance and reduce dependence on imports, particularly from China.

1. • Targets domestic production of critical components for smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices.
   • Focuses on PCBs, which are integral to modern electronics manufacturing.
   • Financial incentives of $4 billion to $5 billion will be provided to global and domestic companies meeting the scheme’s criteria.
   • India’s electronics production has doubled in six years, reaching $115 billion in 2024.
   • India is now the fourth-largest global smartphone supplier, with major players like Apple and Samsung driving growth.
   • However, the sector remains heavily reliant on imports, with over 50% of electronics imports coming from China and Hong Kong.
   • The scheme aims to support India’s goal of expanding the electronics manufacturing sector to $500 billion by 2030, including $150 billion from component production.

14) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

• The 6th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee meeting, along with related discussions, took place from 15-22 November 2024 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, focusing on reviewing the agreement to enhance trade and economic collaboration between India and the 10 ASEAN countries.

Detailed Explanation:

• The 6th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee meeting, along with related discussions, took place from 15-22 November 2024 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, focusing on reviewing the agreement to enhance trade and economic collaboration between India and the 10 ASEAN countries.

1. • Co-chaired by:
     • Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, India.
     • Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General (Trade), Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry, Malaysia.
   • Delegations from all 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) attended.
   • Eight Sub-Committees addressed:
     • Market access
     • Rules of origin
     • Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures
     • Standards and technical regulations
     • Customs procedures
     • Economic and technical cooperation
     • Trade remedies
     • Legal and institutional provisions
   • Five of these Subcommittees conducted physical meetings on the sidelines.

15) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the News 9 Global Summit in Stuttgart, Germany, via video conference.
• The summit, jointly organized by TV9 India, A.U. Stuttgart, and Baden-Württemberg, aimed to foster Indo-German collaboration under the theme “India-Germany: A Roadmap for Sustainable Growth.”

• PM Modi emphasized that India-Germany relations date back centuries, citing cultural exchanges such as:
  • Germany’s creation of Europe’s first Sanskrit grammar books.
  • German merchants introducing Tamil and Telugu printing in Europe.

Detailed Explanation:

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the News 9 Global Summit in Stuttgart, Germany, via video conference.
• The summit, jointly organized by TV9 India, A.U. Stuttgart, and Baden-Württemberg, aimed to foster Indo-German collaboration under the theme “India-Germany: A Roadmap for Sustainable Growth.”

• 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Indo-German Strategic Partnership.
• Significant events include:
  • German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s third visit to India.
  • The Asia-Pacific Conference of German Businesses hosted in Delhi after 12 years.
  • Germany’s release of:
    • “Focus on India” document.
    • Its first country-specific Skilled Labor Strategy for India.
• PM Modi emphasized that India-Germany relations date back centuries, citing cultural exchanges such as:
  • Germany’s creation of Europe’s first Sanskrit grammar books.
  • German merchants introducing Tamil and Telugu printing in Europe.

• Over 1,800 German companies have invested $15 billion in India in the past 3-4 years.
• Nearly 300,000 Indians live in Germany, including 50,000 students.
• Bilateral trade stands at $34 billion, expected to grow with stronger ties.

• India is the world’s fastest-growing large economy.

16) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will inaugurate the third edition of Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki, a national campaign against gender-based violence.

Detailed Explanation:

• Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will inaugurate the third edition of Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki, a national campaign against gender-based violence.
• The launch event will take place at the Rang Bhawan Auditorium, All India Radio, New Delhi, with Union Minister of Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi is also in attendance.

• The month-long campaign will run from 25th November to 23rd December 2024.
• Organized under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development.
• Coverage across all States and Union Territories with a grassroots focus.

• The campaign embodies a Jan Andolan (people’s movement) approach and involves partnerships with:
  • 9 Ministries/Departments, including:
    • Ministry of Women and Child Development.
    • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
    • Department of School Education and Literacy.
    • Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
    • Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
    • Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
    • Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
    • Department of Justice.

17) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

• Kenya’s president has cancelled multimillion-dollar deals with the Adani Group following US bribery and fraud indictments against Gautam Adani, one of Asia’s richest individuals.

Detailed Explanation:

• Kenya’s president has cancelled multimillion-dollar deals with the Adani Group following US bribery and fraud indictments against Gautam Adani, one of Asia’s richest individuals.
• Cancelled Deals:Airport Expansion: The Adani Group had been negotiating a deal to modernize Kenya’s main airport in Nairobi, including building a new runway and terminal. The deal would have given Adani Group operational control of the airport for 30 years.
• Energy Deal: Adani Group has been awarded a contract to construct power transmission lines in Kenya, a key infrastructure project for East Africa’s business hub.
• Legal Background:The cancellations follow legal challenges related to corruption, fraud, and bribery that led to the US indictments of Gautam Adani and his group.

18) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

• In a significant move to address tax evasion by offshore online gaming companies, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) is collaborating with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and commercial banks to create a mechanism for real-time transaction tracking.

1. • The DGGI has recommended blocking 167 websites to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Detailed Explanation:

• In a significant move to address tax evasion by offshore online gaming companies, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) is collaborating with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and commercial banks to create a mechanism for real-time transaction tracking.

1. • Banks will share real-time data of transactions from online gaming firms with the DGGI.
   • This will allow the agency to monitor transaction values and assess the tax liabilities of these firms.
   • In FY24, online gaming companies were responsible for tax evasions totaling ₹82,000 crore, which accounted for 41% of the total ₹2 lakh crore evasion detected that year.
   • Many of these firms operate from offshore tax havens like Malta, Curacao, British Virgin Islands, and Cyprus, making enforcement and compliance difficult.
   • Over 650 offshore gaming firms have been identified as non-compliant with GST regulations.
   • The DGGI has recommended blocking 167 websites to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

19) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

• RBL Bank, India’s private sector bank, has appointed Indian Chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju as its brand ambassador.

Detailed Explanation:

• RBL Bank, India’s private sector bank, has appointed Indian Chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju as its brand ambassador.
• Gukesh has broken new ground by qualifying for the World Chess Championship.
• If victorious, he will become the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion by defeating reigning champion Ding Liren of China.
• The championship match is scheduled to take place in Singapore starting from November 25, 2024.

20) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• The Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024), a landmark initiative to fortify India’s cybersecurity resilience, was inaugurated at a high-profile ceremony organized by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in New Delhi.
• The exercise is 12 days long, running from November 18 to November 29, 2024.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024), a landmark initiative to fortify India’s cybersecurity resilience, was inaugurated at a high-profile ceremony organized by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in New Delhi.
• The initiative aims to strengthen India’s cybersecurity resilience by preparing professionals and leadership to handle evolving cyber threats with advanced defense mechanisms.
• The exercise is 12 days long, running from November 18 to November 29, 2024.
• Cyber Defense & Incident Response Training: Includes immersive training on cyber defense, and live-fire simulations of cyberattacks on IT and OT systems.
• Strategic Decision-Making Exercise: Involves senior management from various sectors to simulate national-level cyber crisis scenarios, enhancing decision-making capabilities under pressure.
• CISO’s Conclave: Features Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from government, public, and private sectors discussing trends and government cybersecurity initiatives.

21) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have introduced AroTrack, an economical and portable device to accurately detect harmful pollutants such as phenol or benzene in water.

Detailed Explanation:

• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have introduced AroTrack, an economical and portable device to accurately detect harmful pollutants such as phenol or benzene in water.
• AroTrack targets aromatic xenobiotic pollutants such as phenol, benzene, and xylenols, which are commonly found in polluted water.
• Use of Bacterial Proteins: The device leverages proteins typically found in bacteria living in polluted environments to detect aromatic pollutants.
• These proteins undergo a selective ATP hydrolysis reaction when they come in contact with pollutants, indicating their presence.
• Biosensing Module – MopR: The key component of AroTrack is the MopR biosensor, which is highly sensitive for detecting phenol in water.
• LED-Phototransistor Assembly: The device uses a light-emitting diode (LED)-phototransistor system to shine light through the sample.
• The amount of light absorbed by the sample helps detect the concentration of pollutants.

22) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

• Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has secured the media rights for all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments from 2024 to 2031 at a base price of $170 million, representing a 70% increase over the previous cycle.

Detailed Explanation:

• Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has secured the media rights for all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments from 2024 to 2031 at a base price of $170 million, representing a 70% increase over the previous cycle.
• This marks a milestone for SPNI, which successfully acquired the rights without competitive bidding—a rarity in cricket’s fiercely contested media landscape.

1. • JioStar (the merged entity of Star India and Viacom18) opted out of the bidding process, signalling a strategic shift away from escalating rights valuations.
   • Uday Shankar, Vice Chairman of JioStar, remarked on avoiding a “fear of missing out” (FOMO) approach to premium rights.

23) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

• International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024 is observed on the 25th of November 2024.

Detailed Explanation:

• International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024 is observed on the 25th of November 2024.
• On November 25, 1960, the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic were assassinated by dictator Rafael Trujillo.
• According to a report by the United Nations, 19 per cent of women between the ages of 15 and 49 years of age have experienced physical or sexual violence “by an intimate partner.”
• In some cases, this violence ends in the woman’s death.
• In December 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

24) Answer: E

About Kenya :

• President : William Ruto
• Capital : Nairobi
• Currency : Kenyan shilling

25) Answer: C

About Bank of Baroda :

• Founded : 20 July 1908
• Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
• MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand