Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 29th & 30th December 2024

Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2024 of 29th & 30th December 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) Recently(Dec’24), the Motilal Oswal’s Fund of Fund has become the __________ fund to be registered in the GIFT IFSC, and there are now 13 AIFs that have relocated to India from foreign jurisdictions such as Singapore, Mauritius and Dubai.

(a) 198th

(b) 200th

(d) 100th

(e) 150th

2) In its ____________Statement on Development and Regulatory Policies, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) declared that third-party UPI applications are now able to make UPI payments from and to full-KYC Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs).

(a) April 2024

(b) May 2024

(d) June 2024

(e) March 2024

3) How much does the Central Bank of Sri Lanka fine an Indian bank for violating the Financial Transactions Reporting Act?

(a) ₹3.8 lakh

(b) ₹4.8 lakh

(d) ₹5.8 lakh

(e) ₹7.8 lakh

4) In order to empower women entrepreneurs in MSMEs, which bank is launching the PowherUp program in collaboration with FICCI FLO?

(a) Federal bank

(b) South Indian bank

(d) YES bank

(e) HDFC bank

5) Which is the first BFSI company to offer all three basic financial services lending, insurance, and mutual fund investing on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform?

(a) ICICI Securities

(b) Aditya Birla Capital

(d) Indiabulls Finance

(e) Morgan Stanley

6) Recently(Dec’24), Mahindra Tractors offers dealer financing options in partnership with Punjab National Bank. According to how many days of sales, the program’s financial ceiling of up to ₹5 crores is determined?

(a) 101

(b) 102

(d) 104

(e) 105

7) Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which bank has partnered with Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) to promote rooftop solar systems?

(a) State Bank of India

(b) Indian bank

(d) Bank of Baroda

(e) Punjab National Bank

8) Which Bank stated that it will provide creative financing options for MSMEs investing in commercial rooftop solar installations in collaboration with Ecofy, India’s first green-only NBFC supported by Eversource Capital?

(a) Federal bank

(b) South Indian bank

(d) YES bank

(e) HDFC bank

9) As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, Kotak Mahindra Bank has launched the Kotak BizLabs accelerator program. Currently, who is the MD and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank?

(a) Ashok Vaswani

(b) KVS Manian

(d) Atul Kumar

(e) T. Koshy

10) The first premium co-branded hospitality credit card in India is introduced by HSBC India and Indian Hotels Company. Which platform has the card been introduced on?

(a) Mastercard

(b) Visa

(d) Discover

(e) Maestro

11) According to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has given the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) an extra three years to reach what percentage of the public market?

(a) 5%

(b) 10%

(d) 12%

(e) 18%

12) To strengthen the state-owned Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI), the Indian government has authorized a capital infusion of how many crores?

(a) Rs.100crores

(b) Rs.200crores

(d) Rs.500crores

(e) Rs.1000crores

13) How many esteemed UK universities have applied to open international campuses in Gujarat’s GIFT City, carrying on India’s trend of expanding its educational system internationally?

(a) 1

(b) 2

(d) 4

(e) 5

14) The 45th PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized the significance of prompt project execution and effective grievance resolution. How many important infrastructure projects from various sectors were reviewed in this session?

(a) 5

(b) 6

(d) 8

(e) 9

15) On Good Governance Day, Dr. Jitendra Singh launches the “Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi” initiative. Which of the following campaign includes this program?

(a) Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur

(b) Swasth Dhara Toh Khet Hara

(d) Hamara Samman

(e) Pariksha Pe Charcha

16) Which IIT professor, Viren Menezes of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, has created a method for administering drugs via shock syringe without the need for a needle?

(a) IIT Madras

(b) IIT Bombay

(d) IIT Kanpur

(e) IIT Mandi

17) With notable increases in both defense exports and domestic production, India reached a significant milestone in the defense sector during the fiscal year 2023–2024. Which year did Rajnath Singh set the goal of Rs 50,000 crore in defense exports?

(a) 2026

(b) 2027

(d) 2029

(e) 2030

18) Which nation will implement an electronic visa system for Indian nationals beginning in January 2025?

(a) Maldives

(b) Indonesia

(d) Singapore

(e) Australia

19) During the ongoing e-KYC verification for the Public Distribution System (PDS), more than 40 lakh ghost beneficiaries have been identified in which state?

(a) Sikkim

(b) Rajasthan

(d) Odisha

(e) Bihar

20) As per the report, China’s Brahmaputra Mega-Dam Causes Strategic and Environmental Concerns. With an estimated cost of how many billion dollars, this ambitious project is poised to outstrip the Three Gorges Dam in size.

(a) $137 billion

(b) $127 billion

(d) $157 billion

(e) $117 billion

21) Recently the Steel Plant’s corporate entity, RashtriyaIspat Nigam Limited (RINL), received the Gold Award at which State Energy Conservation Award 2024?

(a) Madhya Pradesh

(b) Andhra Pradesh

(d) Gujarat

(e) Jharkhand

22) Which Bank sold its entire 8.16% stake in DAM Capital Advisors via an Offer for Sale (OFS) during the investment bank’s Initial Public Offering (IPO)?

(a) Federal bank

(b) South Indian bank

(d) YES bank

(e) RBL bank

23) Recently(Dec’24), Indian and Nepalese Army contingents havetaken part in the 18th edition of Exercise Surya Kiran in Nepal. Where did the seventeenth edition take place?

(a) Uttarakhand

(b) Mizoram

(d) Odisha

(e) Maharashtra

24) To improve India-Morocco naval cooperation and bilateral ties, INS Tushil landed in Casablanca, Morocco on December 27, 2024. Which nation noted the commissioning of INS Tushil?

(a) Mexico

(b) USA

(d) Russia

(e) Chian

25) An important step toward defense self-reliance was taken when the Indian Navy was armed with two warships: the frigate Yard 12651 (Nilgiri) and the destroyer Yard 12707 (Surat). Which company worked with the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau to design and build both ships domestically?

(a) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders

(b) Cochin Shipyard Limited

(d) Lasern& Turbo

(e) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

26) In order to meet operational requirements, TARANG, a ______bit machine, can support multitasking, multiprogramming, multiuser, and time-sharing environments. Its balanced design ensures 99.5% uptime with sufficient redundancies and prevents single points of failure.

(a) 32bit

(b) 16bit

(d) 64bit

(e) 128bit

27) How many satellites are part of the multi-orbital constellation known as the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS2), which the European Union (EU) announced it has signed a contract for?

(a) 270

(b) 250

(d) 290

(e) 260

28) Recently, Salman Khan, the Bollywood star, has been formally announced by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) as the brand ambassador for the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup. How many nations were taking part in the event?

(a) 21

(b) 22

(d) 24

(e) 25

29) Who was praised as a “modern-day legend” of the final women’s ODI by India’s bowling coach, Aavishkar Salvi?

(a) Harmanpreet Kaur

(b) Radha Yadhav

(d) Deepti Sharma

(e) Richa Ghosh

30) In recognition of his enormous contribution to cricket, the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) awarded the renowned Indian player Sachin Tendulkar an Honorary Cricket Membership. Which year did Tendulkar receive the Order of Australia in the earlier?

(a) 2011

(b) 2010

(d) 2013

(e) 2015

31) Recently in December news, Osamu Suzuki, the pioneer who brought the Japanese automaker to India, passed away. Which year did he co-found Maruti Udyog, which subsequently changed its name to Maruti Suzuki, with the Indian government?

(a) 1981

(b) 1980

(d) 1983

(e) 1985

32) Recently, Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, the deputy chief of Pakistan-based terrorist group Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), has passed away. Which year was he designated a global terrorist by the UN?

(a) 2022

(b) 2019

(d) 2023

(e) 2021

33) Recently, Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passed Away. Which of the following statement is false?

(a) He was born on 26 September 1932, in Gah, Punjab, British India.

(b) He was an Indian politician, economist, academic, and bureaucrat, who served as the 12th prime minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He was the first Sikh Prime Minister of India and the first non-Hindu to hold the post.

(d) He received Order of the Paulownia Flowers in 2014 from Japan.

(e) in 1982, he was appointed 15th governor of the Reserve Bank of India under then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee and held the post until 1985.

34) As per December report, Om Prakash Chautala, the former chief minister of which state and leader of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), passed away?

(a) Sikkim

(b) Rajasthan

(d) Odisha

(e) Bihar

35) What is the Moroccan currency’s name?

(a) Peso

(b) Euro

(d) Dinar

(e) Dirham

Answers :

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

An Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) from an Indian financial services company has become the 200th fund to be granted approval in GIFT City in Gujarat that now houses 13 AIFs that have relocated to India from foreign jurisdictions like Singapore, Mauritius and Dubai.

Motilal Oswal’s Fund of Fund has become the 200th fund to be registered in GIFT IFSC.

Detailed Explanation:

Motilal Oswal’s Fund of Fund has become the 200th fund to be registered in GIFT IFSC.

It is a private equity fund and will be investing into other funds in India.

Till date, IFSCA has registered 141 Fund Management Entities which have launched a record 200 schemes with a cumulative targeted corpus of $45 billion from IFSC.

2) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed UPI payments from/to full-KYC Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) through third-party UPI applications, as announced in its April 2024 Statement on Development and Regulatory Policies.

Eligibility: Only full-KYC PPIs are eligible for UPI transactions through third-party apps.

PPI Definition: A Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) is a financial tool that allows users to store funds on a card or digital wallet for future transactions, enhancing the ease of digital payments.

Detailed Explanation:

Eligibility: Only full-KYC PPIs are eligible for UPI transactions through third-party apps.

PPIs must be linked to the customer’s UPI handle for making/receiving UPI payments.

Authentication Process: UPI transactions from PPIs will be authenticated using the customer’s existing PPI credentials, and transactions will be pre-approved before reaching the UPI system.

PPI Issuer Restrictions: A PPI issuer cannot onboard customers from other banks or PPIs but can facilitate the discovery of its full-KYC PPIs on third-party UPI apps.

Impact on Transactions: Previously, UPI payments from/to PPIs could only be done using the PPI issuer’s mobile application.

The new provision allows PPIs to be used on third-party UPI apps, expanding convenience and payment options.

3) Answer: D

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s Financial Intelligence Unit has imposed a penalty on state-owned Indian Bank for failing to comply with the Financial Transactions Reporting Act (FTRA) No.6 of 2006 in Sri Lanka.

The penalty amounts to Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) 2 million, equivalent to approximately ₹5.8 lakh.

Indian Bank operates two branches in Sri Lanka, located in Colombo and Jaffna.

4) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

YES BANK, the sixth-largest private sector bank in India, in collaboration with FICCI FLO, South East Asia’s largest women’s chamber of commerce, announced the launch of YES PowherUp, a specialised MSME programme designed to empower women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses.

Detailed Explanation:

YESPowherUp offers a comprehensive suite of financial solutions tailored to the unique needs of women-led enterprises.

YESPowherUp aims to provide the necessary support for businesses to establish, grow, and succeed sustainably.

5) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Aditya Birla Capital has become the first BFSI company to offer all three core financial services lending, insurance, and mutual fund investments on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform.

Detailed Explanation:

This move aims to provide broader access to financial products, particularly in underserved markets, and support financial inclusion across the country.

Through the ONDC network, various live Buyer Apps will now be able to offer Aditya Birla Capital’s personal loans, health insurance, and mutual funds to their users.

CEO of Aditya Birla Capital Limited : Vishakha Mulye

MD & CEO of ONDC : T. Koshy

6) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Mahindra Tractors, a part of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, has partnered with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to offer channel finance solutions to Mahindra Tractors’ dealers.

Finance Limit: The program provides a finance limit of up to ₹5 crore, with the limit assessed based on 105 days of sales.

Detailed Explanation:

Mahindra Tractors, a part of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, has partnered with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to offer channel finance solutions to Mahindra Tractors’ dealers.

Eligibility: Dealers of Mahindra Tractors with a business vintage of over one year are eligible for the channel finance program.

Finance Limit: The program provides a finance limit of up to ₹5 crore, with the limit assessed based on 105 days of sales.

Credit Period: Dealers will benefit from a 105-day credit period, along with an additional 15-day grace period.

Funding Structure: The program offers 100% funding for the Mahindra & Mahindra invoice without any margin requirements.

7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a Tata Group subsidiary, has partnered with Canara Bank to promote rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

Objective: The initiative aims to make rooftop solar systems more accessible and affordable for households by providing tailored financing options under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme.

Detailed Explanation:

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a Tata Group subsidiary, has partnered with Canara Bank to promote rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

Objective: The initiative aims to make rooftop solar systems more accessible and affordable for households by providing tailored financing options under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme.

Financing Details:For systems up to 3 kW: Loans up to ₹2 lakh with a 10% margin, collateral-free financing, an interest rate of 7% per annum, and a tenure of up to 10 years.

For systems between 3 kW and 10 kW: Loans up to ₹6 lakh with a 20% margin, collateral-free financing, an interest rate of 10% per annum, and a maximum tenure of 10 years.

8) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Federal Bank, announced a partnership with Ecofy, India’s first green-only NBFC, backed by Eversource Capital, to offer innovative financing solutions for MSMEs investing in commercial rooftop solar installations.

Detailed Explanation:

This collaboration marks one of the first comprehensive co-lending partnerships specifically designed to address the unique solar financing needs of the MSME sector.

The program targets financing 3,600 kW of rooftop solar installations annually, benefiting numerous MSMEs while cutting over 2,500 tons of CO2 emissions each year—accelerating decarbonisation and fostering sustainable growth.

9) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Kotak Mahindra Bank has launched the Kotak BizLabs accelerator programme as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

It is launched in collaboration with leading incubators such as IIMA Ventures, NSRCEL, and T-Hub.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank :

Founded : 6 February 2003

Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

MD &CEO : Ashok Vaswani

Detailed Explanation:

Kotak Mahindra Bank has launched the Kotak BizLabs accelerator programme as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The programme is designed to empower early-revenue stage startups.

It is launched in collaboration with leading incubators such as IIMA Ventures, NSRCEL, and T-Hub.

Objective: The programme aims to help startups overcome growth challenges and scale their businesses effectively.

Support for Startups: Kotak BizLabs plans to support up to 1,000 startups through community engagement.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank :

Founded : 6 February 2003

Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

MD &CEO : Ashok Vaswani

10) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

HSBC (Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) India and Indian Hotels Company have launched the HSBC Taj Credit Card, India’s first premium co-branded hospitality credit card.

Collaboration with Visa: The card has been launched in collaboration with Visa, catering to individuals who seek luxury and exclusive travel experiences.

Detailed Explanation:

Collaboration with Visa: The card has been launched in collaboration with Visa, catering to individuals who seek luxury and exclusive travel experiences.

It is tailored to meet the lifestyle aspirations of affluent customers, focusing on luxury and fine experiences.

Fees and Charges:The joining fee is Rs 1,10,000, payable upon activation.

The annual fee is Rs 1,10,000 after the first year.

11) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted an additional three years of time to the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to achieve 10% public shareholding.

Detailed Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted an additional three years of time to the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to achieve 10% public shareholding.

Under Rule 19(2)(b)(iv) of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957, a company must have a 10% public shareholding in 5 years from the date of listing.

Accordingly, with SEBI’s extension, the revised timeline for the insurance corporation to achieve 10% public shareholding is on or before May 16, 2027.

The central government has earlier granted a one-time exemption to Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to achieve 25 per cent Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) within 10 years since its listing on the exchanges.

12) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Indian government has approved a capital infusion of Rs 500 crore into the state-owned Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) to improve its financial health.

History and Purpose of IFCI:IFCI, established on July 1, 1948, is the first development financial institution in India. It was set up by the government to provide long-term finance for the industrial sector.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian government has approved a capital infusion of Rs 500 crore into the state-owned Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) to improve its financial health.

The infusion is part of a restructuring and consolidation plan for IFCI.

Government Stake Increase:As a result of the capital infusion, the government’s holding in IFCI is expected to rise from the current 71.72% as of September 2024.

Previous Capital Raise by IFCI:Earlier in the year, IFCI raised Rs 500 crore by issuing equity shares to the government.

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Queen’s University Belfast and Coventry University, two prestigious UK institutions, have applied to set up international campuses at Gujarat’s GIFT City, continuing the trend of global educational expansion in India.

Detailed Explanation:

Queen’s University Belfast

Programs: Initial focus on postgraduate programs with plans to expand into research and undergraduate courses.

Reputation: Nearly 200 years of history and ranked as one of the top UK universities with expertise in sustainability and global impact.

Indian Presence: Over 1,000 Indian students already enrolled in its programs.

Coventry University

Global Network: Operates campuses in Egypt, Poland, Morocco, and Kazakhstan, with over 13,000 international students from 160 countries.

India Hub: Established an India Hub in Delhi in 2024 to tackle global challenges like climate change and economic development.

Future Plans: Strengthening its Indian presence through advanced programs and collaborative opportunities at GIFT City.

14) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the 45th PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) meeting emphasizing the importance of efficient grievance resolution and timely project execution.

This session reviewed eight critical infrastructure projects across sectors, with a combined investment exceeding ₹1 lakh crore.

Detailed Explanation:

This session reviewed eight critical infrastructure projects across sectors, with a combined investment exceeding ₹1 lakh crore.

Reviewed Projects and Costs

Total Projects: 8.

Combined Cost: Over ₹1 lakh crore.

Sectoral Focus:

Urban Transport: Six metro projects.

Road Connectivity: One project.

Thermal Power: One project.

Public Grievances

Focus Areas: Banking and insurance sector grievances.

Achievements: Reduced grievance disposal time.

Urban Transport Projects

Best Practices: Called for workshops to share metro project experiences.

Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R)

Timely R&R: Directed officials to prioritize the rehabilitation of Project Affected Families (PAFs).

PM Surya Muft Bijli Yojana

Rooftop Solar: Directed states to:

Enhance rooftop solar installations with a strong vendor ecosystem.

PRAGATI’s Achievements (Till Date)

Projects Reviewed: 363.

Total Investment Monitored: ₹19.12 lakh crore.

15) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

On Good Governance Day, Dr. Jitendra Singh introduced the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative, which aims to empower Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to decentralize governance effectively.

This program, part of the ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, focuses on strengthening grassroots governance through modern tools, capacity building, and sustainable practices.

Detailed Explanation:

This program, part of the ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, focuses on strengthening grassroots governance through modern tools, capacity building, and sustainable practices.

Target States: Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.

Tools Provided:

E-learning platforms for skill enhancement.

AI-powered chatbots and mobile apps to bridge knowledge gaps.

16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Researchers at IIT Bombay, led by Prof. Viren Menezes from the Department of Aerospace Engineering, have developed a needle-free solution for drug delivery: the shock syringe.

This breakthrough aims to make medical injections painless and more efficient, addressing common challenges associated with traditional needles.

Detailed Explanation:

Researchers at IIT Bombay, led by Prof. Viren Menezes from the Department of Aerospace Engineering, have developed a needle-free solution for drug delivery: the shock syringe.

This breakthrough aims to make medical injections painless and more efficient, addressing common challenges associated with traditional needles.

Technology: The shock syringe utilizes high-energy shock waves, traveling faster than the speed of sound, to deliver drugs without a needle.

Micro Shock Tube System: Powered by pressurized nitrogen gas, the device generates a microjet of liquid that penetrates the skin at speeds twice as fast as a commercial airplane during takeoff.

Size & Design: The shock syringe is about the size of a ballpoint pen, making it compact and easy to use.

17) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

India achieved a major milestone in its defence sector during the fiscal year 2023-24, with significant growth in both defence exports and indigenous production.

Defence Minister’s Target: Rajnath Singh set a target of Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

Defence Exports:

Total Value: Rs 21,083 crore (approx. USD 2.63 billion)

Detailed Explanation:

India achieved a major milestone in its defence sector during the fiscal year 2023-24, with significant growth in both defence exports and indigenous production.

This success reflects India’s increasing self-reliance and its strengthened capabilities in the defence industry.

Defence Exports:

Total Value: Rs 21,083 crore (approx. USD 2.63 billion)

Growth: A 32.5% increase compared to the previous year (Rs 15,920 crore in FY 2022-23).

Long-Term Growth: Defence exports have increased by 31 times since FY 2013-14.

Sector Contribution:

Private Sector: 60% contribution to defence exports.

Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs): 40% contribution.

Indigenous Defence Production:

Total Value: Rs 1,26,887 crore

Growth: 16.7% increase compared to the previous year (Rs 1,08,684 crore).

Defence Minister’s Target: Rajnath Singh set a target of Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

18) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has officially announced the launch of Thailand’s Electronic Visa (e-Visa) system for Indian nationals, set to roll out on January 1, 2025.

Detailed Explanation:

The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has officially announced the launch of Thailand’s Electronic Visa (e-Visa) system for Indian nationals, set to roll out on January 1, 2025.

This new system is designed to simplify the visa application process for Indian travellers, making it more convenient and efficient.

Under the new system, applicants will be required to submit their visa applications exclusively through the official Thai e-Visa portal, thaievisa.go.th.

For Indian travellers holding ordinary passports, the Embassy has assured that the existing 60-day visa exemption for tourism and short business trips will remain in effect until further notice.

19) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Over 40 lakh ghost beneficiaries have been detected in Odisha during the ongoing e-KYC verification for the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The detection process revealed that 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh ghost beneficiaries were found in each district.

Detailed Explanation:

Over 40 lakh ghost beneficiaries have been detected in Odisha during the ongoing e-KYC verification for the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The detection process revealed that 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh ghost beneficiaries were found in each district.

The verification is still in progress, with the Aadhaar-based e-KYC process being conducted to bring transparency and improve the accuracy of beneficiary lists.

Government’s Measures:The Mohan Majhi government is working to eliminate ghost beneficiaries, a practice that allegedly persisted for the past 24 years.

The government is also linking Aadhaar numbers with e-POS (Point of Sale) machines for better verification.

The state plans to delete ghost beneficiaries and ensure that only eligible individuals receive PDS benefits.

20) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

China has approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the YarlungZangbo River (Brahmaputra) in Tibet, near the Indian border. With an estimated cost of $137 billion, this ambitious project is poised to surpass the Three Gorges Dam in scale.

Detailed Explanation:

India’s Concerns

Water Flow Control: The dam positions China to potentially regulate or divert the river’s flow, affecting water availability in India and Bangladesh.

Flood Risk: The dam could amplify risks of water release during hostile situations, creating security concerns for Indian border regions.

India’s Response

Countermeasure Dam: India is constructing a dam on the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh to mitigate potential impacts of Chinese control.

Data-Sharing Mechanisms:

The Expert Level Mechanism (ELM), established in 2006, facilitates dialogue on trans-border rivers.

China provides India with hydrological data during flood seasons, reaffirmed in a December 18 meeting between India’s NSA Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

21) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

RashtriyaIspat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), has been awarded the Gold Award at the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Award 2024.

This prestigious recognition celebrates RINL’s innovative and impactful energy-saving measures in the iron and steel sector.

Detailed Explanation:

This prestigious recognition celebrates RINL’s innovative and impactful energy-saving measures in the iron and steel sector.

Presented By: The award was conferred by the State Energy Conservation Mission of Andhra Pradesh during the Energy Conservation Week celebrations in Vijayawada.

Representatives:

Uttam Brahma (General Manager, Energy, Environment & Utilities).

VVVS Pulla Reddy (Deputy General Manager, Energy Management Department).

Both accepted the award from K. Vijayanand, IAS, Special Chief Secretary (Energy), Andhra Pradesh.

22) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

RBL Bank has sold its entire 8.16% stake in DAM Capital Advisors through an Offer for Sale (OFS) during the investment bank’s Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The sale raised ₹163.32 crore for RBL Bank.

Detailed Explanation:

RBL Bank has sold its entire 8.16% stake in DAM Capital Advisors through an Offer for Sale (OFS) during the investment bank’s Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The sale raised ₹163.32 crore for RBL Bank.

The sale involved 5.77 million equity shares with a face value of ₹2 each, sold at ₹283 per share.

After the transaction, RBL Bank no longer holds any equity stake in DAM Capital Advisors.

Prior to the IPO, RBL Bank had also divested 1.06 million shares (1.5% stake) in DAM Capital through a secondary market transaction.

23) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The 18th edition of Exercise SURYA KIRAN involves the participation of Indian and Nepalese Army contingents.

The 17th edition of Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN will be conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from 24th November to 07th December 2023.

The 1st edition of this exercise was held in Vairengte (Mizoram) India, in 2011.

Detailed Explanation:

The 18th edition of Exercise SURYA KIRAN involves the participation of Indian and Nepalese Army contingents.

The Indian Army contingent consists of 334 personnel and is led by a Battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles.

The Nepal Army contingent will be represented by the Srijung Battalion.

The exercise will take place in Saljhandi, Nepal, from 31st December 2024 to 13th January 2025.

Objective of the Exercise:Enhance interoperability between Indian and Nepalese armies in:

Jungle warfare

Counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrains

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) under the United Nations Charter.

The 17th edition of Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN will be conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from 24th November to 07th December 2023.

The 1st edition of this exercise was held in Vairengte (Mizoram) India, in 2011.

24) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

INS Tushil arrived at Casablanca, Morocco on 27th December 2024 as part of strengthening bilateral relations and naval cooperation between India and Morocco.

INS Tushil was commissioned on 9th December 2024 in Russia.

Detailed Explanation:

INS Tushil arrived at Casablanca, Morocco on 27th December 2024 as part of strengthening bilateral relations and naval cooperation between India and Morocco.

Morocco, a maritime nation, holds a unique geographical position with coastlines along both the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean.

Objective of the Visit:The visit aims to explore avenues for collaboration between the Indian Navy and Royal Moroccan Navy.

INS Tushil was commissioned on 9th December 2024 in Russia.

It is commanded by Captain Peter Varghese and supported by a team of 250 personnel.

25) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Indian Navy received two warships: the destroyer Yard 12707 (Surat) and the frigate Yard 12651 (Nilgiri), marking a significant step towards self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defense.

Both ships were designed and constructed indigenously by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Navy received two warships: the destroyer Yard 12707 (Surat) and the frigate Yard 12651 (Nilgiri), marking a significant step towards self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defense.

Both ships were designed and constructed indigenously by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai.

Details of Surat (Project 15B):Surat is the fourth and final stealth-guided missile destroyer under Project 15B, following Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, and Imphal.

This marks the completion of the Project 15 series, which began in the late 1990s.

Details of Nilgiri (Project 17A):Nilgiri is the first of the Project 17A stealth frigates, following the Shivalik class (Project 17) frigates.

26) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

TARANG is a 64-bit machine, capable of supporting multi-tasking, multi-programming, multi-user and time-sharing environments and a balanced design to have 99.5% uptime with adequate redundancies and to avoid single point of failure so as to meet the operational requirements.

Detailed Explanation:

The compute capacity is about 1 Peta FLOPS, with a 2 Peta Byte storage and 3 Peta Byte archival storage.

INCOIS will use the new system to run state-of-the-art ocean general circulation models, ocean-atmosphere coupled models, and wave models to operationally forecast ocean variables and extreme ocean weather as well as to meet the objectives of the major initiatives of the MoES such as the Deep Ocean Mission, the Mission Mausum and the Monsoon Mission within a year.

This facility will help INCOIS to provide Service Level 3 Tsunami warning Services in addition to early warning on Storm surges, High Waves, Swell Surge (Kallakadal) and Extreme currents.

27) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The European Union (EU) announced that it has signed the contract for the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²), a multi-orbital constellation of 290 satellites.

Developed in partnership with SpaceRISE, an alliance of leading European satellite operators and space companies, IRIS² may pose a serious threat to SpaceX’s Starlink internet service, which is currently available in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide.

Detailed Explanation:

IRIS² is the European Union’s third flagship addressing and is designed to offer connectivity services to governmental users as well as private companies and individuals.

According to the European Space Agency (ESA), IRIS² will use both Medium Earth Orbit and Low Earth Orbit satellites to provide secure connectivity and high-speed broadband in zones where network connectivity is low or unavailable.

Its interlinked satellites which comprise of 264 and 18 satellites in low and medium Earth orbits respectively will enable it to offer secure high-speed internet connectivity without needing thousands of satellites.

28) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has officially announced Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as the brand ambassador for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from January 13 to 19, 2025.

This historic event aims to elevate the traditional Indian sport of Kho Kho to a global platform, featuring participation from 24 countries.

Detailed Explanation:

This historic event aims to elevate the traditional Indian sport of Kho Kho to a global platform, featuring participation from 24 countries.

Participants:

21 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams competing from 24 countries.

Brand Ambassador: Salman Khan will promote the sport and its cultural significance.

Personal Connection: Khan shared his fondness for Kho Kho, reflecting on its deep-rooted connection with Indian traditions.

29) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

India’s bowling coach, Aavishkar Salvi, hailed Deepti Sharma as a “modern-day legend” of the final women’s ODI.

Detailed Explanation:

India’s bowling coach, Aavishkar Salvi, hailed Deepti Sharma as a “modern-day legend” of the final women’s ODI.

At the Kotambi Stadium, Deepti lived up to the praise, delivering a stellar all-round performance that secured India a five-wicket victory against West Indies and sealed a 3-0 series sweep.

Deepti Sharma’s Heroics:

Bowling Figures: A match-winning spell of 6 for 31, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup.

Batting Contribution: An unbeaten 39 off 48 balls (3×4, 1×6) to anchor the chase.

30) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, was honored with an Honorary Cricket Membership by the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), recognizing his immense contribution to the game of cricket.

Order of Australia (2012): Earlier, Tendulkar was awarded the Order of Australia, one of the country’s highest honors, recognizing his global influence and contribution to cricket. He became only the second Indian to receive this honor, after former Indian Attorney General Soli Sorabjee (2006).

Detailed Explanation:

MCC’s Legacy: Founded in 1838, the MCC is responsible for managing and developing the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the most celebrated cricket venues globally.

Tendulkar’s Previous Honors

Other Cricketing Legends Honored:

West Indies legend Brian Lara received the Order of Australia (AM) in 2009.

Clive Lloyd, another West Indies great, was conferred the Honorary Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in 1985.

31) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Osamu Suzuki, the long-serving leader of Suzuki Motor Corporation, passed away on December 25, 2024, at the age of 94.

Born as Osamu Matsuda on January 30, 1930, in Gifu, Japan, he joined Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1958 after marrying into the Suzuki family.

In 1982, he partnered with the Indian government to create Maruti Udyog, which later became Maruti Suzuki.

Detailed Explanation:

Osamu Suzuki, the long-serving leader of Suzuki Motor Corporation, passed away on December 25, 2024, at the age of 94.

Born as Osamu Matsuda on January 30, 1930, in Gifu, Japan, he joined Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1958 after marrying into the Suzuki family.

He became president of the company in 1978.

Under Suzuki’s leadership, the company introduced the Alto minicar in 1979, which revitalized Japan’s domestic mini-vehicle market.

In 1982, he partnered with the Indian government to create Maruti Udyog, which later became Maruti Suzuki.

32) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, deputy chief of Pakistan-based terrorist group Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), died due to a heart attack in Lahore.

In January 2023, he was designated a global terrorist by the United Nations, resulting in an assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.

Detailed Explanation:

Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, deputy chief of Pakistan-based terrorist group Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), died due to a heart attack in Lahore.

Makki was implicated in terror financing related to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks (2008), which resulted in 164 deaths.

In 2020, he was sentenced to six months of imprisonment in a terror financing case by an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan.

In January 2023, he was designated a global terrorist by the United Nations, resulting in an assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.

33) Answer: B

Solution:

India’s former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who steered the country through sweeping reforms and paved the way for its emergence as a global economic powerhouse, passed away at the age of 92 in New Delhi.

Singh was born on 26 September 1932, in Gah, Punjab, British India.

He was an Indian politician, economist, academic, and bureaucrat, who served as the 13th prime minister of India from 2004 to 2014.

He was the 4th longest-serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi.

He was the first Sikh Prime Minister of India and the first non-Hindu to hold the post.

In 1980–1982 he was at the Planning Commission, and in 1982, he was appointed 15th governor of the Reserve Bank of India under then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee and held the post until 1985.

Legacy and Key Contributions:

Led India’s economic liberalization and introduced critical reforms.

Pivotal in key projects like the National Rural Health Mission, Right to Information Act, and Unique Identification Authority (Aadhaar).

Awards and Honors:

Padma Vibhushan (1987) – India’s second-highest civilian honor.

Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award (1995).

Outstanding Parliamentarian Award (2002).

Wright Prize (1995) and Adam Smith Prize (1996) – Recognized for academic achievements.

International Honors:

Order of King Abdulaziz (2010) from Saudi Arabia.

Order of the Paulownia Flowers (2014) from Japan.

Global Recognition:

Ranked 19th Most Powerful Person in the World by Forbes (2011).

Ranked 20th (2012) and 28th (2013) in the same list.

34) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) supremo and former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala passed away in Gurugram.

Om Prakash Chautala, son of former Deputy Prime Minister of India Chaudhary Devi Lal, served as the 7th chief minister of Haryana

Detailed Explanation:

Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) supremo and former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala passed away in Gurugram.

Om Prakash Chautala, son of former Deputy Prime Minister of India Chaudhary Devi Lal, served as the 7th chief minister of Haryana.

Chautala was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1987 and served until 1990.

In December 1989, he became Haryana’s chief minister, replacing his father who had been appointed as the deputy PM of India.

Chautala has served as the CM of Haryana from December 1989 to May 1990; July 1990 to July 1990; from March 1991 to April 1991 and, finally, from July 1999 to March 2005.

35) Answer: E

About Morocco :

Prime Minister : Aziz Akhannouch

Capital : Rabat

Currency : Moroccan dirham (MAD)

This post was last modified on December 30, 2024 7:15 pm

3 days ago

Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 29th & 30th December 2024

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